Efficiency Enhancement on Higher Education Institutions in Shanghai, China through UTAUT Internet of Things (IoT) Model

Shen Qinjie

Education, Higher -- Shanghai -- China

Educational technology -- China

This study investigates how the Internet of Things (IoT) can enhance efficiency in Chinese higher education institutions and examines student acceptance of IoT through the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Using a mixed-methods design, quantitative data were collected via a survey of 408 university students, and qualitative insights were obtained from semi-structured interviews with seven tutors. Regression and frequency analyses were used to analyse the benefits and challenges of IoT adoption and to evaluate the UTAUT relationships, while thematic analysis was used to identify key IoT application areas and to inform adoption options for universities. The study evaluates and contextualises the UTAUT constructs, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions, in an IoT-based higher education setting. Results indicate that performance expectancy shows a positive association with students’ intention to use IoT, whereas social influence, effort expectancy, and facilitating conditions do not demonstrate positive effects in this sample. Reported benefits include personalised curriculum support and improved institutional efficiency, while major challenges involve reliable internet connectivity and security/safety concerns. Identified application areas include smart classrooms, smart campuses, and assistive uses supporting daily life and learning for individuals with disabilities. Overall, the findings suggest that universities should prioritise IoT initiatives with clear, demonstrable learning and efficiency gains (to strengthen performance expectancy) and implement connectivity and security safeguards as baseline conditions for scalable adoption, rather than relying on social influence or ease-of-use messaging to drive intention.

Keywords: Internet of Things (IoT); Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT); higher education; technology acceptance; smart campus; efficiency; mixed methods

Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University. Office of Academic Resources and Information Technology

Nainapas Injoungjirakit

Sombat Teekasap

Prapai Sridama

2025

2026-05-11

2026-05-11

2026-05-11

thesis

application/pdf

TH 378.5 Q663E 2025

eng

Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University

Doctor of Philosophy

Doctoral degree

Education Management for Sustainable Development

Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University