Challenges of implementing Big Data in large organisations: A case study

Abstract

This study examines the challenges faced by large organisations when implementing Big Data to support the decision process. Existing literature on Big Data implementation are limited and have not been focused on how the challenges affects the decisions at an organisation. However, previous research has focused on the implementation challenges of IT tools, as well as studies on how Big Data can be used to support decisions. In order to expand upon existing knowledge, this case study is focused on Big Data implementation challenges and its implications on the decision process. The study is conducted as a case study at Volvo Car Group (VCG), with the main interviewees being data scientists, business employees, and managers, from diverse departments. The interviews were eight in total, focusing on how Big Data is being used, how it can be used, how it should be used and the challenges that are preventing that from occurring. Despite the observed challenges, the interviewees confirm that even if there are some challenges regarding Big Data, there are a large potential of value creation for the organisation, if used correctly. The study identifies several challenges faced by the Big Data implementation, these are categorized into technical, and managerial challenges. The main technical challenges are: poor data quality, data restriction, data silos, and an inefficient Big Data process, all influencing the usage and implementation of Big Data negatively. The main managerial challenges are: inexperienced staff, limited training, communication, and poor teamwork between the business and IT departments. The result of the study indicates that there are several aspects that must be taken into consideration, in order to achieve a successful implementation of Big Data, to support the decision process. The most important aspect is to have a good communication between all affected parties, since good communication and understanding of the challenges will provide less friction between those involved, as well as being able to contribute to a somewhat general definition of Big Data. The recommendations from the study is that VCG should focus on solving the challenges that lowers the demand for Big Data analysis - mainly to strengthen their data focused culture as well as improving their Big Data process in order to produce better and faster results. This should be done through starting a new department or work group where a part the business side and IT side is combined to focus on the Big Data implementation challenges while improving the business-IT relationship at the same time.