The Role of Application Quality and Integration in Agile IT Governance for Digital Transformation in Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Digital transformation has become a strategic agenda in higher education, but its implementation still faces a gap between technology adoption and effective application. This research is urgent because many institutions face obstacles such as low application quality, fragmented information systems, and a lack of integration between digital platforms, which hinder cross-unit coordination and data-driven decision-making. On the other hand, conventional IT governance approaches are not yet adaptive enough to respond to the dynamics of rapid digital change, so a more flexible and responsive Agile IT Governance approach is needed. This condition emphasizes the urgency of developing a model capable of integrating technical and governance factors in supporting sustainable digital transformation. The purpose of this research is to analyze the role of application quality and integration within the Agile IT Governance framework as the main determinants of digital transformation in higher education institutions. Methodologically, the Research Approach used is Research and Development based on Design Science Research combined with mixed methods. Quantitatively, this study uses Structural Equation Modeling based on Partial Least Squares to examine the relationship between application quality, application integration, Agile IT Governance, and digital transformation. Application quality is measured through system reliability, information quality, and service, while application integration is measured through interoperability, data consistency, and system connectivity. Agile IT Governance is positioned as a mediating variable that bridges technical factors with digital transformation outcomes. The expected outcome of this research is the formation of an empirical model that can comprehensively explain the relationship between application quality and integration in supporting Agile IT Governance and its implications for digital transformation in higher education. In addition to providing theoretical contributions in the development of an integrative model based on information systems and IT governance, this research is also expected to produce practical recommendations for policymakers to increase the effectiveness of digital transformation by strengthening system quality and continuous technology integration. Thus, this research has high relevance in supporting the improvement of the competitiveness of higher education institutions in the digital era and knowledge-based economy.