Chapter 9: Unleashing Big Data’s Potential: The Mediating Role of Predictive Analytics in Decision-making for Technology and Innovation Sector

This research examines big data’s role in decision-making within Dubai’s technology and innovation sector, while centring predictive analytics in mediating effect. Whilst big data is widely identified across different industries, its direct impact on decision-making, alongside predictive analytics, remains underexplored. This research adopts a quantitative approach by using structured questionnaires to collect data from 117 supply chain managers across 130 organisations in Dubai. Besides, deductive approach and positivist research philosophy are employed to test the predefined hypotheses, exploring the relationships between predictive analytics, decision-making and big data. Our findings suggest that despite the accessibility of large datasets, several organisations face challenges in leveraging big data for effective decision-making. It is the case because of issues such as inadequate data management tools and information overload. Moreover, predictive analytics does not always enhance timeliness or decision quality, due to model inaccuracies and data integration challenges. To improve decision-making, organisations are encouraged to invest in well-structured and robust data infrastructure, develop clear strategies for utilising big data and provide training for decision-makers on predictive analytics tools. Basically, by working on predictive model accuracy while improving data quality, businesses can integrate big data into their decision-making processes effectively.