Lean–Green–Digital Integration in Mechanical Manufacturing Firms: Effects on Productivity, Waste Reduction, and Sustainable Competitive Advantage
Keywords:
Lean manufacturing; green manufacturing, digital transformation, Industry 4.0, productivity, waste reduction, sustainable competitive advantage, mechanical manufacturingAbstract
This study aimed to examine the effects of lean–green–digital integration on productivity, waste reduction, and sustainable competitive advantage in mechanical manufacturing firms in Tehran. This applied quantitative study used a descriptive-correlational and cross-sectional survey design. The statistical population consisted of managers, production supervisors, industrial engineers, quality-control experts, environmental and safety personnel, supply-chain officers, and digital transformation specialists working in mechanical manufacturing firms in Tehran. Using purposive sampling, 286 complete questionnaires were collected and analyzed. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire measuring lean manufacturing practices, green manufacturing practices, digital manufacturing capability, lean–green–digital integration, productivity, waste reduction, and sustainable competitive advantage. All constructs were assessed using five-point Likert-scale items. The validity of the measurement model was examined through confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling. The structural model showed that lean–green–digital integration had a significant positive effect on productivity (β = 0.62, p < 0.001), waste reduction (β = 0.66, p < 0.001), and sustainable competitive advantage (β = 0.35, p < 0.001). Productivity had a significant positive effect on sustainable competitive advantage (β = 0.31, p < 0.001), and waste reduction also significantly predicted sustainable competitive advantage (β = 0.27, p < 0.001). The indirect effect of lean–green–digital integration on sustainable competitive advantage through productivity was significant (β = 0.19, p < 0.001), as was the indirect effect through waste reduction (β = 0.18, p < 0.001). The model explained 38% of the variance in productivity, 44% of the variance in waste reduction, and 61% of the variance in sustainable competitive advantage. The findings indicate that lean–green–digital integration is a strategic operational capability that improves productivity, reduces waste, and strengthens sustainable competitive advantage in mechanical manufacturing firms. Integrated implementation of lean practices, environmental practices, and digital manufacturing capabilities can help firms achieve both operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammadhossein Yousefzadeh Kouhbanani (Corresponding author)
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