An Investigation of Factors Affecting Employability of Big Data Professionals in Sri Lanka; With Special Reference to Logistic Companies

Abstract

Big Data Analytics is swiftly growing and has revolutionized the field of business, through advanced analytics. Similarly, Sri Lanka is progressively embracing big data technology and the pioneering adopters include logistics companies. This emerging field has opened up many employment opportunities for big data professionals (BDP). However, Sri Lanka has encountered a shortage of BDP, amidst the significant growth in the field. Thus, this study analyze the factors that potentially impact the employability of BDP in the field of big data analytics, with the motive of finding solutions to reduce the skill shortage, which serves as the main objective of the research. The study was executed by analyzing qualitative and quantitative data collected through a questionnaire survey followed by a series of structured interviews. The questionnaire survey was distributed among 180 employees who are currently employed in the field of big data analytics, whereas, the structured interviews were carried out with 08 experts in the field. Based on the initial Exploratory Factor Analysis conducted, Education Factors, Skills and Competencies, and Job Market Factors were identified as the three main variables which affect the employability of BDP. Subsequently, a Thematic Analysis was carried out in order to investigate the impact of the aforementioned factors on the big data skill shortage, and to navigate possible remedies for it. Based on the data analysis conducted and results derived, it was depicted that the employability of BDP is directly related to Education Factors, Skills and Competencies and Job Market factors. As implications of the study it was revealed that certain educational and competency development factors should be enhanced in order to diminish the skill shortage of BDP.