Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences and Curriculum Studies, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Ph.D. Student in Curriculum Planning, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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.
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