Interrelationship between big data and knowledge management : an exploratory study in the oil and gas sector

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between big data and knowledge management (KM). Design/methodology/approach: The study adopts a qualitative research methodology and a case study approach was followed by conducting nine semi-structured interviews with open-ended and probing questions. Findings: Useful predictive knowledge can be generated through big data to help companies improve their KM capability and make effective decisions. Moreover, combination of tacit knowledge of relevant staff with explicit knowledge obtained from big data improvises the decision-making ability. Research limitations/implications: The focus of the study was on oil and gas sector, and, thus, the research results may lack generalizability. Originality/value: This paper fulfills an identified need of exploring the relationship between big data and KM which has not been discussed much in the literature.