Effect of business intelligence on operational performance: the mediating role of supply chain ambidexterity

PurposeThis study aims to examined the impact of business intelligence (BI) and supply chain ambidexterity (SCA) on operational performance (OP), contributing to dwarf knowledge in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the context of emerging economies. The mediating role of SCA was considered in the proposed model.Design/methodology/approachThe study used the quantitative method to investigate the interdependencies between variables. As a result, 216 senior and middle managers/owners of SMEs in Ghana were surveyed using a purposive and convenient sampling method. SPSS version 23 and Smart PLS version 3 were used to conduct the research.FindingsWhile the direct link among BI, SCA and OP was confirmed. The outcome also showed that SCA plays a significant mediating role between BI and OP among SMEs.Practical implicationsThe outcome of the study indicates that SCA encourages the use of BI to generate superior OP among SMEs. This knowledge will improve the performance of SMEs and their ability to withstand the competition in the global market.Originality/valueWith the discovery of this study, the theory of a resource-based view now has some empirical evidence behind it. As a result, SMEs prioritize aspects that could improve their operations and implement tactics that would nurture better performance and competitive advantages.