Lean Management

Objective : In recent years, big data analytics (BDA) technologies have garnered increasing attention from researchers. However, limited empirical research has explored the benefits of BDA in supply chain integration and lean operations and its influence on sustainable performance in the healthcare sector. To address this gap, the research aims to design and present a conceptual model to investigate the relationships among supply chain integration, lean operations, sustainable supply chain performance, and BDA capabilities. Methods : This research adopts a survey-based approach, using an online questionnaire to collect data from 104 public and private hospitals in Iran. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) via the Partial Least Squares Method (PLS-SEM).  Results : The results revealed that BDA capabilities directly improve sustainable supply chain performance. Moreover, lean operations and supply chain integration mediate between BDA capabilities and sustainable performance. It was also found that BDA capabilities enhance both lean operations and supply chain integration, with supply chain integration directly impacting lean operations. These findings suggest that BDA capabilities can be leveraged as a key enabler to strengthen lean operations, improve supply chain integration, and achieve sustainable supply chain performance. Conclusion : While some literature has addressed various aspects of supply chain digitalization, no prior research has specifically examined the potential impacts of BDA on sustainable and lean supply chain performance within the healthcare sector. The results offer meaningful contributions for academic researchers interested in the topic, business professionals specializing in digital supply chain management and sustainable operations, healthcare organizations, and any stakeholders seeking to better understand the influence of BDA on sustainable operations and overall business performance.