Identification and Prioritization of Internet of Things Applications in Indoor Swimming Pools of Kerman Province

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Candidate, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Sports Management and Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

10.22091/its.2025.13385.1019

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a technology that connects objects through the internet to enhance efficiency and enable smart functionalities, ultimately achieving its goal of providing a more efficient and intelligent experience. This study aimed to identify the applications of IoT in indoor swimming pools in Kerman Province. The present research adopted a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) and was conducted using an exploratory-survey method with an applied objective. In the qualitative phase, thematic analysis was employed, and data were collected through interviews with 12 experts (including pool managers, professional swimming coaches, and university professors) using the snowball sampling technique until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was performed through coding and using MAXQDA software. In the quantitative phase, the extracted factors were ranked through pairwise comparison questionnaires based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and evaluated by 25 selected experts. The data were then analyzed using Expert Choice software (Version 11). The findings of the qualitative analysis identified the primary applications of IoT in swimming pools, while the quantitative phase prioritized them in the following order (Safety and security management, Human resource management, Pool hygiene, Energy management, Service management, Marketing, Customer relationship management, Enhancing pool agility). The results highlight the significant role of IoT in improving the productivity and operational conditions of sports pools, emphasizing the need for managers, coaches, and lifeguards to adopt this technology.

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