QUANTIFYING THE MEDIATING ROLE OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEPLOYMENT AND MULTI-DIMENSIONAL SPORTS AGENCY EFFICIENCY: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY FROM UAE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/AIJBES.828040Keywords:
Information Systems, Strategic Management, Sports Agency Efficiency, Mediation Analysis, UAEAbstract
Information systems investment in sports agencies in the UAE is growing with inconsistent efficiency gains. But there is a lack of empirical evidence that suggests strategic management mediates the relationship between IS and efficiency across industries. This study is urgent now, and the previous research was either about technology acceptance or IS-performance relation which has not directly measured the mediating role of strategic management in the context of UAE sports agency. This disjuncture restricts evidence-based decision making when making technology investments. This research studied the effect of strategic management on information system application relationship and efficiency of UAE sports agencies. The study used a quantitative, deductive design, using stratified random sampling of 364 employees from UAE Ministry of Sport. Data analysed using PLS-SEM. This indicates that Client Relationship Management (β = 0.188, p = 0.008), Data Analytics (β = 0.231, p = 0.000) and Operational Automation (β = 0.203, p = 0.000) had significant positive total indirect effects on efficiency through strategic management. Theoretical underpinning: Resource Optimization mediated CRM → Strategic Efficiency (β = 0.160, p = 0.011) and Data Analytics → Operational Efficiency (β = 0.149, p = 0.004). Decision Making mediated Operational Automation → Operational Efficiency (β = 0.143, p = 0.000). Communication Tools did not mediate the relationship statistically significantly, meanwhile Digital Marketing showed negative indirect effects through Resource Optimization (β = -0.099, p = 0.008). Ultimately Strategic management is a strong mediator towards the IS efficiency relationship, yet its mediation is system specific. CRM, Data Analytics and Operational Automation result in indirect efficiency gains, while communication tools and digital marketing need an even more strategic fit. UAE sports agencies need to apply strategic management frameworks so that they can achieve returns on technology investments.
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