Abstracts
Abstract
The rapid evolution of information technologies has driven the exponential growth of big data, creating opportunities to leverage data analytics across sectors. In higher education, Big Data Analytics (BDA) holds promise for improving decision-making, enhancing student outcomes, and driving institutional efficiency. However, its implementation remains limited due to technological, organizational, and environmental challenges. This study examines the readiness and use of BDA within selected Canadian higher education institutions, focusing on Southwest Ontario. Utilizing the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, the research adopts a qualitative approach, drawing on semi-structured interviews with 10 academic and administrative staff from selected universities in Southwestern Ontario. The result identifies several barriers to BDA readiness and use, including a fragmented data landscape, integration challenges, and resource constraints. The study emphasizes the need for strategic investments in technological infrastructure, leadership engagement, and updated policies to improve BDA adoption. The study concludes with recommendations addressing barriers within the technological, organizational, and environmental contexts to enhance institutional performance and student outcomes.
Keywords:
- big data analytics,
- higher education,
- technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework,
- institutional readiness
Résumé
L’évolution rapide des technologies de l’information a entraîné une croissance exponentielle des mégadonnées, ouvrant la voie à l’exploitation de l’analytique des données dans divers secteurs. Dans le domaine de l’enseignement supérieur, l’analytique des mégadonnées (AMD) offre des perspectives prometteuses pour améliorer la prise de décision, optimiser les résultats des étudiants et accroître l’efficacité institutionnelle. Toutefois, sa mise en oeuvre demeure limitée en raison de défis technologiques, organisationnels et environnementaux. Cette étude examine la préparation et l’utilisation de l’AMD au sein de certaines institutions canadiennes d’enseignement supérieur, en se concentrant sur le sud-ouest de l’Ontario. En s’appuyant sur le cadre Technologie-Organisation-Environnement (TOE), la recherche adopte une approche qualitative fondée sur des entretiens semi-structurés menés auprès de dix membres du personnel académique et administratif de plusieurs universités sélectionnées dans cette région. Les résultats mettent en évidence plusieurs obstacles à la préparation et à l’utilisation de l’AMD, notamment un paysage de données fragmenté, des difficultés d’intégration et des contraintes de ressources. L’étude souligne l’importance d’investissements stratégiques dans les infrastructures technologiques, l’engagement des dirigeants et la mise à jour des politiques afin de favoriser l’adoption de l’AMD. Elle se conclut par des recommandations visant à surmonter les obstacles technologiques, organisationnels et environnementaux pour améliorer la performance institutionnelle et les résultats des étudiants.
Mots-clés :
- éducation supérieure,
- analyse des données massives,
- cadre technologie-organisation-environnement (TOE)
Appendices
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