From Digital Technology to Sustainable Performance: The Mediating Role of Lean Management in Malaysia's Phone Waste Management Systems

Abstract

This study examines the relationships among technological advancements, lean management, and the perceived effectiveness of phone waste management systems (PWMS) in Malaysia. Technological advancements were represented by digital monitoring, traceability, automation, data analytics, and integrated information systems, whereas lean management was represented by process standardization, continuous improvement, waste elimination, and efficient resource use. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted with 482 respondents, and the data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The measurement model demonstrated satisfactory indicator reliability, internal consistency, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Technological advancements positively influenced lean management (β = 0.377, t = 10.696, p < 0.001), and lean management positively influenced perceived PWMS effectiveness (β = 0.194, t = 5.196, p < 0.001). The specific indirect effect was also positive and statistically significant (β = 0.073, t = 4.292, p < 0.001). However, because the direct path from technological advancements to PWMS effectiveness was not reported, the evidence supports a significant indirect effect but does not permit the mediation to be classified as partial or full. The model explained 14.2% of the variance in lean management and only 3.8% of the variance in perceived PWMS effectiveness. The findings should therefore be interpreted cautiously and indicate that behavioral, regulatory, financial, and institutional factors remain important.