Research Paper
Information Storage and Retrieval
farnaz taghizadeh kourayem; Mohammadreza Kabaranzad Ghadim; Seyed Abdollah Amin Mousavi
Abstract
IntroductionThe robustness of web scraping systems against structural changes in web pages remains a major challenge. Selenium-based solutions are highly vulnerable because they depend on fixed selectors. Existing robustness approaches often suffer from high computational costs or low reliability. To ...
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IntroductionThe robustness of web scraping systems against structural changes in web pages remains a major challenge. Selenium-based solutions are highly vulnerable because they depend on fixed selectors. Existing robustness approaches often suffer from high computational costs or low reliability. To address this gap, this paper proposes an AI-based self-healing approach that dynamically analyzes element behavior and automatically selects the most suitable alternative selector, enabling continuous and reliable data extraction without manual intervention.Literature ReviewThe studies by Kirinuki et al. (2019), Nass et al. (2023), and Coppola et al. (2025) propose alternative selectors to improve the reliability of web data extraction code using various cues. However, these methods exhibit relatively high error rates and are not suitable for pages with significant structural changes or elements with similar attributes. Although the use of large language models was proposed by Nass et al. (2024) to improve these methods and sometimes reduce errors, it raises privacy concerns and increases computational costs. In contrast, the present paper proposes a method that not only reduces errors but is also effective for pages with major structural changes while avoiding privacy and computational cost issues.The works of Degaki et al. (2022), Khaliq et al. (2023), and Daneshvar and Wang (2024) propose using computer vision to predict elements on web pages. However, computer vision techniques show low accuracy in detection and prediction when the target information is limited, and they also involve high computational and time costs. In contrast, the present paper introduces a method that retrieves precise information while minimizing computational and time costs.Taghizadeh et al. (2024) present a mechanism for time management and improving the accuracy of information retrieval from web platforms using Selenium. However, their method only identifies the location of errors and returns erroneous values as null, without providing a solution for code robustness. In contrast, the present paper builds on the method proposed by Taghizadeh et al. (2024) as a baseline for web data extraction and offers a solution for code robustness and automatic extraction of target values with the highest possible accuracy.Saarathy et al. (2024) conducted a systematic review of existing studies on Selenium code robustness but did not propose a robustness model for web data extraction. In contrast, the present paper reviews existing studies and models and proposes a dedicated robustness model for Selenium code.Healenium (2025) stores successful Selenium element information for future use but still requires manual intervention when errors occur. In contrast, the present paper automatically identifies alternative scripts using AI algorithms, reducing recovery time and human involvement.Kluge and Stocco (2025) concluded that robust web scraping requires hybrid methods and automated validation, but they did not propose a new model. In contrast, the present paper introduces a model designed to overcome the limitations of existing approaches. MethodologyThis research presents an automated and robust framework for sustainable web data extraction (web scraping) that aims to overcome the inherent fragility of tools such as Selenium when facing structural changes in web pages. The proposed method is a hybrid system that integrates a relational database (SQL), Python and Selenium scripts, and artificial intelligence algorithms (particularly time-series models) to automatically identify and replace faulty selectors (XPath/CSS). Data Infrastructure Design and CollectionDatabase: A SQL database was designed for structured storage, consisting of three main components:Products table: stores extracted product information (name, price, discount, rating, image, label, and date).HTML Tags table: records the complete tree structure (parent–child relationships) of HTML tags from the target website’s product pages (e.g., Digikala). This table includes the XPath (XML Path Language) of each tag, the extraction date, and a Boolean flag called “used”, which indicates whether a given XPath has previously been used successfully to extract a target element (e.g., a product name).Tag Count View (virtual table): calculates the frequency of each unique XPath in the HTML tags table. This view enables the algorithm to prioritize XPaths that appear an expected number of times (e.g., 20 times on a 20-product page) as candidates for repeated elements (such as product names). Extraction and Retrieval EnginePrimary Extraction Script (Selenium): A Selenium-based script was implemented to extract product information from target web pages using initially defined fixed selectors.Structure Retrieval and Analysis Module: If the primary script encounters an error or returns empty results, this indicates a possible structural change in the page. In such cases, a backend script is triggered that:Reads the full HTML structure of the page and processes it after removing static sections (e.g., headers and footers).Uses regular-expression (Regex) algorithms to extract the full XPath of all tags and stores them in the HTML tags table. Intelligent Decision-Making and Automatic Repair LayerAI Models (Time Series): The core of the repair system is a predictive model that applies time-series algorithms (such as LSTM) to analyze the historical behavior of the “used” flag for each XPath. The model was trained on six months of historical data initially collected and labeled through manual supervision.Iterative Repair Process: When an error occurs:The model predicts and proposes replacement XPaths with a high probability of being marked as “used” in the future.Candidate XPaths are inserted into the Selenium script in priority order, and the script is re-executed.If execution succeeds, the corresponding flag is updated in the database. If it fails, unsuccessful candidates are discarded and the process continues with the next options.If no solution is found, the system falls back to a full rule-based traversal of the tags table. Validation and Output Quality ControlTo ensure the accuracy of data extracted using alternative selectors, the system incorporates validation rules:Quantitative validation: The number of extracted items for repeated elements (e.g., product names) must match the expected count (e.g., 20).Qualitative validation (data patterns): Extracted data must conform to predefined patterns (e.g., product names as strings within a maximum length, discount percentages as numbers followed by a % sign, and labels from predefined categories).Experimental EvaluationThe system was evaluated on the Digikala website over a two-year period with weekly intervals. Evaluation metrics included extraction success rate, requirement for manual intervention, execution time, and prediction model accuracy. Results indicate that the proposed system achieved near-complete stability, eliminated the need for manual correction, and reduced the worst-case average execution time to approximately 9 minutes for 60 products, demonstrating significantly higher efficiency compared to alternative methods (e.g., image-based approaches). The LSTM model achieved very high accuracy in predicting correct selectors in many cases.ConclusionThis study presents an automated, AI-based approach for robust web scraping. By analyzing the HTML structure, systematically extracting XPaths, and employing intelligent decision-making algorithms (such as LSTM) to dynamically select alternative selectors, the inherent fragility of tools such as Selenium is mitigated. The results demonstrate that this method can significantly reduce the data extraction failure rate and eliminate the need for manual intervention. The proposed system, by learning from historical data, evolves into a semi-autonomous web crawler that ensures the sustainability of knowledge and data retrieval systems in organizational and research applications.
Research Paper
Ali Biranvand; Afsaneh Bazrafshan; Ali Shojaeifard
Abstract
IntroductionIn recent decades, evaluating the impact of scientific outputs has become a central concern in the fields of scientometrics and knowledge management. Traditional citation-based indicators, such as citation counts, have long been recognized as reliable measures of scholarly impact. However, ...
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IntroductionIn recent decades, evaluating the impact of scientific outputs has become a central concern in the fields of scientometrics and knowledge management. Traditional citation-based indicators, such as citation counts, have long been recognized as reliable measures of scholarly impact. However, these indicators suffer from limitations, including time delays in citation accumulation and insufficient coverage of online scholarly interactions. With the rapid development of web technologies and the widespread use of academic social networks, new approaches known as altmetrics have emerged. These metrics provide a more immediate and broader reflection of the attention and usage of scholarly outputs by capturing data from various platforms such as social media, reference management tools, and online repositories. Despite their growing popularity, a key question remains regarding the extent to which altmetrics correlate with and predict traditional citation-based indicators, particularly in specialized fields such as particle physics, where publication and citation behaviors may differ significantly.Literature ReviewA review of previous studies indicates that the relationship between altmetrics and traditional scientometric indicators has attracted considerable scholarly attention in recent years. Many studies report a positive correlation between certain altmetric indicators—such as Mendeley readership—and citation counts. Additionally, evidence suggests that indicators reflecting scholarly engagement, such as saving and downloading, tend to have stronger predictive power than those based on social media activity. However, findings across disciplines are not consistent. In fields such as medical and life sciences, strong correlations between altmetrics and citations have been observed, whereas in other disciplines, these relationships appear weak or statistically insignificant. This inconsistency highlights the influence of contextual factors, including disciplinary norms, communication practices, and the level of adoption of digital tools among researchers. Consequently, domain-specific studies are essential for a more accurate understanding of these relationships.MethodologyThis applied study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach within the framework of altmetrics. The statistical population consists of 5,704 documents in the field of particle physics indexed in the Scopus database between 2000 and 2019. From this population, a sample of 103 highly cited documents was selected based on Scopus classifications. Altmetric data for these documents were extracted from the PlumX platform, covering five main categories: citations, usage, captures, mentions, and social media interactions. In this study, the dependent variable is the number of citations received in Scopus, while the independent variables are the various PlumX metrics. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients to examine relationships between variables, and multiple regression analysis to assess the predictive power of altmetric indicators. All analyses were performed using SPSS software.ResultsThe findings reveal that the total number of citations received by the sampled documents in Scopus is 56,861, with an average of approximately 552 citations per document. In PlumX, the total citation count for these documents is 43,278. Among the altmetric dimensions, “captures” (particularly Mendeley readership) and “usage” (such as abstract views in databases) show substantial levels of engagement. Pearson correlation analysis indicates a strong and statistically significant positive relationship between PlumX citations and Scopus citations. Additionally, the “captures” and “mentions” indicators demonstrate significant positive correlations with Scopus citation counts. In contrast, “usage” and “social media” indicators do not exhibit statistically significant relationships with citation counts. The results of multiple regression analysis show that the model has a high explanatory power (R² ≈ 0.93). Within this model, PlumX citations emerge as the strongest predictor of Scopus citations, followed by captures and mentions, while other variables do not significantly contribute to the prediction.DiscussionThe results of this study suggest that not all dimensions of altmetrics equally contribute to predicting scholarly impact. Indicators that reflect actual scholarly engagement such as reading, saving, and citing demonstrate stronger predictive capabilities compared to those based on general social media activity. This pattern may be attributed to the specialized nature of particle physics, where scholarly communication predominantly occurs through formal and discipline-specific channels rather than general social media platforms. Furthermore, the findings are consistent with some previous studies while diverging from others, reinforcing the importance of considering disciplinary characteristics when interpreting altmetric data. Overall, altmetrics appear to function more effectively as complementary tools rather than replacements for traditional citation-based indicators.ConclusionIn conclusion, the findings indicate that altmetric indicators particularly those related to scholarly usage and citation can play a meaningful role in predicting citation counts in traditional databases such as Scopus. However, social media-based indicators alone are insufficient for predicting scholarly impact and should be used with caution. Therefore, it is recommended that research evaluation frameworks incorporate a combination of traditional and altmetric indicators to achieve a more comprehensive assessment. Additionally, enhancing researchers’ awareness and skills in using altmetric tools may contribute to increasing the visibility and impact of their scholarly work.
Review Paper
Knowledge Management Systems and Technologies
Elaheh Hassanzadeh Dizaji; Esmat Momeni; Samaneh Nouzar; Maryam Pakdaman Naeini; Nastaran Poursalehi; Zeinab Biranvand; Fatemeh Zarinkamar
Abstract
IntroductionThe main feature of library software in the era of communication technology was networking and widespread access to library resources. Information science and knowledge specialists have always taken steps to realize the idea of information integration based on storage and retrieval standards ...
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IntroductionThe main feature of library software in the era of communication technology was networking and widespread access to library resources. Information science and knowledge specialists have always taken steps to realize the idea of information integration based on storage and retrieval standards in all past generations. Because the future of library resources being searchable and observable all over the world was not far from imagination. Accordingly, various standards were established to describe the entities of various library resources and were used in the early generations of library software. In addition, the maturity in the software perspective of information science and knowledge specialists, the development of information needs of library audiences, and the emergence of competing platforms in the information society have led to the emergence of a new way of thinking in providing library services, which is indicative of platform thinking. In this approach, libraries act as audience-oriented platforms in providing information services. Information technology, along with communication technology, has focused on the three main pillars of libraries and information centers, including librarians, resources, and audiences. Since the main platform of library services has emphasized information regardless of its types of media, these centers have responded much earlier as information centers to the emergence of information and communication technology. Given the importance of the role and position of software in libraries, it is necessary to study the evolution of this type of software in order to provide solutions to prepare the necessary infrastructure and to provide greater attention to policymakers and activists in this field. Therefore, the researchers of this article intend to examine the emergence and use of software in libraries and information centers with a historical approach and outline the prospects for this type of technology with an emphasis on the library service platform. In other words, the library services platform is the next generation of library management systems that provides capabilities for better management of library collections (in all formats) and management of the ever-increasing means of accessing electronic resources and printed materials. The process of development tools in libraries and information centers can inform the selection of appropriate and visionary solutions. Libraries, as organizations that serve people, have consistently adapted their resources, facilities, and services to align with the evolving information needs of their patrons. Therefore, the current research aim is studying the development and evolution of library’s software.Literature ReviewThe research background shows that library software has undergone a vast transformation from the first systems based on stapled sheets to new generation library service platforms. The beginning of library automation dates back to the 1960s and the development of the MARC format, which paved the way for the standardization and automation of library processes. In the following decades, with the expansion of personal computers, the Internet, continuous catalogs and web technology, library software transformed from simple lending systems to integrated print and digital resource management systems. In the 2010s, the concept of a “library service platform” was formed with the aim of integrating resources, user interaction and providing web and network-based services.In Iran, in line with global developments, the development of library software began in the 1980s using CDS/ISIS software and gradually continued with the design of native systems, the development of mark standards, the creation of digital libraries, and the formation of inter-library cooperation plans. The launch of systems such as "Rasa", "Saman", "Ganj", and "Iranian National Memory" indicates a move towards information integration, the development of digital access, and the provision of new library services. In general, previous studies indicate that the development of library software has always been influenced by the advancement of information technology, user needs, and new approaches to knowledge management and sharing.MethodologyThis article employs a historical approach to the method of narrative review and review of the best evidence. It attempts to illustrate the trajectory of domestic and foreign research from the 1950s to the present, describe and explain suitable examples of library software, and identify future directions. From the initial indications of automation in libraries, to the emergence of bibliographic data software, integrated systems, web-based and interactive software, and now at the threshold of transforming library software into a communication platform between different stakeholders, this research has introduced and reviewed the features of new generation software, including WMS, Alma, Follio, BlueCloud, Sierra, OpenSkies, Follett.ResultsA review of the historical development of a phenomenon can provide insights that inform future directions and strategies. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the major library software companies in Iran assess the capabilities of their software in comparison to the capabilities of the included popular software. New generation library service will be based on technology of platform and also, adaptability, complexity and testable, visibility, relative advantage. Based on a review of popular software such as WMS, Alma, FOLIO, BlueCloud, Sierra, OpenSkys, and Follett, it is suggested that major library software companies in Iran, in the form of research, measure the capabilities of these software with the current capabilities of their software and, with the support of their stakeholders, provide a path for a new evolution of library software in Iran. Finally, it is suggested that more empirical studies be conducted in the field of librarians' awareness of library service platforms.ConclusionReadiness to change from the library management system (ILS/LMS) can be examined with appropriate technology acceptance models; the characteristics of Rogers's theory of diffusion of innovation (adaptability, complexity, trialability, observability, and relative advantage) of library service platforms and cloud computing can be tested in an empirical study; a comparative study of the capabilities of library platform service software; providing a comprehensive and native model of library platform service software.
Research Paper
Information and Knowledge Management
Mehdi Alipour Hafezi; Sajedeh Kheirabadi; mitra Samieie
Abstract
IntroductionUniversity libraries are among the most significant infrastructures supporting higher education, research productivity, and knowledge dissemination. In recent decades, rapid advances in information and communication technologies (ICTs), the growth of the Internet, and the increasing demand ...
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IntroductionUniversity libraries are among the most significant infrastructures supporting higher education, research productivity, and knowledge dissemination. In recent decades, rapid advances in information and communication technologies (ICTs), the growth of the Internet, and the increasing demand for remote access to scholarly materials have transformed traditional academic libraries into hybrid, electronic, and digital environments. Within this context, digital libraries have emerged as strategic institutions that facilitate timely, efficient, and equitable access to information resources regardless of geographical limitations.Digital libraries are not merely repositories of digitized materials; rather, they are complex information systems that integrate technological infrastructure, digital collections, metadata standards, preservation mechanisms, and user-centered services. Their effectiveness largely depends on the quality, diversity, currency, accessibility, and subject coverage of their digital resources. For universities, especially those located in major metropolitan areas such as Tehran, digital libraries are expected to play a vital role in supporting teaching, learning, innovation, and scientific research.Despite substantial investments in digital infrastructures, many academic institutions in developing contexts still face challenges such as outdated collections, insufficient policy frameworks, limited budgets, inadequate technical infrastructure, and a lack of coordinated collection development strategies. Therefore, evaluating the status of digital resources in university digital libraries is essential for evidence-based planning and improvement.Accordingly, the present study aimed to examine the status of digital resources in the digital libraries of public universities in Tehran and to propose practical strategies for improvement. The study sought to answer the following fundamental research questions:What is the status of digital resources in the digital libraries of public universities in Tehran in terms of format diversity, file types, currency, and subject coverage?What are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) related to these digital resources?What strategies can be proposed to improve the current condition of digital resources in these libraries?Review of LiteraturePrevious studies indicate that digital libraries have become integral components of academic institutions worldwide. Research has emphasized that effective digital libraries enhance scholarly communication, facilitate access to electronic journals and books, and improve research output.Domestic studies in Iran have shown that PDF remains the dominant format for textual resources, while JPEG is common for image-based materials. Other studies have reported that electronic books and journals receive the highest priority in collection development, whereas multimedia resources often remain underrepresented. Investigations into Iranian digital libraries have also highlighted persistent problems such as insufficient infrastructure, limited funding, lack of updated policies, and inadequate evaluation mechanisms.International research similarly confirms that successful digital libraries require strong collection development policies, sustainable budgets, qualified staff, robust ICT infrastructure, and continuous assessment of user needs. Studies conducted in countries such as Nigeria, India, and Saudi Arabia have underscored the importance of strategic planning, staff training, technological investment, and balanced digital collections.Although previous studies have addressed certain dimensions of digital libraries, fewer studies have comprehensively assessed digital resources from multiple perspectives, including content diversity, updating practices, and strategic environmental analysis. The present study attempts to fill this gap by offering a holistic evaluation of digital resources in Tehran’s public university digital libraries.MethodologyThis research was an applied study conducted using a survey design and a quantitative approach. In terms of data collection, it was a field study employing a researcher-developed checklist as the main instrument. The checklist consisted of ten sections covering demographic information, types of digital resource formats, availability of digital resources, file types, collection size, subject areas, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.Content validity was confirmed through expert review by specialists in library and information science. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, which demonstrated acceptable internal consistency.The statistical population consisted of all digital libraries of public universities located in Tehran. Since the number of institutions was manageable, the study employed a census method rather than sampling. Nineteen university digital libraries were included in the final analysis.Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics through SPSS and spreadsheet software. Descriptive measures included frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Inferential tests included one-sample t-tests, Friedman ranking tests, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. In addition, SWOT analysis was used to formulate strategic recommendations.FindingsThe findings revealed that textual materials constituted the dominant content format in the digital libraries studied. Approximately 50% of libraries reported text as the primary format of their information resources. Multimedia and video resources were comparatively rare.Regarding resource types, electronic books represented 25.4% of the reported digital resources, while electronic theses and dissertations were among the most widely available resources across institutions. All libraries reported the use of PDF as a major file format, indicating the overwhelming dominance of this standard.In relation to collection updating, the highest increase during the month preceding data collection was observed in electronic theses/dissertations (84.2%) and electronic books (47.4%). However, many libraries reported no recent growth in electronic journals, audiovisual materials, or other specialized formats. This suggests that updating practices are uneven and relatively limited.Concerning subject coverage, humanities resources accounted for 69% of reported digital materials, followed by science/engineering, medicine, arts, and other fields. This distribution reflects the disciplinary orientation of many public universities in Tehran, but also suggests imbalances in subject representation.The SWOT analysis identified several strengths, including simultaneous access to resources, ease of access, the existence of written policies in some institutions, adequate backup procedures, and staff familiarity with ICT.Major weaknesses included slow Internet speed, insufficient ICT infrastructure, lack of comprehensive software systems, shortage of hardware, budget limitations, and restricted institutional autonomy in resource acquisition.Among external opportunities were expansion of ICT infrastructure, inter-library networking, becoming a national reference digital library system, user attraction through quality collections, and the possibility of interlibrary lending at national and international levels.The principal threats included unilateral or unqualified staffing decisions, difficulties in subscription renewal, changing administrative policies, insufficient recognition of libraries’ developmental role, lack of access to databases, and financial instability.Discussion and ConclusionThe results indicate that the digital libraries of public universities in Tehran currently resemble electronic libraries more than fully developed digital libraries. While they provide access to digitized textual materials, especially theses and electronic books, they still lack the diversity, technological maturity, interoperability, and strategic management expected of advanced digital library systems.The dominance of PDF and text-based materials suggests that collection development has focused primarily on conventional scholarly outputs rather than multimedia, data-rich, or interactive resources increasingly required in contemporary higher education. Similarly, the limited updating of many collections raises concerns regarding resource currency and relevance.The study further demonstrates that organizational and structural issues—such as limited autonomy, insufficient budgets, inadequate infrastructure, and inconsistent policy support—significantly constrain digital library development. These findings are consistent with previous national and international studies emphasizing that successful digital libraries require not only technology, but also governance, planning, and sustainable investment.Based on the SWOT analysis, several strategic recommendations are proposed: expanding ICT infrastructure, increasing budgetary support, developing integrated software platforms, enhancing staff training, adopting clear collection development policies, strengthening inter-library cooperation, and diversifying resource formats beyond text-based materials.In conclusion, although public universities in Tehran have taken meaningful steps toward digital transformation, substantial progress is still required before their libraries can be considered fully developed digital libraries. Continuous evaluation, strategic planning, and institutional commitment are essential to improving the quality and effectiveness of digital resources and ensuring that these libraries can adequately support research and education in the digital age.
Research Paper
Information and Knowledge Management
maryam rasi; Zohreh mirhosseini; Fatemeh Noshinfard
Abstract
Introduction
Information dissemination refers to the presentation and transfer of information, especially new information, which requires awareness of the interests and needs of users and keeping their knowledge up-to-date or timely distribution of relevant and appropriate information in order to meet ...
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Introduction
Information dissemination refers to the presentation and transfer of information, especially new information, which requires awareness of the interests and needs of users and keeping their knowledge up-to-date or timely distribution of relevant and appropriate information in order to meet their needs (Trench, 1997). One of the factors affecting the dissemination of knowledge is digital transformation and new technologies. Therefore, studying the impact of these technologies and the digital transformation approach to the dissemination of organizational knowledge is of great importance. In the new digital space, libraries and librarians use interactive tools to become effective centers in the field of providing products and services. Library managers who are pioneers in the use of digital technology are different not only in their ability but also in their missions and visions. They view digitization not as a technological challenge but as a transformative opportunity (Racheal, 2020).
Research Question(s)
What are the knowledge dissemination indicators with the digital transformation approach using the meta-synthesis method, and how do experts evaluate the knowledge dissemination indicators with this approach?
Literature Review
A review of the literature in this area showed that various factors are effective in knowledge transfer with a digital transformation approach. Key factors of knowledge dissemination in digital transformation such as cultural and technological factors, obstacles to achieving the success of digital transformation, challenges of knowledge protection in the era of digital transformation, necessity of digital transformation in the success of knowledge management and knowledge sharing among organizations, knowledge generating factors, knowledge transfer actors and scientific media actors, the role of technology and its tools, artificial intelligence and digital innovation, and the resilience of organizations against changes caused by digital innovations, the role of communication and awareness and attitude towards using social networks in the success of knowledge dissemination are issues that have been examined separately in previous studies. In the research conducted, knowledge management and digital transformation have been generally studied, or a dimension of digital transformation in knowledge dissemination has been studied. In this research, knowledge dissemination in libraries has been studied more specifically with more comprehensive dimensions of digital transformation, and an attempt has been made to examine the factors affecting knowledge dissemination with a digital transformation approach in a more complete and comprehensive manner, so that they can be applied in the context of research and specialized libraries to disseminate knowledge more effectively.
Methodology
This study aimed to identify the components of knowledge dissemination with a digital transformation approach in libraries of research centers of nutrition sciences and food industries and is an applied study. A qualitative research approach was adopted and initially using the meta-synthesis method and Sandelowski and Barroso (2006) model, 351 relevant sources were identified and 50 studies were analyzed. After identifying the categories with the Delphi method, validation and presentation of final indicators were carried out. The data collection tool in the meta-synthesis stage is secondary data called past documents (including articles and theses) and in the Delphi stage is a questionnaire containing 80 components extracted from the meta-synthesis, which was used as closed questions on a five-point Likert scale and an open question at the end of each dimension. The study population in the Delphi section consisted of 20 experts in the fields of information science, and information technology, and sampling was done using a non-probability and purposeful method.
Results
In total, by examining 50 selected texts in the field of knowledge dissemination and digital transformation, combining the selected findings led to the extraction of about 870 codes, which were categorized based on repetition and similarity in the form of 80 subcategories in 27 main categories and 9 dimensions. Based on a survey among experts, 75 subcategories out of the final 80 extracted subcategories were agreed upon, and 5 subcategories did not reach final agreement and were eliminated. The main dimensions of knowledge dissemination with a digital transformation approach were presented, including the technological dimension, the cultural dimension, the organizational dimension, the process dimension, the security dimension, the communication dimension, the social dimension, the creativity and innovation dimension, and the managerial dimension.
Discussion
Technological readiness and knowledge dissemination are pillars of digital transformation. Digital organizations manage knowledge and encourage employees to produce it. IT managers are effective in advancing knowledge dissemination goals. Challenges include limitations in access to information and the need for a coherent strategic framework. Digital transformation is not only a technological transformation, but also a social phenomenon. In order to disseminate knowledge, libraries can identify new ways to create value and an innovative digital knowledge transfer process by accepting transformation and innovation and creating new ideas and creativity and new ideas. Libraries must evolve knowledge management practices in the digital age to succeed in disseminating knowledge.
Conclusion
The results of this study showed that the dimensions of technology and culture play an important role in the success of knowledge dissemination in digital transformation. Also, knowledge dissemination with digital transformation in libraries cannot be achieved by relying on technology alone, but requires a combination of strong infrastructure, rich culture, information security and integrated knowledge management, effective communications, and skilled, user-oriented, creative, and innovative human resources. According to the results of this study, focusing on user experience, changing the role of librarians, creating a data-driven culture and knowledge sharing, ensuring data security, and formulating an integrated digital strategy are essential for the development of libraries in the digital age.
Research Paper
Mahboubeh Rabiei; Zoya Abam
Abstract
IntroductionSelf-organization refers to the ability of biological, natural, and social systems to change their own structures through their own interactions with the environment. It is one of the core principles of cybernetics and a fundamental concept in systems science. Although self-organization has ...
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IntroductionSelf-organization refers to the ability of biological, natural, and social systems to change their own structures through their own interactions with the environment. It is one of the core principles of cybernetics and a fundamental concept in systems science. Although self-organization has its roots in biology and physics, it is one of the most significant concepts in sociology. Social systems, the Internet, and virtual social networks can also be considered self-organizing systems due to their characteristics as such. The aim of this study is to explain the principle of self-organization in social systems, particularly the Internet and virtual social networks.Literature ReviewAnderson (1998) introduced the Internet as a new type of self-organizing technological system based on recursive processes between clients and servers. He believed that these processes, over the long term, move toward identifiable attractors by creating order out of chaos. Fuchs (2005) describes self-organization in virtual environments as a dialectical process in which technological networks and social networks mutually reproduce each other in a self-referential loop. Accordingly, virtual networks are not static; rather, they evolve in tandem with the interests and needs of their members. Batty (2013), relying on complexity theory, views the big data generated from virtual social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter not merely as data, but as part of a virtual self-organizing system. These networks have high potential in this process by reflecting personal experiences and providing indicators such as trust and collective satisfaction. Recent studies have focused on the practical and psychological aspects of self-organization. Moradi Mokhles, Heydari, and Shahmoradi (2024) suggest that developing self-organizing capabilities in audiences is an effective strategy for reducing the negative effects of social networks. This process enables individuals to self-regulate their thoughts and actions to achieve specific goals and adapt flexibly to the real world. Consistent with this view, Rebello and colleagues (2024), in their examination of self-regulation of internet behaviors on social media platforms, concluded that self-regulation is a dynamic and multifaceted process shaped by the interaction of individual and environmental factors.Methodology In this study, Persian sources were searched in Persian databases using relevant keywords (self-organization, social networks, control systems, cybernetics, etc.). Additionally, Latin sources were searched in reputable foreign databases using related keywords (self-organization, self-control, cybernetics, social media, etc.). Out of the retrieved sources, 59 were used for writing the present review article, of which only two are in Persian. The present research was conducted using a conceptual review method.Results The results of this study are presented in two sections: the characteristics of self-organizing systems and self-organization in virtual social networks. According to the findings, the general characteristics of self-organizing systems include: emergence (the absence of an external guiding or controlling agent), self-configuration (the spontaneous ordering of system components), dynamic performance, spontaneous order resulting from internal interactions, synergy, complexity, non-linearity, dissipativity (inequilibrium or entropy), chaos (disorder and fluctuation), selective variety, positive/negative feedback interplay, self-similarity, self-protection, redundancy, mutual understanding, modularity and clustering, separation and integration, self-reference, adaptability, interdependence, and interaction. The second part of the findings indicates that certain characteristics of the internet lead to it being considered a self-organizing system. These characteristics include: adaptability, emergence, dynamics and disequilibrium, clustering, modularity, synergy, self-reference, open system, complexity, self-regulation, and Positive/Negative feedback interplay.Discussion The Internet should not be viewed merely as a purely technological system; rather, it is a self-organizing socio-technological system. Ignoring users as the "human agent" and focusing solely on software actors such as spiders and servers treats the web as a purely technical and mechanical system. Critics argue that while fully technical systems are mechanical, self-organizing systems have a non-mechanical nature. Therefore, the central role of humans in this process is often overlooked. In other words, we can only speak of the self-organization of the web when we view it not as a purely technological system, but as a socio-technological system in which humans communicate through technology. The self-organization of the web is possible only through human activities. Furthermore, concepts such as social systems, virtual social networks, and media are based on self-organization theory.ConclusionSelf-regulation, as one of the Internet's characteristics, is a dynamic and multifaceted process influenced by individual and environmental factors. One of the most effective strategies for reducing the negative effects of social networks is fostering self-organizing capabilities in their users. This process facilitates the self-regulation of thoughts and actions to achieve goals and enables flexible adaptation to the real world. It can be concluded that the Internet, as an open, complex, and dynamic system, is a self-organizing system that encompasses both technological structures and the communications of human actors. Additionally, the results indicate that the conscious use of self-organization strategies can lead to a reduction in the harms caused by social networks
Research Paper
Knowledge Management
Majed Maharani Barzani; Mehrdad Sadeghi de cheshmeh; Ali Rashidpour
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of organizational culture on knowledge concealment with the role of politeness in the workplace and rejection in the workplace. The present study was applied in terms of its purpose and descriptive in terms of correlational data collection. The ...
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The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of organizational culture on knowledge concealment with the role of politeness in the workplace and rejection in the workplace. The present study was applied in terms of its purpose and descriptive in terms of correlational data collection. The statistical population of this research was all the employees of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari universities, whose number is 2255 people, according to the size of each region, a sample size of 660 people was selected using Cochran's formula, and the sample people were selected using the stratified sampling method. They were chosen according to the volume of each floor. The research tools are the standard questionnaire of incivility in the workplace by Cortina et al. (2001), the standard questionnaire of organizational culture by Jaghargh et al. (2012) and the standard questionnaire of knowledge concealment by Conley et al. (2012) and the standard questionnaire of rejection in the workplace by Faris. et al. (2008) that the validity of the questionnaires was examined based on the content, form and structure validity and after the necessary terms the validity was confirmed and on the other hand the reliability of the questionnaires was 0.88 and 0.89 respectively by Cronbach's alpha method. 0.0, 0.87 and 0.90 The results of the research showed that organizational culture has a significant relationship with knowledge concealment, and in addition, rejection in the workplace and incivility in the workplace create positive channels between organizational culture and knowledge concealment as mediators.
Research Paper
Intelligent Systems Recovery
Maryam Abotalebi; zahra Abazari
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 ...
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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.
Research Paper
Information and Knowledge Theories
Mostafa Heidari Haratemeh
Abstract
Introduction
Political decisions are behaviors that are not foreseen in the job description of an individual and that an individual attempts to influence others by relying on them. In political decisions, the goal of influencing is to use others or organizational decisions to advance personal interests. ...
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Introduction
Political decisions are behaviors that are not foreseen in the job description of an individual and that an individual attempts to influence others by relying on them. In political decisions, the goal of influencing is to use others or organizational decisions to advance personal interests. Other definitions of political behavior in organizations have been presented. Despite all the differences in definitions, there is one thing in common among most of them: The goal of political behavior is to secure personal interests. According to Robbins, people learn very early that in the organizational environment, there is no such thing as “truth” and “reality” and most of what exists is interpretation.
Research Question(s)
What is the mediating role of knowledge hiding between organizational political decisions and innovation among faculty members and administrators of the Islamic Azad University, Naraq Branch?
Literature Review
Performance improvement, loyalty, companionship, and compassion are all subjective concepts that lack clear, objective measures. For this reason, many people quickly learn that the image of working is more important than doing it, and this can be the starting point for political decisions in the organization. Organizational policies are commonplace, logical, and useful. If you try to stay away from politics in your workplace, your job will definitely suffer. Selfish behavior, individualism, and bad organizational policies are factors that lead to the formation of knowledge hiding and ultimately encourage it, in addition to affecting innovation and creativity. Knowledge management plays an important role in any organization that can affect the performance of companies and employees. However, achieving satisfactory results in knowledge management is often challenging due to the practice of knowledge hiding” Research has shown that employees are reluctant to share knowledge for reasons such as protecting and controlling knowledge ownership, mastery, expertise, and defensive awareness. About half of employees intend to withhold, mislead, or conceal knowledge that has been requested by someone else. This behavior of not consciously providing needed knowledge to colleagues when requested is called knowledge hiding, which has become an independent concept that is different from the opposite of knowledge sharing. It is obvious that knowledge hiding is likely to reduce the efficiency of knowledge exchange among members, prevent the generation of new ideas/thoughts or even destroy trust, increase the risk of knowledge loss, and inhibit the creativity of individuals and teams. In this regard, solving the problem of insufficient knowledge sharing by eliminating knowledge hiding makes sense, facilitating knowledge transformation in organizations. Many studies have been conducted on knowledge hiding, all of which are valuable and applicable. There are many findings on the mediating role of antecedent variables that influence knowledge hiding. Emotional and cognitive factors (e.g., leadership, workplace stressors, interpersonal relationships, personality traits, and psychological ownership) can cause knowledge hiding.
Methodology
In this regard, 184 faculty members and professors of the Islamic Azad University, Naraq Branch, as a census sampling, were selected as a sample. The data were collected using five-item Likert questionnaires of 12-item organizational political decisions by Kacmar and Ferris (1991), three-item knowledge hiding by Serenko and Bontis (2016), 13-item creativity and innovation of people, Zhou and George (2001), and 5-item professional commitment by Chang and Choi (2007), Collection and hypotheses were analyzed using structural equation method and Sobel test and using Amos software. Finally, according to the theoretical foundations, the following hypotheses were considered: Hypothesis 1) Organizational political decisions have a positive effect on knowledge hiding. Hypothesis 2) Knowledge hiding has a negative effect on innovation. Hypothesis 3) Organizational political decisions have a negative effect on innovation. Hypothesis 4) Professional commitment moderates the relationship between organizational political decisions and knowledge hiding.
Results
Hypotheses 1 to 3 were tested using the macro process developed by Hayes (2013) with 184 bootstrap samples. All proposed relationships between constructs were significant at the 0.01 alpha level. Therefore, according to the third hypothesis: organizational political decisions have a significant negative effect on employee innovation (β = -0.43, T = 13.24, P < 0.01). The second hypothesis is that knowledge hiding has a significant negative effect on individual innovation (β = -0.31, T = 8.35, P < 0.01). In the first hypothesis, organizational political decisions have a significant positive direct effect on knowledge hiding (β = 0.43, T = 11.35, P < 0.01). And finally, according to the fourth hypothesis: Professional commitment directly has a significant negative effect on organizational political decisions (-0.12) and indirectly and negatively affects knowledge hiding (-0.055). The results also further show that knowledge hiding moderates the relationship between organizational political decisions and employee innovation.
Discussion
The main objective of the study is to investigate the relationships between organizational political decisions, knowledge hiding and innovation and also to examine the moderating role of professional commitment in the relationship between knowledge hiding and organizational political decisions. Organizational politics involves direct and indirect interaction tactics and power struggles. In general, politics is an important part of any organization that must be managed properly. Organizational commitment is influenced by their perception of organizational politics. For example: “Pay and promotion policies” affect organizational commitment. “Public political behavior” showed a positive effect on organizational commitment. Therefore, this study showed that organizational political decisions predict and affect knowledge hiding positively/directly and, in turn, innovation negatively/directly. The research findings are consistent with previous studies that in an organizational work environment, individuals may resort to knowledge hiding. Because they fear that the knowledge they share with good intentions may cause unexpected problems (Kuei et al., 2016). By hiding knowledge, individuals may believe that their colleagues will not be able to discover and exploit their weaknesses. In turn, this defensive behavior may inhibit the innovation of knowledge hiders. In a political work environment, knowledge hiders prefer to take actions that have a high probability of success and avoid innovation due to its risky nature. The findings also indicate that professional commitment moderates the positive relationship between organizational political decisions and knowledge hiding. In this way, individuals with high levels of professional commitment are more willing to expend energy to achieve their career goals (Goulett & Singh, 2002). As a result, people with professional commitment are less likely to engage in knowledge-hiding decisions, even while working in a political workplace.
Conclusion
Limited studies have examined the mediating mechanisms of the relationship between organizational political decisions and individual innovation (Ari et al., 2009(. To fill this important gap in the literature, it is proposed that knowledge hiding is responsible for mediating the negative impact of organizational political decisions on individual innovation. It also provides literature to show that organizational political decisions can invite individuals to participate in knowledge hiding and create a kind of reciprocal knowledge behavior, which in turn can lead to the innovation of the knowledge hiding individual. To obtain in-depth results of the relationship between organizational political decisions and knowledge hiding, the moderating role of professional commitment was considered, which is due to individual characteristics. It was also found that the relationship between organizational political decisions and professional commitment has a negative impact on knowledge hiding. These findings add to the literature on professional commitment and indicate that in a political work environment, individuals with high levels of professional commitment are less involved in knowledge hiding decisions than individuals with low levels of professional commitment. The findings also indicate that future research on individual innovation should examine individuals' situational characteristics as well as their mutual interactive effects.
