University Technology Leadership: A Delphi Study

Thanks so much for your interest. I am doing a research study as part of my doctoral studies at Lamar University. My research study is looking at the future of the higher education technology leader (typically the CIO). This Delphi study requires a panel of 30 or more higher education CIOs (or equivalent) with 1 year or more of experience. The study should take 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times spread out over the course of 5-6 weeks. However, you may find it interesting and wish to invest more time as you engage anonymously with your colleagues and explore the future of our profession. There is no compensation, but I will share the results with you first as well as look for opportunities to present at conferences and engage in publications.

Would you be willing to help me out and be an expert for my panel? If so, please fill out this brief form or send me an email indicating your interest. Shortly after, I will send you the first round survey (by April 2nd is the goal). If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at jhuer@lamar.edu or read more below.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Blake Huer

FAQs

What are your research questions?

Here is what this study is trying to find out:

  1. What are the key functional roles of the higher education technology leader in 5-10 years?
  2. What are the essential skills a higher education technology leader will need in 5-10 years?
  3. What is the ideal formal education a higher education technology leader will need in 5-10 years?
  4. What is the ideal career path a higher education technology leader will need in 5-10 years?

What is the process?

You will receive an email with a link to a Qualtrics survey. The survey will have a brief series of open ended questions and/or Likert scale type questions. Any direct quoted comments will be identified with number (instead of a name). After the surveys have been returned, they will be formulated into the next survey round and distributed again. The goal is for each round to take 2 weeks or less. The sooner you return the survey, the faster the study will go. Please note that if you miss a survey round, you cannot participate in following survey rounds.

How much time will this really take?

5-10 minutes, 3-4 times each. The time required for each round will vary, but will be as short as possible. I respect your time and want to make sure the study respects your time also. This is a Delphi study. In short, I will synthesize and summarize each round of information for the next survey. The goal is to achieve stability and/or consensus among the panel of experts. If everyone completes the survey quickly, the next round can begin. If a panelist misses a round, unfortunately he or she must be dropped from the panel. Ideally, all panelists complete each round.

Is this IRB approved?

Absolutely. IRB FY18-193 University Technology Leadership: A Delphi Study.

What do you mean by anonymous?

Your identity will only be known to me. You will be working with a panel of your peers, but the comments will all be synthesized, summarized, and shared anonymously (identified by a number) so you can feel free to express your thoughts or respond to others openly and honestly.