Supply chain risks in the age of big data and artificial intelligence: The role of risk alert tools and managerial apprehensions

Abstract

As supply networks become more complex and international, the task of controlling associated risks becomes more difficult. This article investigates the usefulness of risk alert technologies in supply chain management, with a focus on Big Data Analytics (BDA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The study investigates the impact of BDA capabilities, solid IT infrastructure, managerial views, and AI-apprehensions on the effectiveness of risk alert tools using a questionnaire-based survey of 420 managerial personnel and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via SMART PLS. The work proposes the concept of AI-Apprehensions as a moderating variable, which is a relatively unexplored field. According to the findings, while BDA capabilities and IT infrastructure considerably improve the effectiveness of risk alert tools, AI-apprehensions can negate these advantages. The study provides useful insights for policymakers and practitioners, emphasizing the importance of balancing technical and human components for effective risk management.