Big data supply chain analytics: ethical, privacy and security challenges posed to business, industries and society

Abstract

This study conducted a comprehensive review of big data supply chain analytics (BDSCA). The paper explored the application of big data in supply chain management and its benefits for organisations and society. The paper also examined the ethical, security, privacy and operational challenges of big data techniques, as well as the potential reputational damages to businesses. The review outlined four principal facets, namely: Big data analytics, applications, ethics and privacy issues, and how organizations employed this emerging tool to anticipate and even predict the future and direct their operations. These principle facets are built across the multiple levels and unique conceptual standpoints indicated by 7 themes and 14 sub-themes. These themes were generated based on 120 articles (2005-2020) drawn mainly from leading academic journals. Overall, there is a considerable consensus across current literature that big data analytics extend far beyond just reinventing the supply chain. It has the potential to support more responsive next-generation of global companies who are operating in an increasingly challenging and uncertain environment.