A multi-dimensional hierarchical framework for digital transformation maturity assessment in e-business environments

The rapid acceleration of digital transformation (DX) is fundamentally reshaping competitive landscapes, making accurate assessment of DX maturity paramount for e-business success. Organizations are increasingly leveraging intelligent technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) in order to enhance their e-business capabilities thereby achieve a competitive advantage. However, existing DX maturity frameworks often suffer from significant limitations including restricted accessibility, insufficient granularity, reliance on domain experts, subjective assessments, and high effort requirements. This study develops a novel, hierarchical DX Maturity Index (DX-MI), specifically designed as a self-diagnostic tool to address these critical gaps. Developed through design science research, the DX-MI is grounded in an evidence-based approach that emphasizes objective, quantifiable metrics and systematically weighted measurement instruments, with weights assigned using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). This framework ensures accurate and reliable evaluations with minimal expert intervention, enabling businesses to obtain actionable insights for strategic e-business transformation. Case study validation across diverse companies demonstrates that the DX-MI provides reliable, practical measurement. It offers clear pathways for managers to strategically optimize their DX investments and enhance e-business performance, thereby serving as a valuable tool for organizational development and competitive positioning.