The Impact of Big Data on SME Performance: A Systematic Review
Big Data (BD) has emerged as a pivotal tool for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering substantial benefits in enhancing business performance and growth. This review investigates the impact of BD on SMEs, specifically focusing on business improvement, economic performance, and revenue g...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Businesses |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7116/4/4/38 |
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| author | Mpho Kgakatsi Onthatile P. Galeboe Kopo K. Molelekwa Bonginkosi A. Thango |
| author_facet | Mpho Kgakatsi Onthatile P. Galeboe Kopo K. Molelekwa Bonginkosi A. Thango |
| author_sort | Mpho Kgakatsi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Big Data (BD) has emerged as a pivotal tool for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering substantial benefits in enhancing business performance and growth. This review investigates the impact of BD on SMEs, specifically focusing on business improvement, economic performance, and revenue growth. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the drivers and barriers of BD adoption in SMEs and assess its overall impact on operational efficiency and business outcomes. A comprehensive systematic review of 93 research papers published between 2014 and 2024 was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. The methodology included detailed analysis of research approaches, addressing biases and gaps in the literature. BD adoption in SMEs led to significant improvements in operational efficiency, revenue generation, and competitiveness. However, the studies reveal persistent challenges, such as limited financial resources and technical expertise. The review identified a reporting bias, with 47% of studies using quantitative methods, 28% employing case studies, and mixed-method and qualitative studies underrepresented (22% and 17%, respectively). This imbalance highlights a potential overreliance on quantitative approaches, which may limit the depth of insights gained. While BD offers considerable potential for driving innovation and enhancing competitiveness in SMEs, addressing the current methodological biases and resource-related barriers is crucial to fully harness its benefits. Future research should focus on diverse approaches to provide a holistic understanding of BD’s impact on SMEs. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7e23808f9b584c9f843d9b9d755daa2e |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2673-7116 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-11-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Businesses |
| spelling | doaj-art-7e23808f9b584c9f843d9b9d755daa2e2024-12-27T14:16:16ZengMDPI AGBusinesses2673-71162024-11-014463269510.3390/businesses4040038The Impact of Big Data on SME Performance: A Systematic ReviewMpho Kgakatsi0Onthatile P. Galeboe1Kopo K. Molelekwa2Bonginkosi A. Thango3Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South AfricaDepartment of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South AfricaDepartment of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South AfricaDepartment of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South AfricaBig Data (BD) has emerged as a pivotal tool for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering substantial benefits in enhancing business performance and growth. This review investigates the impact of BD on SMEs, specifically focusing on business improvement, economic performance, and revenue growth. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the drivers and barriers of BD adoption in SMEs and assess its overall impact on operational efficiency and business outcomes. A comprehensive systematic review of 93 research papers published between 2014 and 2024 was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. The methodology included detailed analysis of research approaches, addressing biases and gaps in the literature. BD adoption in SMEs led to significant improvements in operational efficiency, revenue generation, and competitiveness. However, the studies reveal persistent challenges, such as limited financial resources and technical expertise. The review identified a reporting bias, with 47% of studies using quantitative methods, 28% employing case studies, and mixed-method and qualitative studies underrepresented (22% and 17%, respectively). This imbalance highlights a potential overreliance on quantitative approaches, which may limit the depth of insights gained. While BD offers considerable potential for driving innovation and enhancing competitiveness in SMEs, addressing the current methodological biases and resource-related barriers is crucial to fully harness its benefits. Future research should focus on diverse approaches to provide a holistic understanding of BD’s impact on SMEs.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7116/4/4/38Big Datasmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)business performanceeconomic growthdata-driven innovationsystematic review |
| spellingShingle | Mpho Kgakatsi Onthatile P. Galeboe Kopo K. Molelekwa Bonginkosi A. Thango The Impact of Big Data on SME Performance: A Systematic Review Businesses Big Data small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) business performance economic growth data-driven innovation systematic review |
| title | The Impact of Big Data on SME Performance: A Systematic Review |
| title_full | The Impact of Big Data on SME Performance: A Systematic Review |
| title_fullStr | The Impact of Big Data on SME Performance: A Systematic Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Impact of Big Data on SME Performance: A Systematic Review |
| title_short | The Impact of Big Data on SME Performance: A Systematic Review |
| title_sort | impact of big data on sme performance a systematic review |
| topic | Big Data small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) business performance economic growth data-driven innovation systematic review |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7116/4/4/38 |
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