An integrated TFN-MARCOS-SWOT model for multi-criteria evaluation of digital transformation and maturity in higher education institutions

Digital transformation has become critical for today’s universities’ competitiveness and sustainable development. However, the success of digital transformation processes is directly related to investments in technological infrastructure, the accurate measurement of corporate digital maturity, and the effective management of these processes. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate digital maturity and the effectiveness of digital transformation processes in universities with a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach. To accurately address the ambiguity arising from uncertainty and expert judgments, Triangular Fuzzy Numbers (TFNs) and the Measurement Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution (MARCOS) method are combined. In addition, a SWOT analysis is performed to systematically specify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that shape the strategic digital transformation directions of universities. The developed model is then applied to a set of criteria wherein universities are assessed under various dimensions, such as digital infrastructure, human resources, governance, digital culture, and innovation. The findings reveal that universities with high levels of digital maturity can carry out their digital transformation processes more effectively and sustainably. It is also demonstrated that the proposed methodology is able to efficiently deal with strategic planning of digital transformation and maturity in higher education institutions.