Digitalization in Higher Education: How Information Systems Improve Operational and Strategic Performance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70508/dyrdm592Abstract
This study explores the strategic and operational impacts of digitalization in higher education institutions (HEIs), focusing on the role of information systems (IS) as enablers of institutional performance. Anchored in a qualitative multi-case study design, the research investigates how IS enhance administrative efficiency, support data-driven decision-making, and navigate the sociotechnical challenges of digital transformation. Guided by the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework and the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, the study draws on in-depth interviews, participant observation, and institutional document analysis across universities with differing levels of digital maturity. Findings reveal that IS significantly improve service delivery and strategic agility, particularly through analytics integration and automation of academic workflows. However, barriers such as organizational resistance, digital literacy gaps, and infrastructure limitations constrain transformation outcomes. The study contributes to theory by integrating TOE and RBV in analyzing IS adoption, and to practice by offering actionable insights for institutional leaders. It concludes that digital transformation is not purely technological but deeply human and contextual—requiring adaptive leadership, inclusive strategies, and sustained investment in digital capacity.
Downloads
References
Akour, M., & Alenezi, M. (2022). Higher education future in the era of digital transformation. Education Sciences, 12(11), 784. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12110784
Barney, J. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11(4), 589–597. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2019.1628806
Bravo-Jaico, J., Alarcón, R., Valdivia, C., Aquino, J., & Serquén, O. (2025). Model for assessing the maturity level of digital transformation in higher education institutions. Frontiers in Education, 10, Article 1581648. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1581648
Bravo-Jaico, J., Maquen-Niño, G. L. E., Valdivia, N. G. C., Alarcón, R., Aquino, J., & Serquén, O. (2025). Assessing digital transformation maturity in higher education institutions: A correlational analysis by actors and dimensions. Frontiers in Computer Science, 7, Article 1549262. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomp.2025.1549262
Bravo-Jaico, J., Maquen-Niño, G. L. E., Valdivia, N. G. C., Alarcón, R., Aquino, J., & Serquén, O. (2025). Assessing digital transformation maturity in higher education institutions: A correlational analysis by actors and dimensions. Frontiers in Computer Science, 7, Article 1549262. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomp.2025.1549262
Charmaz, K. (2014). Constructing grounded theory (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Darwish, S., Al-A’ali, L., & Abbas, S. I. (2025). Assessing the role of digital innovation in enhancing operational efficiency and business sustainability in higher education. In Sustainable Data Management (pp. 331–344). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-83915-3_26
Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (Eds.). (2018). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Díaz-García, J., Gaete-Quezada, R., & Rodríguez-Abitia, G. (2023). ICTs and digital leadership in higher education. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 20(1), 45.
Duan, S., Yang, Y., & Song, D. (2025). Digital transformation of higher education: Conceptual connotation and analytical framework. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Computer Science and Educational Informatization (pp. 3–13). Springer.
Duan, S., Yang, Y., & Song, D. (2025). Digital transformation of higher education: Conceptual connotation and analytical framework. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Computer Science and Educational Informatization (pp. 3–13). Springer.
Flick, U. (2018). An introduction to qualitative research (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Gaftandzhieva, S., Hussain, S., Hilcenko, S., Doneva, R., & Boykova, K. (2023). Data-driven decision making in higher education institutions: State-of-play. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 14(6), 342–351. https://doi.org/10.14569/IJACSA.2023.0140642
Gkrimpizi, T., Peristeras, V., & Magnisalis, I. (2023). Classification of barriers to digital transformation in higher education institutions: A systematic literature review. Education Sciences, 13(7), 746. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13070746
Gregory, E. (2020). Methodological challenges for the qualitative researcher: The use of a conceptual framework within a qualitative case study. London Review of Education, 18(1), 126–141. https://doi.org/10.18546/LRE.18.1.09
Hashim, M. A. M., Tlemsani, I., & Matthews, R. (2022). Higher education strategy in digital transformation. Education and Information Technologies, 27(3), 3171–3195. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10739-1
Kaspi, S., & Venkatraman, S. (2023). Data-driven decision-making (DDDM) for higher education assessments: A case study. Systems, 11(6), 306. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems11060306
Kayanja, W., Kyambade, M., & Kiggundu, T. (2025). Exploring digital transformation in higher education: The shift to fully automated and paperless systems. Cogent Education, 12(1), 2489800. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2489800
Khan, S., & VanWynsberghe, R. (2008). Cultivating the under-mined: Cross-case analysis as knowledge mobilization. Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-9.1.334
Kyambade, M., Namatovu, J., & Ssentumbwe, D. (2025). Strategic planning and digital governance in African universities. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 47(2), 145–162.
Liu, L., Lee, P. K. C., Yeung, A., Cheng, E., & Wang, T. (2024). An empirical study on digitalization’s impact on operational efficiency and the moderating role of multiple uncertainties. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 71, 11463–11478. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2024.3414831
McGuiggan, R. L., Lee, G., Spanjaard, D., Denize, S. M., & Sharma, N. (2008). Cross-case analysis: An alternative methodology. In Proceedings of the Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy Conference.
McKim, C. (2023). Meaningful member-checking: A structured approach to member-checking. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 7(2), 41–52. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/12973
Mijač, T., Jadrić, M., & Ćukušić, M. (2024). Measuring the success of information systems in higher education: A systematic review. Education and Information Technologies, 29, 18323–18360. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12564-8
Pascua, D. P. Jr. (2024). Exploring the application of grounded theory: A systematic review of methodological approaches. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, 5(4), 1362–1366. https://doi.org/10.54660/.IJMRGE.2024.5.4.1362-1366
Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Prakash, C. (2025). Evaluating the TOE framework for technology adoption: A systematic review. International Journal on Recent and Innovation Trends in Computing and Communication, 13(2), 45–58.
Rodríguez-Abitia, G., & Bribiesca-Correa, G. (2021). Assessing digital transformation in universities. Education and Information Technologies, 26, 479–503. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-020-10283-6
Santally, M. I., Senteni, A., & Cooshna-Naik, D. (2020). Digital transformation in higher education: A framework for maturity assessment. International Journal of Educational Management, 34(7), 1451–1470.
Singun, A. J. (2025). Unveiling the barriers to digital transformation in higher education institutions: A systematic literature review. Discover Education, 4, Article 37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00430-9
Stake, R. E. (1995). The art of case study research. SAGE Publications.
Taufik, O. A., Pamungkas, O. Y., Suprapto, A., Ahmad, A. K., Andini, D. W., & Cahyandaru, P. (2025). Mapping determinants of success through information systems in higher education: A structural equation modeling approach. Educational Process: International Journal, 14, e2025067. https://doi.org/10.22521/edupij.2025.14.67
Tomaszewski, L. E., Zarestky, J., & Gonzalez, E. (2020). Planning qualitative research: Design and decision making for new researchers. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 19, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406920967174
Vasudevan, H. (2021). Resource-based view theory application on the educational service quality. International Journal of Engineering Applied Sciences and Technology, 6(6), 174–186.
Vasudevan, H. (2021). Resource-based view theory application on the educational service quality. International Journal of Engineering Applied Sciences and Technology, 6(6), 174–186.
Wahdaniyah, N., Nurmandi, A., & Younus, M. (2025). A meta-analysis of the relationship between digital maturity and digital transformation. Society, 13(2), 601–617. https://doi.org/10.33019/society.v13i2.814
Wang, X. (2025). How to promote university technology transfer? A configuration analysis based on the TOE framework. PLOS ONE, 20(3), e0318563. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0318563
Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Indonesian Journal of Management and Economic Research (IJOMER)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
