Skip to main content

LUP Student Papers

LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Challenges and Opportunities of Big Data Analytics in Swedish SMEs: A Qualitative Study Investigating Employee Perceptions

Alvinger, Axel LU and Yorke, Lukas (2025) INFM10 20251
Department of Informatics
Abstract
This study investigates how employees in Swedish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) perceive the challenges and opportunities of adopting Big Data Analytics (BDA). The study adopts a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with employees from SMEs across different industries. Guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the research investigates user perceptions through the four key con-structs: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. The findings show that employees view BDA as a promising tool for enhancing decision-making, innovation, and competitive advantage. However, significant challenges persist, including technical complexity,... (More)
This study investigates how employees in Swedish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) perceive the challenges and opportunities of adopting Big Data Analytics (BDA). The study adopts a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with employees from SMEs across different industries. Guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the research investigates user perceptions through the four key con-structs: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. The findings show that employees view BDA as a promising tool for enhancing decision-making, innovation, and competitive advantage. However, significant challenges persist, including technical complexity, lack of analytical skills, limited infrastructure, and uncertainty around integration with existing systems. Organisational culture, leadership support, and data literacy were identified as key enablers for successful BDA adoption. Notably, many employees emphasised the importance of internal champions and managerial encouragement in shaping positive attitudes toward BDA. This study contributes to the literature by offering a user-centric perspective on BDA adoption in resource-constrained environments and providing insights specific to the Swedish SME context. The thesis concludes with practical recommendations for improv-ing BDA adoption and highlights the importance of aligning technological initiatives with hu-man and organisational factors. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Alvinger, Axel LU and Yorke, Lukas
supervisor
organization
course
INFM10 20251
year
type
H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
subject
keywords
Big Data, SME, Adoption, Big Data Analytics, Sweden, UTAUT
language
English
id
9200950
date added to LUP
2025-06-17 13:56:49
date last changed
2025-06-17 13:56:49
@misc{9200950,
  abstract     = {{This study investigates how employees in Swedish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) perceive the challenges and opportunities of adopting Big Data Analytics (BDA). The study adopts a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with employees from SMEs across different industries. Guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the research investigates user perceptions through the four key con-structs: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. The findings show that employees view BDA as a promising tool for enhancing decision-making, innovation, and competitive advantage. However, significant challenges persist, including technical complexity, lack of analytical skills, limited infrastructure, and uncertainty around integration with existing systems. Organisational culture, leadership support, and data literacy were identified as key enablers for successful BDA adoption. Notably, many employees emphasised the importance of internal champions and managerial encouragement in shaping positive attitudes toward BDA. This study contributes to the literature by offering a user-centric perspective on BDA adoption in resource-constrained environments and providing insights specific to the Swedish SME context. The thesis concludes with practical recommendations for improv-ing BDA adoption and highlights the importance of aligning technological initiatives with hu-man and organisational factors.}},
  author       = {{Alvinger, Axel and Yorke, Lukas}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Challenges and Opportunities of Big Data Analytics in Swedish SMEs: A Qualitative Study Investigating Employee Perceptions}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}