The Role of Knowledge-Based Resources in Leveraging Business Analytics

Abstract

Business analytics enhances managerial decision-making. To this end, previous research guides firms to combine their tangible business analytics resources, such as data and technology, with intangible knowledge-based business analytics resources to enable that business analytics supports decision-making. While the recent literature has recognised the importance of knowledge-based resources, there remains a lack of comprehensive understanding of the types of these resources and how they are incorporated in leveraging business analytics. Applying the knowledge-based view of the firm and a systematic literature review approach, this study analysed 105 peer-reviewed academic papers and synthesised the current discussion on the role of knowledge-based resources in leveraging business analytics for managerial decision-making. The results highlight five types of knowledge-based resources: human skills, human perceptions, organisational culture, organisational capabilities and organisational practices that are integrated into the processes of BA adoption, use and value creation. Firms are likely to realise the expected benefits of their business analytics investments by focusing on developing these vital resources.