The Link Between Complex Systems Theory and Smart Learning in Management
This study aims to examine and conceptualize the connection between the principles of complex systems theory and the mechanisms of smart learning in management to provide a theoretical framework for understanding adaptive learning and decision-making in contemporary organizations. This research employed a qualitative design based on a systematic literature review. Data were collected from reputable databases including Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Out of 45 identified sources, 12 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected and analyzed using NVivo version 14. Data were coded through open, axial, and selective coding processes, and main themes were derived until theoretical saturation was achieved. The results revealed three main themes: the dynamics of complex systems theory in management, the mechanisms of smart learning in organizations, and the integration of these two frameworks into a unified conceptual model. The findings indicate that principles such as self-organization, feedback, and emergence in complex systems theory align with data-driven learning, adaptive decision-making, and organizational intelligence in smart learning. The integration of these concepts enhances organizational agility, resilience, and innovation. The study concludes that complex systems theory provides a robust theoretical foundation for understanding and developing smart learning in organizations. Recognizing nonlinear interactions, multilevel feedback, and self-regulating mechanisms enables intelligent decision-making and sustainable adaptability in management. In the digital era, this synergy fosters the creation of organizations that not only adapt to change but also transform it into opportunities for innovation.
Theoretical Frameworks of Self-Regulated Learning in Intelligent Learning Environments
This study aims to systematically identify and analyze the theoretical frameworks of self-regulated learning (SRL) within intelligent learning environments, emphasizing the integration of cognitive, metacognitive, motivational, and technological dimensions. This qualitative systematic review examined 12 peer-reviewed articles focusing on SRL in intelligent learning environments. Articles were purposefully selected from major databases including Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar. Data were analyzed through qualitative content analysis using Nvivo version 14. The coding process involved open coding, subcategory formation, and theme extraction to identify major theoretical models underlying SRL in smart environments. Results revealed three overarching themes: (1) theoretical foundations including cognitive, constructivist, and social-cognitive theories; (2) key SRL components such as goal setting, cognitive monitoring, self-motivation, feedback, and technology interaction; and (3) emerging human–technology frameworks encompassing computational-cognitive models, artificial intelligence-based approaches, and adaptive learning systems. Intelligent technologies were found to enhance metacognitive awareness, motivation, and personalized learning through real-time feedback and data-driven recommendations. Traditional SRL theories require conceptual expansion to align with intelligent and data-driven learning contexts. Integrating cognitive, emotional, and technological elements into hybrid frameworks can foster personalized and adaptive self-regulated learning. These findings provide a conceptual foundation for the development of next-generation intelligent learning environments.
Application of TAM and UTAUT Models in Educational Technology Acceptance
This study aimed to systematically review and analyze the application of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) in explaining factors influencing educational technology acceptance. This qualitative systematic review employed an inductive content analysis approach. Data were collected through a comprehensive literature review of scientific databases including Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, twelve relevant articles published between 2015 and 2025 were selected. Data analysis was conducted using NVivo version 14 through open, axial, and selective coding to identify the main themes and their interrelations. The results indicated that educational technology acceptance is influenced by three major categories: individual and psychological factors (such as attitude, technological self-efficacy, and intrinsic motivation), organizational and environmental factors (such as managerial support, infrastructure, and digital learning culture), and theoretical constructs of TAM and UTAUT (including perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, performance expectancy, and social influence). Both models demonstrated strong explanatory power in predicting users’ behavioral intentions, while UTAUT provided a more comprehensive understanding by incorporating social and environmental determinants. Educational technology acceptance is a multidimensional phenomenon requiring simultaneous attention to individual, organizational, and theoretical components. Applying TAM and UTAUT frameworks can help educational policymakers and instructional designers identify barriers and facilitators of technology use, contributing to the advancement of intelligent and adaptive learning environments.
Cultural and Social Effects of Advanced Learning Technologies
This study aims to systematically examine the cultural and social dimensions of advanced learning technologies and analyze their implications for values, identities, and social interactions in contemporary educational systems. This qualitative review employed a systematic literature analysis approach. Data were gathered from 12 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025 focusing on the cultural and social effects of advanced learning technologies. Thematic analysis was conducted through open, axial, and selective coding using NVivo software version 14. Articles were selected until theoretical saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis revealed three major themes: (1) cultural transformation within digital learning, including shifts in learner identity, educational values, and cultural reproduction; (2) social consequences of technology, including redefined teacher–learner relationships, digital inequality, and ethical challenges; and (3) emerging socio-cultural impacts such as the influence of AI, virtual reality, and the metaverse on creating new learning cultures. Findings indicated that while advanced learning technologies enhance educational effectiveness, they also deeply reshape cultural values, social norms, and learner identities. The results suggest that advanced learning technologies function not merely as educational tools but as transformative cultural and social forces. Effective integration requires attention to cultural sensitivity and ethical design to promote equitable learning while preventing cultural homogenization and social disparities.
Future Scenarios of Smart Learning in the 2030s
This study aims to identify and analyze the future scenarios of smart learning in the 2030s by focusing on technological, policy, and cultural trends in global educational systems. This research employed a qualitative systematic review design. The study population included scientific articles published between 2015 and 2025 in major international databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Springer, and IEEE Xplore. Based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, twelve articles were purposefully selected and analyzed using NVivo 14 software. Data were examined through inductive qualitative content analysis until theoretical saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes: (1) technological transformation in smart learning involving artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, the Internet of Educational Things, and big data; (2) future educational policies and infrastructures encompassing digital equity, teacher training, learning economy, and international collaboration; and (3) cultural and human transformation in future-oriented learning including new teacher roles, digital literacy, lifelong learning, and ethical challenges of technology. Findings emphasized that the future of smart learning requires a balance between technology, humanity, and ethical values. The results suggest that the 2030s will mark the coexistence of human and artificial intelligence in education. The success of smart learning depends on equitable policy development, digital literacy enhancement, and maintaining the human-centered nature of technology-driven education. Establishing ethical frameworks, teacher empowerment, and investment in digital infrastructure are crucial prerequisites for sustainable implementation.
The Impact of Digital Transformation on Educational Equity in Developing Countries
This study aims to examine how digital transformation influences various dimensions of educational equity in developing countries, focusing on technological infrastructure, human empowerment, and educational policymaking. This research employed a qualitative systematic review design. Data were collected from academic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, and Google Scholar. After screening and evaluation, 12 eligible articles were selected for in-depth analysis. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis with NVivo version 14 software. Theoretical saturation was reached after the twelfth article. Extracted data were categorized into three main themes: “Digital Infrastructure and Access,” “Human Empowerment and Digital Literacy,” and “Policymaking and Digital Educational Equity.” The results revealed that digital educational equity in developing countries is influenced by three primary dimensions. Regional digital divides and weak communication infrastructures remain key barriers to equitable access. Moreover, limited digital skills among teachers and gender-based inequalities in technology access hinder fair participation in digital learning. Findings also indicated that fragmented policymaking and the absence of data-driven governance contribute to the reproduction of educational inequities. Nevertheless, emerging technologies and international collaborations hold great potential for reducing educational disparities. Digital transformation offers significant opportunities to promote educational equity if supported by coherent policymaking, sustainable investment, and human capacity-building. Achieving digital educational equity requires a human-centered and data-driven approach that ensures equal access, quality, and learning opportunities for all.
Macro Data Governance Policies in Public Learning and Education
This study aims to systematically review and analyze macro-level data governance policies in public learning and education to identify their institutional, ethical, and technological dimensions. The research employed a qualitative systematic review approach. Data were collected through targeted searches in international databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A total of 12 relevant scholarly articles were selected and analyzed thematically using Nvivo software version 14. The analysis followed open, axial, and selective coding, leading to the identification of three main themes: policy and institutional frameworks, ethics and data trust, and digital transformation in educational data governance. Credibility was ensured through theme verification and theoretical saturation. Findings revealed that educational data governance relies on three key pillars: institutional policymaking and data regulation to ensure transparency and accountability; ethical and security considerations in protecting educational data and fostering public trust; and technological capacity building through digital infrastructures and data literacy among teachers and administrators. The results also indicated that successful data governance policies are those that balance technological innovation with ethical principles and promote data-driven educational equity. The study concludes that data governance in public education is not merely a technological necessity but also an institutional and social imperative. Its success depends on collaboration between governments, technology sectors, and civil organizations to transform data into a tool for informed decision-making, educational justice, and learning quality improvement. Strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing data ethics education, and developing flexible technological infrastructures are essential prerequisites for achieving this goal.
Synergy between Artificial Intelligence and Future-Oriented Leadership
This study aims to explore and conceptualize the dimensions of synergy between artificial intelligence and future-oriented leadership, emphasizing the transformative role of intelligent technologies in leadership and organizational decision-making. This research employed a qualitative systematic review design using inductive content analysis. The study population included peer-reviewed academic articles published between 2015 and 2025 in Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 relevant articles were selected and analyzed using NVivo 14 software. Data were gathered through literature review and coded using open, axial, and selective coding until theoretical saturation was achieved. The findings revealed that the synergy between artificial intelligence and future-oriented leadership encompasses three main dimensions: transformation of leadership roles in the digital era, human–machine interaction in decision-making, and future-oriented organizational capacity development based on intelligent systems. Future-oriented leaders leverage AI to enhance data-driven insight, anticipate environmental changes, and guide ethical decision-making. Results further highlighted the significance of ethical leadership, technological trust, and emotional intelligence in intelligent work environments. The study concludes that future-oriented leadership in the age of artificial intelligence requires the integration of human intuition with machine analytics. This synergy fosters organizations that are not only efficient and innovative but also flexible and ethically responsible. Understanding and applying this human–AI collaboration can redefine the landscape of leadership and organizational governance in the twenty-first century.
About the Journal
Intelligent Learning and Management Transformation (ILMT) is a peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal that serves as an interdisciplinary platform for the dissemination of original research, theoretical developments, applied studies, and critical reviews in the fields of intelligent systems, learning sciences, educational technology, management innovation, digital transformation, and organizational intelligence.
The journal aims to bridge the gap between technology-driven learning environments and transformative management practices in both academic and industrial contexts. By fostering dialogue among scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, ILMT contributes to the advancement of knowledge in areas that integrate artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), organizational change, human resource development, and strategic management.
ILMT is published continuously online and adopts a double-blind peer-review policy to ensure high academic quality, fairness, and transparency. Each submission is evaluated by at least two to three expert reviewers who provide constructive feedback to help authors refine and improve their manuscripts.
The journal welcomes contributions from a wide range of disciplines including education, business management, information technology, data analytics, and cognitive sciences, reflecting its commitment to interdisciplinary research and cross-sectoral collaboration. ILMT particularly encourages studies that propose innovative models, frameworks, and evidence-based approaches that enhance learning effectiveness, management adaptability, and organizational transformation in the age of intelligence.
Current Issue
Articles
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Future Scenarios of Smart Learning in the 2030s
Sahar Mohammadi ; Majid Rastgar * ; Fereshteh Mousavi1-12 -
Cultural and Social Effects of Advanced Learning Technologies
Reza Jalali ; Elahe Tavakoli *1-13 -
Application of TAM and UTAUT Models in Educational Technology Acceptance
Samaneh Razavi ; Mohammadreza Azizi *1-13 -
Theoretical Frameworks of Self-Regulated Learning in Intelligent Learning Environments
Maryam Aghajani ; Alireza Ne’mati *1-13