Evaluation of the challenges for digital transformation in higher education using fuzzy MCDM methods

Constant change is inevitable in both the physical and cyber realms. Continuity of change makes it necessary for businesses to adapt and transform their way of operating. Nowadays, the digitalization adventure, which started with the transfer of data to the digital environment, has reached a level where transferring consciousness to the digital environment is discussed, and for all types of businesses the digital transformation has begun to be accepted as an important issue that must be evaluated by experts. As in every process, there are possible challenges and obstacles that may be encountered in the digital transformation process. Digital transformation is at least as important for higher education institutions, which consist of students, faculty members, university administrators, administrative staff, and other external stakeholders, as it is for other businesses and institutions. In addition, it is necessary to take precautions by identifying in advance the difficulties that may be experienced in this process in higher education institutions that will train the digital transformation experts of the future. When the literature is searched, it is seen that the studies generally focus on the positive outcomes of digital transformation. In this study, it is aimed to focus on possible challenges that may be encountered in digital transformation processes. In this context, the framework created with 6 main and 21 sub criteria compiled from the literature was evaluated using fuzzy DEMATEL, one of the fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making techniques, based on the complex and uncertain structure of digital transformation process. The study concludes that the "resource" main criterion is the most explanatory factor for the whole system. Additionally, it was determined that the "resource" criterion is the most influential among the main criteria. It was revealed that digital transformation processes without accurate and effective prior resource planning cannot succeed. By calculating the weights and the influencing-influenced relationships of other main criteria and their sub-criteria, the causal relationships and importance levels among the challenges of digital transformation in higher education were identified. The findings of this study will be beneficial for decision-makers and future researchers in developing appropriate solutions to potential digital transformation challenges.