Journal of Theoretical and Applied Information Technology 31 st March 2018. Vol.96. No 6 © 2005 – ongoing JATIT & LLS ISSN: 1992-8645 www.jatit.org E-ISSN: 1817-3195 1633 CRITICAL FACTORS INFLUENCING EFFECTIVE OF ICT RESOURCES AND CAPABILITIES HANY MOHAMED, ADAMU ABUBAKAR, AKRAM ZEKI Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 53100 Malaysia E-mail: elhoby@gmail.com, adamu, akram@{iium.edu.my} ABSTRACT Substantial research on the importance of strategic Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources and capabilities for higher institution has mainly focused on developed countries. The results of these studies may not hold for developing nations and in particular, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). To address this gap, this research therefore, builds on theory of DeLone and McLean to examine the strategic links between the success of effective utilization of ICT Resources and ICT Capabilities of KSA higher institutions. Quantitative research methodology has been used. The study was conducted in a KSA context from a sample of 68 higher institutions. Nine main hypotheses were formulated and tested. Analysis of the data provided support for all the nine main hypotheses, except for relationship between “User Involvement and Effective utilization of ICT resources and capabilities Keywords: Hardware; Software; Data; Network; ICT human capabilities. 1. INTRODUCTION Information and communication tools aided efficient learning in most higher institutions around world. Effective utilization of these tools is crucial [1]. The stakeholder involves (students, instructors and administrative staff) in managing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools can get down to understanding policies and all means necessary in making best use of ICT resources [2]. In this way, ICT resources management ought to be made more open to instructors and students. This requires the availability of human resources capable of overseeing the implementation of the setup tools and rules [3]. As a result both ICT resources and capabilities are key issues when it comes to effective utilization of ICT tools. It might be in teaching where instructors are able and capable to utilize ICT for their own proficient advancement. The utilization of ICT for training is currently observed worldwide as both a need and an open door. ICT resources involves computer hardware; computer software; data, and network. These are further elaborated to includes a computer services; communications services and wired and wireless communications equipment. ICT capabilities refer to human capabilities. Within the context of this research on utilization of ICT in the educational process, it refers to ICT human capabilities. Considering the use of ICT tools in education in Saudi Arabia, there are a lot of issues in terms of utilization. The stakeholders in higher institution, with the quality and accreditation units, encouraged the use of value instructive approaches with ICT tools for higher education. These instructive quality framework prompts to enhance standard and great administration [2]. Many developed nations had gained an immense ground in the levels of the utilization of data and correspondence innovation in training. Unfortunately, utilization of ICT in Saudi Arabia higher institution, demonstrate that there is still a considerable measure to be improved. The most crucial issues outline, lies with the data utilization. This is because it is a vital and powerful element of spreading information. Previous research studies have identified that utilization of ICT tools in education dwells on: Use of it; ICT Policy in Education; Attitude of students and Instructors with ICT in Education; The Impact of ICT on E-Learning; ICT resources and capabilities in Education [4-7], even though many applications of ICT has been seen in different area [7]. There is little research attention given to the interaction of ICT resources and capabilities on a theoretical success approach. Therefore, this study builds on information systems success theory and proposed an empirical evaluation of the degree of utilization of ICT resources and capabilities in Saudi Arabia’s higher institution. This is important because there is a need of research that will aid in promoting work environment in the workplace. This work is required to highlight and define the