Mehrdad Omidiyan Bavarsad; Fatemeh Nooshinfard; Mohammad Reza Farhadpour
Abstract
IndtroductionThe aim of the current research was to identify the factors of interoperability of academic information systems in Islamic Azad University. This research is characterized by its applied and exploratory nature, aiming to achieve specific goals within the given context. To effectively accomplish ...
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IndtroductionThe aim of the current research was to identify the factors of interoperability of academic information systems in Islamic Azad University. This research is characterized by its applied and exploratory nature, aiming to achieve specific goals within the given context. To effectively accomplish these objectives, a mixed method and approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies, has been employed.Literature ReviewThe information system and information technologies have become an integral part of processes, systems and organizational culture, and information technology as an asset and resource for creating a competitive advantage is a requirement (NooshinFard et al, 1400). In fact, information systems and information and communication technology are the same processes that are embedded in business procedures in order to absorb and use knowledge with the aim of improving organizational performance (Lufman and Lewis, 2016). Factors such as the variety of common information systems in Iranian universities, the use and gradual evolution of these systems, the special characteristics of the academic operating environment, the need to exchange data between different systems and the integration of information require their investigation and study from Various dimensions, including interactivity, which was the focus of the present study (Omidian, 1401). In the age of knowledge explosion, the development of information technology is an essential requirement for the efficiency of the educational system, and the requirement for the effectiveness of new technologies is the transformation in the teaching-learning culture (Manzhuk and Eram, 2015). For educational institutions as well as other modern institutions, the use of information technology does not only mean supporting management; Rather, it is an empowering element that helps to promote and improve the decision-making process at different levels of university management (Indrajit and Jokopranuto, 2006).MethodologyThe utilization of qualitative methods, specifically the Delphi method, allows for the extraction of essential components and indicators related to the research subject. This qualitative approach facilitates a deep and comprehensive understanding of the underlying factors at play. On the other hand, quantitative methods have been employed to validate the measurement models and examine the conceptual model. Through quantitative analysis, the researcher can assess the reliability and validity of the measurements used in the study. By conducting statistical tests and measurements, the researcher gains valuable insights into the relationships and associations between the variables outlined in the conceptual model. By employing a mixed method and approach, this research can harness the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. This comprehensive approach provides a more robust and well-rounded understanding of the research subject, enabling the researcher to draw meaningful conclusions and make informed recommendations. The integration of qualitative and quantitative techniques enhances the validity and reliability of the research findings, ensuring a more comprehensive and impactful study. First, by using the meta-combination method, study resources including books, articles, and internet resources were studied in a structured manner in a seven-step process, and in this way, interoperability indicators were identified. Then, the indicators and components obtained from meta-combination analysis in the form of a structured questionnaire including indicators and components of interoperability. The questionnaire was submitted to the experts by using the Delphi method (qualitative approach) in order to explore their opinions in the stage. Then, based on the data collected from the qualitative stage and asking the opinions of the experts in three rounds, a questionnaire was finally compiled and in order to measure and evaluate using the analytical survey method (quantitative approach) and the use of modeling structural equations, which is actually a quantitative method and was examined in terms of the correspondence of the theoretical model with the real data (experimental data) obtained by sampling from the community. The research method in the quantitative part is descriptive-survey. The statistical population of the research in the meta-combined section includes printed and online sources and documents (such as the content of websites, databases such as Civilica, articles and scientific reports of specialized seminars and conferences, etc.) consisting of 100 sources in the form of books, articles, and scientific reports. In order to collect qualitative and quantitative data, a researcher-made questionnaire (50 items) was used, the items of which were taken from the results of the meta-composite analysis in the first stage and based on the Likert scale from 1 very little to 5 very much. In order to validate the meta-synthesis stage, the researcher returns to the previous steps to ensure that the quality is maintained in his study. In order to control the quality and review the articles to match the parameters of the study and to remove the articles that were not trusted in any way in terms of accuracy, validity and importance of its findings, all the articles and scientific reports were categorized, in several stages of study and review, a large number of sources were removed. And 24 sources were selected and exploited in the form of 12 internal sources (for the years 2005 to 1400) and 12 external sources (for the years 2002 to 2022). In the quantitative section, content validity was used from the beginning to measure the validity of the questionnaire, which had good validity, and Krobach's alpha coefficient was used to measure the reliability of the questionnaire, which was 91%, which is an acceptable coefficient for reliability. After studying and checking the details and features of the documents such as abstract, content and based on the goal setting, 24 sources (12 foreign sources and 12 Persian sources) were selected and through them the dimensions, components and interoperability idicators in the study process, were used. The statistical population in the qualitative part of the research are key informants and experts in the field of information systems and senior managers of information technology in Iranian universities. At this stage, 25 experts were selected in the field of the research topic. The statistical population in the quantitative section is made up of managers and employees of the information technology and information systems department at Islamic Azad University. The sample size was selected by simple random sampling with Cochran's formula of 151 people. In order to collect qualitative data, a library method was used, and for quantitative data, a researcher-made questionnaire (50 items) was used, the items of which were taken from the results of meta-composite analysis in the first stage. In order to analyze the data in the meta-composite part, the method of Sandelowski and Barosuke and in the quantitative part the methods of exploratory factor analysis, descriptive analysis, univariate t-test using SPSS and Lisrel software were used.ResultsThe results showed that the indicators of technical interoperability of information systems are the ability to interact and exchange data with information systems, the possibility of connecting and using decision support systems, storing information in a standard format, central security, central monitoring, integrated processing, easy communication with other systems, ability to be used through distance education. Overall, the results of this research have shown that the architecture and structure of university information systems should be such that it provides the integrity and comprehensiveness of processes and information at the level of organizations and provides a smooth flow of information between different departments of the organization. The use of interoperable information systems that can cover all technical, process and semantic interoperability indicators and activities and tasks in an organization and provide necessary information to its users in a timely manner is one of the vital tools in today's organizations. Without the systems having these characteristics (technical, semantic and process) it is impossible to increase the capabilities of the organization, improve performance, make better decisions and achieve interactive, integrated and competitive advantage.Process interoperability indicators, notification mechanism about presentation and update, change and flexibility mechanism for service update, dynamic and flexible organization, change-oriented performance management, effectiveness measurement and feedback, expandable architecture, They are expandable according to new requirements, service-oriented architecture. Also, the results of the research showed that indicators of semantic interoperability, the ability to code educational signs, the ability to interact with various systems, the use of standard terms and codes, XML translation service, mapping service, providing a common message format for communication. Among the different systems, the content-based router, the use of terms and standard codes, paying attention to the understanding of users and systems in the use of vocabulary.ConclusionPaying attention to the optimal use of information systems can make the university succeed in achieving organizational goals and achieving high effectiveness and efficiency. Therefore, the management should always consider the characteristics of these valuable and transformative resources, and with sufficient knowledge and the participation of specialized employees in the field of supply, use and placement of these items, it will improve the performance of the strategies. In order to reach more favorable levels in this field, the university should encourage innovation and creativity, and provide opportunities for job rotation for employees to develop their professional knowledge.
