MODELING VIRTUAL CHALLENGES: AN ISM APPROACH OF BARRIERS FOR METAVERSE IN THE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

The Metaverse has become widely common in the past few years due to the continuous popularity of virtual environments. The significant features of the Metaverse include cost reduction, time savings, and environmental friendliness, among others. The adoption of this emerging technology is emphasized and required urgently to develop a dynamic digital ecosystem. This automation was introduced recently and is gaining rapid prominence due to its significance, efficiency, and effectiveness. The application of the Metaverse is becoming common in every sector, but is still hindered in developing economies like Pakistan. Regardless of its efficacy, its implementation is still facing multiple hurdles. Therefore, the present study has conducted an ISM and MICMAC analysis to explore the barriers to implementing the Metaverse in educational institutions in Pakistan. The findings will add value to the existing body of knowledge. The study is conducted in two phases: initially, an in-depth literature review revealed the barriers, and later, a hierarchical model categorized the obstacles based on intensity levels. The study's findings showed that a lack of policy support is the most significant factor hindering the adoption of the Metaverse system in Pakistan's education sector. Moreover, technological gaps, inadequate technical support, data privacy concerns, and limited financial resources are other significant hindrances. The study can make a significant contribution to the literature on the Metaverse and will be beneficial for potential scholars and researchers. It can be helpful for policymakers and regulatory bodies to make amendments to their policies and develop new ones accordingly, keeping the perspective of the Metaverse in the education system under consideration. This research is valuable for stakeholders in the education industry.

Key Words: Metaverse, Education System, Challenges, MICMAC Analysis, ISM Model, RStudio, Technology Adoption, Virtual Learning