Big data in purchasing and supply management: A research agenda

Abstract

This study aims to synthesize knowledge about big data (BD) in the area of purchasing and supply management (PSM) and to develop an agenda for future research. A systematic literature review approach was employed, and 65 articles were synthesized based on a classification for BD in PSM to identify research gaps and opportunities. Literature in this area is descriptive and conceptual in nature, and modeling methods are favored. BD applications were identified for supplier selection, supply risk management, and supply visibility. Based on the complexity of access and use of BD, we identify a need for contextualized theory-building studies.