Effect of Big Data Analytics on Operational Value of Selected Healthcare Service Firms in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: Several studies have found that data and tools help managers make better decisions. Proper infrastructure might prevent half of all health-care deaths. Health practitioners in Nigeria have made numerous mistakes by relying on their intuition rather than digital technology such as analytics to gain insights into patients' health records, profiles, lab findings, drug histories, and so on, leading to the premature deaths of many patients. Nigerian healthcare has also faced challenges. Despite Nigeria's strategic importance in Africa, health care is still underfunded. Health facilities, workers, and equipment are insufficient in remote areas. This study investigated the effect of big data analytics on the operational value of healthcare service firms in Lagos State, Nigeria.
 Methodology: The study adopted a survey research design. The population of the study comprised 3931 employees of accredited healthcare service firms in Lagos State. The study utilised mixed sampling techniques comprising purposive, proportionate, and random sampling techniques. A sample size of 676 participants was obtained using Cochran’s sample size formula (1977). An adapted questionnaire was used, and an 83.3% response rate was achieved. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients for various constructs ranged from 0.769 to 0.904. The data were analysed using inferential (regression) analysis.
 Findings: The findings revealed that big data analytics dimensions had a significant effect on operational value (Adj.R2 = 0.932; (F (6, 556) = 1284.42), p<0.05). The study concluded that big data analytics affected the operational values of healthcare firms in Lagos State, Nigeria.
 Recommendation: It was recommended that the management of designated healthcare service firms in Lagos State, Nigeria invest in the improvement of their ICT tools, skills, and capabilities. Investing in big data analytics increases the value of services or operations by a significant margin. Investing in the training of personnel in big data analytics enhances their analytical skills.