Knowledge Retrieval and Semantic Systems

Abstract Introduction Today, organizations are increasingly faced with various issues and problems, and among them, those organizations that make good use of opportunities and turn threats into opportunities to succeed. Changes and developments in recent decades and the increasing competition, dynamism and environmental uncertainty have driven organizations towards flexibility, speed in responding to market needs and innovation in order to remain competitive. The increasing complexity, relevance, and speed of technological advancements pose significant challenges for technology-driven organizations, and the need to focus on their technology management activities to respond and deal with performance issues more effectively is intensifying. Therefore, a structured and understandable technology management process is crucial for a company’s success in terms of ensuring sustainable and efficient resource allocation with the aim of staying competitive. Hence, it is essential and important to be aware of the performance and cause-effect relationships of technology management activities and to keep pace with technological advancements and their impacts on the organization in order to evaluate and design an efficient technology management of a company (Shuha & Kramer, 2015). Mehrabi and Mahmoudi (2023) show that since the main task of cybernetic management is to pay attention to internal organizational issues, there is a positive and significant correlation between the components of cybernetic management and employee effectiveness. Recent evidence shows that technological education is considered as a new model in the development of education to promote the field of cybernetic management and strategic intelligence of educational managers and can help the organization in the correct implementation of programs (Eslam Panah et al., 2023). Cybernetics sees information as a common cycle for all mechanisms and within its framework, with similar decision-making and control, it acts directly in relation to management activities. (Ibordor, 2010). Raj (2008) believes that cybernetic management directly affects the health of the organization, because by regulating the lifestyle of human resources, health problems of organizations can be greatly reduced. Conversation and communication in a group or with a friend may help individuals to adopt a healthy organizational lifestyle. Therefore, cybernetics as the study of communication and control can help solve this health problem. So far, numerous researches and studies have been conducted on this subject, and the results of some of these researches are mentioned below: Jamali Roshet and Radmard (2020) by monitoring the role of cybernetic management functions in preventing organizational inertia, emphasizing the mediating role of knowledge sharing among the employees of the East Azerbaijan Province Tax Affairs Organization, showed that knowledge sharing plays a mediating role in the effect of cybernetic management functions on reducing organizational inertia. The results also showed that cybernetic management functions have an effect on reducing organizational inertia and increasing knowledge sharing. On the other hand, the positive effect of knowledge sharing on reducing organizational inertia in the East Azerbaijan Province Tax Affairs Organization was confirmed. Noushinfard and Pahlavanzadeh (2019) in a study concluded that participatory decision-making has an impact on organizational flexibility by approximately 66 percent, commitment on organizational flexibility by approximately 61 percent, fairness in payment on organizational flexibility by approximately 63 percent, flat structure on organizational flexibility by 64 percent, correct information flow on organizational flexibility by 60 percent, developing a sense of ownership on organizational flexibility by 70 percent, and online training on organizational flexibility by approximately 63 percent. In a recent study, it was pointed out that factors such as correct implementation principles, management departments, factors related to students, educational quality, factors related to teachers, equipment and educational environment are effective in the participatory learning management model in the context of virtual education in elementary schools of Tehran (Khoshkam et al., 2014). Recent studies show that, given the daily progress of societies, education, which is the foundation of society, must make changes in its methods so that it can grow and progress in step with the world. By examining documents and books related to the fundamental change in education, one can reach the challenges, goals, and opportunities of these documents (Bakhtiari, 2024). Considering the research literature and the results of research conducted domestically and internationally on the impact of cybernetics management on organizational activities and employee performance, it is clear that in today's world, organizations need to use processes and models to achieve organizational goals more efficiently than ever before. Cybernetics management is a tool that allows organizations to pursue their activities in a purposeful and useful manner by controlling and establishing useful organizational communications and utilizing technical and theoretical knowledge. Based on what has been said, this research aims to explain the concept and importance of cybernetic management from the perspective of experts in this field; to answer the question: From the perspective of art students in the conservatories of the 3rd Education District of Isfahan Province, what is the relationship between cybernetic management and organizational effectiveness? Literature Review Referring to the research records conducted domestically and internationally, it can be said that the results of this study are consistent with the results of Jamali Roshet and Radmard (2020) and Rahman et al. (2020) on the effect of cybernetic management on preventing inertia in the organization, Noushinfard and Pahlavanzadeh (2019) on the effect of cybernetic management on organizational flexibility and establishing justice and fairness, Yelfani et al. (2019) on the effect of cybernetic management on organizational commitment, Torkashvand et al. (2018) on the effect of cybernetic management on organizational culture and its components, Rahimi and Amiri (2017) on the effect of cybernetic management on organizational flexibility and tolerance, Mousavi-Moghaddam and Asefabadi (2016) and Estehazer et al. (2013) on the effect of cybernetic management on individual creativity and innovation in the organization, Hobbs and Schippers (2010) on the impact of cybernetic management on organizational activities and Rowe (2010) on the impact of cybernetic management on key organizational processes have been consistent and aligned. Methodology This study aims to explain the relationship between cybernetic management and organizational effectiveness of teachers in the 3rd Education District of Isfahan city using a descriptive survey method of correlation. The statistical population of the study includes all teachers of art schools in the 3rd Education District of Isfahan city, 500 people, and the sample size was estimated to be 217 people using the Krejcie-Morgan table. Simple random sampling method was used to select the samples. The following questionnaires were used to collect the data required for the study: Birnbaum Standard Cybernetic Management Questionnaire (1998): This questionnaire contains 21 items to measure and evaluate seven components of cybernetic management (monitoring and control, loose and tight links, interactions, decision-making, hierarchy, leadership, and balance in management). The reliability of the questionnaire in this study was calculated based on Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.81. Standard Effectiveness Questionnaire (1969): This questionnaire was created to measure organizational effectiveness and has 28 items and four components (innovation - organizational commitment - job satisfaction - organizational health) and is scored on a 5-point Likert scale. In the study by Bani Hashemi and Shojaei (2017), the Cronbach's alpha of the questionnaire was 0.895, indicating that this questionnaire has good reliability. The reliability of the questionnaire in the present study was calculated to be 0.79. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov formula was used to determine the normality of the data distribution, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the data collection tools, and the Pearson correlation coefficient and regression were used to test the hypotheses. The data were analyzed using SPSS26 statistical software. Conclusion This study aimed to explain the relationship between cybernetic management and organizational effectiveness from the perspective of teachers in the 3rd district of Isfahan Education and Training Colleges using a descriptive-survey correlational method. The results of the main research test on the existence of a relationship between cybernetic management and effectiveness showed that from the perspective of teachers in the 3rd district of Isfahan Education and Training Colleges, there is a positive and significant relationship between cybernetic management and organizational effectiveness. Accordingly, the test of the sub-hypotheses also showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between cybernetic management and each of the components of organizational effectiveness, namely innovation, organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and organizational health.

Abstract The aim of the present research is to identify and rank the factors influencing the implementation of an electronic city plan using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The research method is descriptive, applied, and quantitative, with a sample population of 21 experts. Data collection was done through library research and questionnaires. The validity of the questionnaires was confirmed by experts, and reliability was assessed using pairwise comparisons, showing an overall inconsistency rate of 0.06, indicating acceptable reliability. Data analysis was conducted using Choice Expert software and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). According to experts, organizational factors are the most important (weight of 29.0) while political factors are the least important (weight of 19.0). Within organizational factors, the strategic information systems index is the most important (relative weight of 26.0 and final weight of 76.0), while the power distribution index is the least important (relative weight of 12.0 and final weight of 37.0). Among technology factors, the security and privacy index is the most important (relative weight of 39.0 and final weight of 100.0), while the access and e-government portal index is the least important (relative weight of 13.0 and final weight of 34.0).

1.Introduction

Cities, as the cradle of civilizations, have always been places of thought and innovation. Since ancient times, they have been recognized as centers of trade, culture, and knowledge, playing a significant role in the progress of humanity. Over time, with the increase in population and the complexities of urban life, the need for new urban designs and structures has become more pronounced. These changes are essential to improve the quality of life for citizens and to create spaces that align with the modern needs of humanity. Consequently, urban planners and architects seek ways to design cities that are sustainable, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing—meeting the needs of today while ensuring longevity and resilience for the future. (Kiani, 2011).
Modern cities, through the use of advanced technologies, enhance the quality of life and contribute to sustainable development. They function as hubs for diverse cultural and economic services while addressing citizens' needs in the digital era through electronic services (Maleki & Madanloujibari, 2016).
An electronic city leverages information technology to improve urban services and foster economic and social growth (Alizadeh Asl et al., 2015).
By utilizing information technologies, electronic cities enhance the quality of life and facilitate access to services. The provision of governmental and private services online reduces traffic and pollution while saving time and costs (Mosazadeh, Mirketuli, Ata, & Kiaei, 2014).
Research Question(s)

What are the factors and indicators influencing the implementation of the electronic city project in Parand City?
How is the prioritization (weighting) of factors and indicators influencing the implementation of the electronic city project in Parand City determined?

2.Literature Review

The electronic city represents the digital revolution and the information age, utilizing digital technologies to offer diverse services. These cities, by transforming areas such as security, healthcare, education, and employment, enhance the quality of life and enable continuous access to urban services (Tachenko & Sustiano, 2023). An electronic city, by leveraging advancements in information technology, facilitates access to urban services through the internet. These cities, providing governmental and private services online, contribute to reducing traffic and pollution while saving time and energy (Mohammadi et al., 2021). The first virtual city was established in 1994 in Amsterdam and quickly became a global phenomenon, offering solutions to urban challenges such as congestion and pollution (Raeesi, 2021).

3.Methodology

Given that the present study seeks to obtain information regarding perspectives and opinions through surveys and questionnaires, it is classified as descriptive research. This study is applied in terms of its objective and descriptive survey in nature. It is cross-sectional research focusing on identifying and prioritizing factors affecting the implementation of the electronic city project. Two populations are utilized in this research. The first population consists of 21 experts, including managers and specialists from governmental organizations in Parand City, who are familiar with information technology and the concept of an electronic city. The second statistical population comprises 120 citizens of Parand City who have interacted with governmental organizations and utilized information technology and electronic city services to some extent. For the first population, due to its limited size (21 individuals), the sample size is considered equal to the population size using purposive sampling. For the second population, the sample size is determined through random sampling using Cochran's formula. Based on the number of respondents (120 individuals) and applying the formula (Cochran Z=1.96, P=0.5, with an error margin of E=0.05), the statistical sample size was calculated as 91 individuals, which aligns with Morgan's table (91 sample size for a population of 120).

4.Conclusion

The analysis of experts' opinions revealed that the main factors influencing the implementation of the electronic city project are organizational, technological, social, and political factors. Each of these main factors consists of sub-indicators identified through pairwise comparisons and the geometric mean of the experts' final opinions.

Organizational factors include organizational structure, power distribution, information systems strategy, future organizational needs, and organizational culture.
Technological factors cover IT standards, security and privacy concerns, system integration, access issues, and the electronic government portal.
Social factors emphasize citizen-centric focus, citizens' awareness, training and education, and the digital divide.
Political factors involve government support, funding, organizational leadership, public institutions, and legal and regulatory issues.

Among the main factors, organizational factors held the highest weight (0.29), with the information systems strategy being the most significant sub-factor, receiving a weight of 0.076. The research findings also indicated that political factors had the lowest impact on the implementation of the electronic city project, with a weight of 0.19, making it the least influential among the four categories, as assessed by the experts.
Acknowledgments
We express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to all the material and spiritual supporters who accompanied us in conducting this research.

Abstract Introduction

Cybernetics, a science that emerged in the 20th century, has rapidly grown and penetrated various disciplines. Since its inception, cybernetics has experienced significant and continuous growth, with communication and the concepts of message and feedback at its core. Today, cybernetics is recognized as an independent yet interdisciplinary field, grounded in information theory and focused on methods of information processing. According to Baum (2003), the cybernetic model effectively organizes the activities of academic systems in the modern era. This model relies on complex social systems and cybernetic monitoring, where self-correction mechanisms oversee organizational functions. Consequently, individuals are not the final decision-makers; instead, continuous activities are carried out to improve different parts of the organization. The cybernetic library aims to achieve specific goals. When deviations occur, individuals or groups within the library become active to restore desired levels. The complexity of the cybernetic library also involves parts responsible for identifying adverse events and reporting them to higher levels. In this research, cybernetics refers to the optimal use of cybernetic patterns in university libraries. This study aims to provide a suitable model for the optimal use and management of system information by measuring the status of cybernetic components in academic libraries.

Literature Review

 Zamnopoulos and Alexio emphasized that control is an inevitable part of any organization. Supervisors and colleagues highlighted the desirability of monitoring and control components, although slight differences exist in their sub-components. Regarding intra- and extra-systemic links, extra-systemic links were found to be more appropriate, with a focus needed on strengthening intra-systemic links. Hashem Beik et al. noted the status of loose and tight links at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The hierarchy component's sub-component scored higher, emphasizing its importance in the cybernetic model. Nechansky demonstrated that cybernetic structures can adapt to their environment. In decision-making, the decision-making resources sub-component scored higher. The effective management and leadership component, examined in five dimensions, showed that participatory leadership was more appropriate than other dimensions. Brinbaum stressed the importance of interaction among different academic systems and recognized the coordinating role of leadership in academic libraries.

Methodology

This quantitative study investigated the status of cybernetic model components for optimal management of university libraries. The statistical population included experts and specialists in information science and epistemology, as well as managers of central libraries at type 1 medical sciences universities in Iran. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 97 professors and librarians, and the results were analyzed.

Results

 The study included 42% men and 58% women. Among the participants, 25% had a bachelor's degree, 45% had a master's degree, and 30% had a doctoral degree. Most respondents (65%) had over ten years of work experience, while only 3% had less than ten years. The average scores for the monitoring component in the structural and social dimensions were 29.43 and 33.14, respectively. The system link component scored 18.41 for extra-system links and 14.52 for intra-system links. The hierarchy component scored 11.23 for the divided system dimension and 11.66 for the hierarchy dimension. The interaction quality component scored 11.78 for the non-linear dimension and 11.53 for the causal dimension. The decision component scored 14.91 for decision resources, 15.07 for decision type, and 14.73 for decision criteria.

Discussion

 The findings indicate that the monitoring and control components in the cybernetic management model of academic libraries are appropriate and have a tangible impact on the model's structure. Extra-systemic links were found to be more effective than intra-systemic links, highlighting the need to strengthen the latter. The hierarchical sub-component scored higher within the hierarchy context, and participatory leadership was more effective than other dimensions.

Conclusion

 The research findings suggest that the components of the cybernetic model are well-placed in the libraries of medical sciences universities. This reflects the awareness of university library managers regarding the structure, goals, tasks, services, and functions of academic libraries. However, this knowledge is not equally appropriate across all dimensions, leading to an imbalance in the state of dimensions and components. Consequently, the progress and effectiveness of the models are not as impressive. Therefore, it is recommended to focus more on the social role of library users in interactions and guidance, and to maintain a balanced approach to the quantitative and qualitative growth of all dimensions in library management.

Abstract Introduction

With the tremendous growth of the Internet from the 1990s to the present, a variety of innovative technologies have emerged that enable users to interact virtually. Metaverse is one of the technologies that has attracted attention. In fact, it is a new technology brought about by augmented and virtual reality, which integrates new technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and virtual reality. In Metaverse, users are able to communicate with each other in virtual space instead of physical communication. Therefore, the aim of the current research is to identify the development barriers of Metaverse in digital libraries.
Research Question(s)

What are the causal conditions for identifying metaverse development obstacles in digital libraries?
What are the background conditions affecting the identification of metaverse development obstacles in digital libraries?
What are the intervening conditions in identifying the development obstacles of metaverse in digital libraries?
What are the strategies to identify the development obstacles of metaverse in digital libraries?
What are the consequences of identifying the development barriers of metaverse in digital libraries?


Literature Review

Metaverse is a combination of two words, Meta+ Universe. Each of these two words has different meanings. The word meta is derived from the Greek root "beyond" and verse is derived from the word "universe" meaning "world". As a result, the word metaverse means a world beyond the real world. Metaverse is a virtual world where users can experience all the activities they have in the real world in the virtual world. Many experts in this field believe that the further development of Metaverse will not affect the daily lives of companies and people, but its impact on culture and society, in general, is undeniable (Yufu. et.al, 2023؛ Mohammad Hasan, 2023(.
 Since 1999, the growth of information technology has transformed the future of information systems (Arshad, Ameen, 2019). Hence, information technology increases the speed of operations and reduces costs and ultimately has made a major difference in how libraries do things (Thimm, 2017). As organizations that store and retrieve information, libraries are voluntarily or involuntarily influenced by new technologies. In recent years, smart libraries have been created with the growth of technology from terms such as digital, virtual, and electronic libraries (Gul and Bano, 2019).
   One of the types of libraries that can be imagined in the field of virtual reality or metaverse is digital libraries. It is a new type of traditional library in which time and place do not matter and users who have the necessary information are given the opportunity to find the resources they need in any situation (Rahmani, 2022(.

Methodology

The current research is qualitative in terms of purpose and implementation method. The approach considered in the present research is based on the basic theory, which is a method utilized in qualitative research according to inductive methods. For this purpose, it starts with sampling, data collection, and at the same time coding and data analysis. Data analysis is done based on open-source, central, and selective sources, which will continue until theoretical saturation. In the present study, the steps of work are as follows. First, sampling was done from among the research population, followed by formulating interview questions, collecting information, coding and analyzing data, open coding, and selective focus, and the conceptual model was formulated based on answers to the research questions. In the present study, the statistical population included 10 university specialists who were selected by purposive sampling. The sample size was calculated based on the theoretical saturation principle. In fact, the researchers did not identify any barriers to the interview after holding the interview, so two other interviews were held. The inclusion criteria of selected specialists were membership in educational and academic institutions, fields of study being related to digital libraries and Metaverse (information science and epistemology, computer, architecture), having books and articles related to the current research field, and interest in participating in interviews. Due to the closure of educational and academic institutions in the summer, most of the interviews were held by phone. The research tool was semi-structured interviews in the field of developing Metaverse libraries in digital domains. Open, central and selective coding method based on grounded theory was used to analyze the data. "user understanding", "heady library", "economic status", "technology literacy level", "cultures and values", "background and experience", "user needs". Intervening conditions include "limited resources", "high speed of change", "uncertainty in the future of the Metaverse", "human factors". Strategies include "education and awareness", "collaboration with technology companies", "development of technology infrastructure", and "research and development" and messages include "access to information", "non-compliance with standards", "security and privacy risks", "non-acceptance by users".

Results

The findings of the research show that there are 53 central themes in the form of causal conditions as follows. "Existence of a problem or issues involved", "individual factors", "organizational, managerial", "technology", "political", "social", "institutional"; terms of the fields include "technology development", "user understanding", "heady library", "economic status", "technology literacy level", "cultures and values", "background and experience", "user needs". Intervening conditions include "limited resources", "high speed of change", "uncertainty in the future of the Metaverse", and "human factors". Strategies include "education and awareness", "collaboration with technology companies", "development of technology infrastructure", "research and development" and messages include "access to information", "non-compliance with standards", "security and privacy risks", and "non-acceptance by users".

Discussion

In explaining the result, it can be said that according to the codes extracted from the interviews, the causal conditions involve individual, organizational, managerial, political, institutional, social and other factors that create a barrier in the formation of Metaverse in digital libraries. In addition to the causal conditions, intervening and contextual factors were also considered and investigated. In the intervening factors, those factors such as limited resources, high speed of technological change, uncertainty in the future of Metaverse, and human factors were identified. Moreover, contextual factors including users' understanding, economic status, technology literacy level, cultures and values, background and experience, and users' needs were identified. Therefore, according to the abovementioned obstacles, the strategies of education and awareness, cooperation with technology companies, development of technology infrastructure, and finally research and development were extracted. The strategies show both positive and negative reactions of the emerging Metaverse phenomenon on digital libraries. Finally, the consequences of Metaverse in digital libraries include lack of access to Metaverse and its development, reducing access to information, non-compliance with standards, security and privacy risks, non-acceptance by users, which result from strategies.

Conclusion

Based on the results, it can be said that there are various obstacles in the development of Metaverse. When these obstacles are identified and the necessary solutions are provided to solve them, it can be said that libraries will have new opportunities to provide services to their users with the development of Metaverse. By thinking creatively about how to use this technology, libraries can become valuable educational and social platforms.