PRIORITIES FOR CHOOSING SOFTWARE IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND LICENSING ISSUES

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of the article is the development of measures to select software to be used for teaching disciplines in higher education, taking into account its relevance, feasibility of use and licensing tools and opportunities to avoid risks (reputational, economic and legal) that may occur in case of infringement of the software owner’s copyright. Methodology of research. To substantiate the decision-making process on the purchase and legalization of copyright involved a method of comprehensive assessment of the weight parameters of the factors from list (1), which according to (2) calculates the relevance of software selection, ranking and ordering under conditions (3). The proposed method is based on the involvement of analytical and computational criteria and according to a certain specific sequence specified by the algorithm. Recognition of the degree of influence, i.e. the weight of current factors is based on expert surveys of specialists who teach disciplines, taking into account legal guarantees to avoid risks and financial capabilities of the institution, where you plan to use the ordered application and system software. Findings. 1. The need for more appropriate systematization of software according to the conditions of its use in the educational process is established. 2. The causes and consequences that should arise as a result of unlicensed use of author’s programs are analyzed. 3. The possibility of quantitative evaluation of software when choosing them is proved. 4. The mechanism of complex analysis with the use of expert-statistical consideration of current factors is substantiated. 5. The adequacy of the choice of software for educational and research tasks to be used in the teaching of academic disciplines, qualification work and professional training is guaranteed. 6. Minimize the possibility of reputational risks and substantiate the financial costs of purchasing the necessary programs. Originality. The expediency of using an integrated approach when choosing software is substantiated. These software tools are planned to be involved in the educational process of the educational institution, based on the calculation of quantitative criteria and their subsequent expert-statistical ranking, which contributes to the adequacy of decision-making. Practical value. Using the proposed approach to the process of organizational and managerial decisions of the management of the educational institution will prevent or significantly reduce financial costs, substantiate the practical feasibility of selecting and purchasing the necessary software and make it more efficient and appropriate in performing research tasks in general. Key words: program, license, user, risk, educational institution, choice, criterion, priority, academic discipline.