Investigating the factors that influence digital transformation at a South African university

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the success of digital transformation at a South African university. Most higher education institutions have initiated digital initiatives, integrating technology into their campuses to offer a modern educational experience. However, the digital transformation process remains inconsistent across universities due to a complex interplay of factors. This study aimed to answer the research question: What the key factors contributing to the successful implementation of digital transformation in the context of a South African public university? The study was grounded in the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework, which considers technological, organisational, and environmental contexts when assessing the adoption of new technologies. A quantitative research design was employed, using an online survey to collect data from staff members across various departments at the university. The final convenience sample consisted of 138 respondents. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to test the hypothesised relationships. The results revealed that, within the technological environment, only the factor of technology infrastructure had a significant impact on digital transformation. Among organisational factors, both management support and technology orientation were found to significantly influence the success of digital transformation. In terms of environmental factors, government support emerged as a significant determinant, while competitive pressure and relative advantage were not statistically significant. Based on the findings, the study recommends that universities invest in upgrading and maintaining robust IT infrastructure, provide targeted training to enhance digital competencies among staff, and institutionalise digital strategies through dedicated leadership structures. Furthermore, collaboration with government should be strengthened by aligning institutional digital goals with national policy frameworks and advocating for more streamlined funding channels to support technology adoption. The study contributes to the limited body of knowledge on digital transformation in South African universities, providing implementable strategies for university administrators, policymakers, and stakeholders. The iii study highlighted the weight of a comprehensive, integrated method to digital change, considering equal internal and external factors to drive successful change in higher education institutions.