The antecedents of supply chain performance: Business analytics, business process orientation, and information systems support

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of business analytics (BA) on supply chain performance (SCP) in Saudi industrial companies. It also investigates the mediating impact of information systems supporting (ISS) and business process orientation (BPO). A total of 373 respondents working in 38 manufacturing companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) were selected. A scale with acceptable validity and reliability indicators was developed to measure the study variables. The results indicated significant indirect impact of the business analytics (planning, supply, make, delivery) on supply chain performance as ISS and BPO mediate this impact. Based on the results, a set of recommendations were proposed, industrial companies in KSA must develop the analytical capabilities for managers by increasing awareness of the benefits achieved from using business analytics approaches. It is a critical precedent for supply chain SC efficiency, and for companies to enhance their analytical capabilities with good ISS and process orientation to utilize in analyzing vast amounts of internal and external data. Directions for future research are also presented in this paper.