Understanding the challenges and perceived roles of artificial intelligence in information processing by UK managers

With the availability of advanced digital technologies, organisations are collecting data in the form of big data which is widely available in large volume, high velocity, and complex variety. As a result, it is vital for business managers to acquire knowledge from data and information processing in order to make informed decisions and performing their roles effectively and efficiently. However, managers face significant challenges in data and information processing, which includes acquiring, analysing, and making sense of big data, due to the volume, variety, velocity and veracity of big data. It is argued that the new development in Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the great potential in supporting and/or replacing managers’ information processing activities. However, there is very limited research on understanding the applications of AI in information processing from a business manager’s perspective. This paper reports an empirical investigation that aims to address this knowledge gap. The study focuses on investigate data and information processing challenges in the era of big data faced by business managers and their perceptions on the role AI in information processing. To achieve the research aim, a large questionnaire survey is used to collect data with UK business managers. The paper will report the key findings on the identified challenges, the managers perceived role of AI in the information processing process and their willingness to use AI in assisting their information processing activities. The paper will highlight the important implication of the findings for research and practice.