International Journal of Metaverse & Virtual Transformation

Abstract The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the advancement of technology necessitate all industries integrate their operations with cutting-edge technology to grow and stay ahead of global changes. Considering AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry, this research focuses on integrating building information modeling (BIM) training using Metaverse, the world's leading technology, because education is crucial for the growth of individuals in all fields.
A mix-method approach was employed, which entails qualitative meta-synthesis and quantitative methods, such as questionnaires and structural equation modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS. Through various databases, 181 relevant studies were identified, and 30 were selected for further analysis. The selected studies were thoroughly analyzed qualitatively using the MAXQDA 2020 software. The process involved initial coding, axial coding and pattern coding to identify overall patterns and trends within the data. The extracted codes, comprising nine categories and 82 indicators, were validated by a panel of experts using the Fuzzy Delphi method in two rounds of feedback and discussion among the experts to reach consensus on the validity and appropriateness of the codes. Following these results, a comprehensive questionnaire was conducted to assess the factors that influenced BIM training in metaverse. A carefully designed questionnaire was distributed to 300 participants. The quantitative data was analyzed with the aid of descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling (SEM). Both qualitative and quantitative phases resulted in the division of findings into nine categories: technology data and information, education technology infrastructure, team capacity, socio-cultural factors, behavioral factors, applied technologies, functional results, practical features, and environmental configuration.

Abstract The technological developments of the 20th century led to the increasing popularity of technology in all fields, including medicine, resulting in the emergence of telemedicine. The present study aims to examine the components of knowledge logistics in telemedicine. This applied study was conducted using a systematic review method, adopting the PRISMA model for article selection. Inclusion criteria comprised all open-access relevant sources. Data were collected from the Scopus database, and all selected sources were analyzed. The reviewed sources covered the period from 2005 to 2022. The thematic focus shifted over the years from e-health to mobile health, addressing issues such as travel, chronic disease monitoring, and particularly maternal health and pregnancy. The identified components of knowledge logistics in telemedicine included knowledge-based, infrastructural, logistical, policy-related, and demographic factors. Additionally, systemic components such as inputs, processes, outputs, outcomes, and impacts were identified. Knowledge logistics and telemedicine are two emerging topics. Telemedicine, due to its longer history, benefits from richer resources. According to the findings of this study, attention to logistical aspects is essential for the implementation and execution of telemedicine.

Abstract The main gap currently is the lack of a comprehensive AI-based policymakers’ accessibility model that can provide key information to decision-making institutions in a transparent and real-time manner. Hence, the fundamental question is how to design an AI-based model for policymakers’ accessibility to enable the sustainable and effective development of metaverse universities? The research method was a mixed qualitative research (synthesis research and conversation with GPT chat), the research field included all articles published in the period 2020-2025), as well as the information domain of artificial intelligence and the method of purposive sampling to the point of data saturation, respectively, 33 articles and 23 conversations with artificial intelligence were selected for the study by screening. The method of collecting information was by referring to reputable scientific databases and conversation with GPT chat. Data analysis was based on the classification of open concepts, subcategories and main categories. The triangulation method was used to ensure the validity and validation of the data. In general, the results showed that the accessibility model of policymakers based on artificial intelligence for the sustainable and effective development of metaverse universities consists of five dimensions: "providing infrastructure", "strategic planning", "empowering university presidents", "monitoring education quality", and "information processing". The final protocol based on artificial intelligence includes 5 sections: "needs identification", "resource improvement", "decision support", "trend prediction", and "continuous monitoring".

Abstract The digital revolution and the expansion of communication technologies have steered the global economy toward a Knowledge Economy , one in which knowledge serves as the primary driver of growth, employment, and value creation. However, inequalities in access to and utilization of information and communication technologies have given rise to the phenomenon of the digital divide, which poses a significant barrier to sustainable development and social equity. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the digital divide on the knowledge economy. This study is applied in nature and falls within the category of descriptive–analytical research, adopting a qualitative approach within the interpretivist paradigm. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 knowledge management experts from universities and research centers, using purposive sampling. To ensure the validity and reliability of the research, strategies such as member checking, data source triangulation, thorough documentation of the coding process, test–retest procedures, and peer debriefing were employed. The findings revealed that the digital divide within the knowledge economy is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon, identified through 46 overarching themes and 259 final concepts. This divide extends beyond mere technological access and encompasses diverse dimensions such as skills, communication, infrastructure, social, economic, technological, cultural, managerial, educational, political, and institutional factors. Weaknesses across these dimensions directly hinder the creation, sharing, and utilization of knowledge. Ultimately, the digital divide emerges as a critical barrier to sustainable development and the effectiveness of the knowledge economy.

Abstract The objective of the research is to identify the indicators of the digital library in the Metaverse environment. The current research is applied in terms of objective, and a multi-step quantitative Delphi method was used. The statistical population of this research consists of experts in the field of metaverse, digital libraries, information science and epistemology, and information technology engineering. To determine the sample, the judgmental sampling method and the opinions of 10 experts in this field were used. In order to identify the indicators of the digital library in the field of Metaverse, researchers first extracted 75 indicators by reviewing the literature and research background, and then, through a semi-structured questionnaire, the experts were asked to determine the effect of the indicators based on the five-point Likert scale. 75 indicators were identified through background checks and interviews with experts in the fields of metaverse, digital libraries, information science and epistemology, and information technology engineering. These indicators were screened by distributing questionnaires among experts and using the Delphi method, and 28 indicators were selected for the final analysis. This research was categorized by considering 5 dimensions, including economic, human, political, managerial, and technological dimensions. The presence of digital libraries in the Metaverse environment significantly changes the way of providing services, interacting with users, and managing resources. These changes are effective in improving the user experience, increasing the quality of services, and improving the overall performance of digital libraries in this new world. In fact, in the Metaverse environment, digital libraries are permanently available and allow users to access the resources they need at any time and from any place without time and place limitations.

Abstract Digital identity, as one of the fundamental pillars of user presence in the metaverse, requires a deep understanding of the process of transforming data into information and then applying knowledge. In such a context, digital identity is the cornerstone of interactions, trust, and user experience. The process of digital identity formation in the metaverse can be explained within the framework of the Data–Information–Knowledge (DIKW) hierarchy. This framework explains how raw data—including user behavior, interactions, and biological signals—are processed and contextualized into information and then knowledge, ultimately leading to the formation of a “digital presence” Using a systematic review based on the PRISMA 2020 framework, this study analyzed 42 relevant articles to clarify the path of digital identity formation in metaverse environments. The findings show that most research has focused on data collection and user information processing, while user knowledge analysis and informed decision-making have received less attention. This trend indicates a research gap at the level of digital presence management and knowledge application. By synthesizing the findings, the present study highlights the DIKW conceptual framework for digital identity in the metaverse and provides suggestions for future research, including focusing on user knowledge analysis, social and psychological aspects, international studies, and developing practical frameworks for safe and meaningful presence in the metaverse.