Linking big data traits, data quality dimensions and big data analytics application model in the Malaysian public sector

Recently, there has been a significant surge in the use of big data (BD) and big data analytics (BDA) across various sectors, both public and private. Despite the acknowledged potential benefits of BD, previous research in this field indicates the hesitancy of organisations to adopt it due to concerns regarding the impact of big data traits (BDT) on data quality. Moreover, the quality of BD intensifies the challenges in decision-making processes. This circumstance underscores the need for in-depth studies to explore the relationship between the nature of BD and data quality dimensions (DQD) for the implementation of BDA in organisations, that can assist on decision-making. Therefore, the primary goal of this research is to investigate the influences of BDT and DQD on BDA application within the Malaysian public sector, develop a model of their relationship, and evaluate this model. A quantitative approach based on a survey method was employed for data collection. This research included participants from 22 ministries and four Malaysian Government agencies. A total of 279 questionnaires were returned, but only 266 were deemed suitable for analysis. Descriptive analysis was used to examine the demographic data of the respondents, while Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyse and validate the hypotheses concerning the relationships between the constructs built in the model. The research objective of investigating BDT and DQD effects on BDA application was met by nine of the 15 hypotheses being significant. The findings of this research can assist application developers and policymakers in understanding the nature of BD and the DQD that need to be considered before implementing BDA, especially in the public sector in Malaysia. Additionally, it is believed that the establishment of high-quality data for BDA application can enhance organisational decision-making and future strategic planning.