RANKING THE PROBLEMS OF MANAGEMENT IN THE FIELD OF HIGHER EDUCATION BASED ON THE METHOD OF HIERARCHY ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study aims to conduct a rigorous and comprehensive examination of the challenges associated with the digitalization of administrative processes within the higher education sector. Its primary objective is to identify, categorize, and prioritize these challenges while exploring their underlying structural causes and institutional conditions that contribute to their persistence. The research provides a strategic framework for higher education institutions to gradually address these obstacles through the effective use of emerging digital technologies that continue to transform operational and managerial practices worldwide. In response to the accelerating global shift toward digital transformation, universities face increasing pressure to enhance administrative efficiency, reduce procedural complexity, optimize service delivery, and create a responsive institutional environment capable of meeting the evolving expectations of students, faculty, administrative staff, and external partners. Accordingly, the study seeks to develop an analytical model that supports the systematic improvement of administrative performance while advancing the digital maturity and organizational adaptability of higher education institutions.

The research also emphasizes the importance of strengthening communication and collaboration among professors, students, and university administrative bodies. By streamlining processes, integrating digital workflows, and refining service delivery mechanisms, the study aims to promote a coherent digital ecosystem that facilitates daily academic and administrative operations, enhances transparency, and improves governance. These objectives gain particular relevance as universities modernize management structures and decision-making processes to maintain competitiveness in an increasingly digitalized global education environment. The study highlights the necessity of adopting flexible, interoperable, and data-driven platforms that collectively improve the quality, speed, and reliability of administrative services.

From a methodological perspective, the study employs a mixed-method research design that combines theoretical analysis with empirical investigation. It begins with a systematic review of contemporary literature on digital transformation, organizational change, digital governance, and higher education management, providing a conceptual foundation for understanding the scope and nature of the challenges faced. This review is complemented by semi-structured interviews with experts and practitioners with extensive experience in university administration and digital systems, offering detailed insights into institutional readiness, operational bottlenecks, resource constraints, and contextual factors influencing the feasibility and sustainability of digital initiatives.

To assess and prioritize the identified challenges objectively, the study uses the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) through Expert Choice software. This approach enables the development of a hierarchical model to evaluate the relative significance of each challenge based on expert judgments, enhancing the methodological rigor, credibility, and replicability of the results.

The findings indicate that data management challenges-including data integrity, interoperability, accessibility, standardization, and information security-constitute the most critical barriers to successful digitalization. Human and organizational challenges, such as resistance to change, limited digital competencies among staff, insufficient training, and misalignment between organizational culture and digital transformation goals, were also found to significantly impact success. Additionally, technical challenges involving infrastructure, system compatibility, maintenance, and adequate technological support were identified as key constraints that must be addressed to achieve sustainable progress in the digital transformation of university administration.