The Department of Information Studies at Sultan Qaboos University’s College of Arts and Social Sciences recently held the PhD thesis defence of researcher Saif bin Ahmed Al-Hinai, entitled “The Role of Big Data Analytics Capability in Improving Sustainability in the Logistics Sector in Oman”.
The study examined the role of Big Data Analytics Capability in enhancing the sustainability of Oman’s logistics sector, against the backdrop of rapid developments in digital transformation and growing interest in harnessing data and emerging technologies to support operational efficiency and achieve sustainability objectives.
The study aimed to explore how Big Data Analytics Capability is utilised by organisations operating in the logistics sector, identify the technological, human, organisational, and environmental factors that contribute to building these capabilities, and examine their role in supporting the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability.
The findings showed that possessing technologies and data alone is not sufficient to create sustainable value. Rather, organisations need to develop integrated Big Data Analytics Capabilities encompassing technological infrastructure, management and governance capabilities, human competencies, and a supportive organisational and institutional environment.
The study also demonstrated that these capabilities can contribute to improving the efficiency of logistics operations, enhancing decision-making, managing risks, and reducing costs. They can also support optimal route and load planning, predictive maintenance, energy efficiency, greater transparency and traceability, and improvements in safety and social responsibility.
The study resulted in an integrated framework illustrating how data and analytics can be transformed into organisational capabilities that contribute to sustainable value creation. It emphasised the importance of integration between technology, human resources, management and governance, and the institutional environment to realise the full potential of Big Data Analytics.
The study is particularly significant in light of Oman’s national priorities towards digital transformation, economic diversification, and strengthening the Sultanate’s position as a competitive and sustainable logistics hub. Its focus and findings are aligned with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the Oman Logistics Strategy 2040, which seeks to strengthen the competitiveness and efficiency of the logistics sector and develop its overall ecosystem, as well as Oman’s national commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050.
The study recommended strengthening investment in developing analytical competencies, enhancing data governance and data quality, improving integration between systems and data sources, and fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making. These measures can enhance the ability of Omani logistics organisations to benefit from digital transformation and achieve more efficient and sustainable performance.
The study thus provides scientific and practical insights that can contribute to the continued development of Oman’s logistics sector by positioning Big Data Analytics Capability as a strategic enabler that connects digital transformation, operational efficiency, and sustainability, thereby supporting national efforts to build a more competitive and sustainable logistics sector.
The thesis was supervised by Dr. Noureddine Al-Sheikh. The defence committee was chaired by Dr. Faisal bin Saif Al-Saidi and comprised Dr. Salam bin Marhoun Al-Yarubi as the internal examiner, and Dr. Abdulrahman Othman and Professor Yousuf Al-Baghdadi as external examiners.