STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING (SEM) APPROACH TO IOT ADOPTION IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) presents transformative opportunities for higher education institutions (HEIs) by enabling smart campuses, enhancing learning analytics, and improving administrative efficiency. This study develops and tests a theoretical model of IoT adoption in HEIs using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Drawing upon the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), we propose a model that includes perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, organizational readiness, infrastructure quality, top management support, security & privacy concerns, and external pressure as antecedents of behavioral intention to adopt IoT and actual adoption. Data were collected from 420 respondents (faculty, administrative staff, and IT managers) across ten universities using a structured questionnaire. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) validated the measurement model. The structural model indicates that organizational readiness, perceived usefulness, and security concerns are the strongest predictors of intention, while intention and infrastructure quality predict actual adoption. The model achieved acceptable fit (CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.045). Findings offer theoretical contributions by integrating TOE and UTAUT constructs in the HEI context and provide actionable recommendations for policy-makers and campus IT leaders.