Enhancing supply chain agility and performance through big data analytics: the role of digitalization and top management support

Mostafa Jafari, Peyman Akhavan and Amir Hossein Akbari

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 2026, vol. 75, issue 6, 1929-1950

Abstract: PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationships between big data analytics capabilities (BAC), supply chain digitalization (SCD), supply chain agility (SCA) and supply chain performance (SCP), while assessing the moderating role of top management support (TMS) in these relationships. It seeks to advance understanding of how digital transformation and leadership support enhance supply chain agility and performance outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies regression modeling to survey data collected from manufacturing firms. The model examines the direct effects of BAC on SCA and SCP while assessing the mediating role of SCA and the moderating influence of SCD and TMS. The analysis also explores how these relationships contribute to sustainable supply chain performance outcomes.FindingsThe results demonstrate that BAC positively influences SCA, which in turn enhances SCP. SCD amplifies the effect of BAC on SCA, while TMS significantly moderates the relationships between SCD and both BAC-SCA and SCA-SCP. These findings suggest that digital technologies and leadership support jointly drive supply chain agility and performance in dynamic business environments.Originality/valueThis study contributes to supply chain management literature by integrating BAC, SCD and TMS into a comprehensive framework that elucidates their combined effects on agility and performance. It highlights the strategic importance of digital transformation and top management support in fostering agile and high-performing supply chains, offering actionable insights for managers and policymakers.HighlightBig data analytics capabilities (BAC) significantly enhance supply chain agility (SCA) and subsequently improve supply chain performance (SCP).Supply chain digitalization (SCD) and top management support (TMS) strengthen the positive effects of BAC on SCA and of SCA on SCP.The study introduces a comprehensive model integrating BAC, SCA, SCD, TMS and SCP, offering a holistic view of digital and analytical capabilities in supply chains.Empirical evidence demonstrates that SCA mediates the relationship between BAC and SCP, highlighting agility as a key mechanism for performance gains.Findings provide actionable insights for supply chain managers to leverage digital transformation and analytics to improve resilience and competitiveness.

Keywords: Big data analytics capabilities; Supply chain agility; Supply chain performance; Top management support; Supply chain digitalization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:ijppmp:ijppm-06-2025-0557

DOI: 10.1108/IJPPM-06-2025-0557

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