The Contribution of Records Management and Big Data Analytics to the Growth of Businesses: An Analysis of Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA) Region

Abstract

This study examines the synergy between digital records management and big data analytics in the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA) region. The study sought out records management factors that enable big data analytics and determined the major hindrances to the implementation and integration of big data analytics into records management in the ESARBICA region. The study adopted a qualitative research design, based on document analysis on the role of records management and big data analytics in growing businesses, and used a thematic analysis approach for data analysis. Furthermore, the diffusion of innovations theory was used as a theoretical lens guiding the researchers’ viewpoint. This study revealed that big data analytics is still in its infancy in the ESARBICA region. There is no merger of records management and big data analytics to leverage from and optimise business growth. The study recommends an uptake in supporting records management infrastructure to successfully and seamlessly merge records management with big data analytics. The study developed a framework that guides on ways to incorporate records management into big data analytics and to develop a practical solution to the overall management of big data into meaningful digital records. This framework aims to harmonise records management and big data analytics, relying on available relevant ICT infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.