Sustainability of FDI and domestic firms through big data analytics expertise: the moderating role of supply chain risk management

Purpose This paper assesses the impacts of big data analytics expertise (BDAE) on the sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP) of domestic and foreign direct investment (FDI) firms in Vietnam’s emerging economy. It examines whether supply chain risk management (SCRM) moderates the impacts of BDAE on SSCP. Design/methodology/approach This study compiles data from 372 domestic and FDI firms. The proposed hypotheses are tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings The findings verify significant effects of BDAE on environmental performance (SSCP-ENV), economic performance (SSCP-ECO) and social performance (SSCP-SOC) for FDI firms. The results also confirm significant impacts of BDAE on SSCP-ECO and SSCP-SOC for domestic firms. SCRM exhibits only significant moderation in the effects of BDAE on SSCP-ENV and SSCP-ECO for domestic firms, while no moderation of SCRM is found for FDI firms. Practical implications This study has managerial implications for managers in domestic and FDI firms regarding the direct role of BDAE and the moderating role of SCRM in enhancing the SSCP. It also improves the understanding of SSCP, BDAE and SCRM in an emerging market for the two firm categories. Social implications It is, therefore, concentrating on BDAE is a key strategy that Vietnamese enterprises apply to gain a competitive edge. Those companies may hire personnel with BDA abilities and/or provide BDA training programs to help employees do their jobs. Employee competence in BDA may be seen as a beneficial resource for boosting social performance. The implementation of BDA has been shown to enhance the social aspects of SCM (social values and ethics, worker safety and human rights, etc.). Enterprises are advised to use the BDAE to carry out activities that benefit workers and suppliers while addressing the needs of all stakeholders. Originality/value The original value is derived from the understanding of how BDAE affects SSCP for domestic and FDI firms in Vietnam. It is further highlighted by the inclusion of a recently discovered mechanism demonstrating the moderation of SCRM on the relationship between BDAE and SSCP. These contributions are of interest to business professionals and academics.