Ebrahim Alimohammadi As; Alireza Bafandeh Zendeh; Houshang Taghizadeh
Abstract
The study aims to simulate the strategies of Islamic Azad University (Tabriz branch) during 2019- 2034 period through system dynamics approach. Based on research literature, student trend, physical resources, educational quality, human resources, research and publication and financial operation were ...
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The study aims to simulate the strategies of Islamic Azad University (Tabriz branch) during 2019- 2034 period through system dynamics approach. Based on research literature, student trend, physical resources, educational quality, human resources, research and publication and financial operation were considered as key effective variables in formulating the strategies. By using reliable theories in the field of problem-solving literature and experts' opinion, causal relations between variables have defined in the form of mathematical functions and finally simulated has been done. The scenarios were formulated and analyzed based on three main objectives, namely cost reduction, increase of revenue and educational quality development. Results show that by the implementation of downsizing scenario in Tabriz Azad University, the tuition rate of the university experienced a decrease of five percent. The second scenario show that if research budget experiences a change of 40%, non-fee revenues would grow 19%. The simulation of the third scenario revealed that, 25% increment of new investments in Tabriz Azad University leads to the growth of student attraction rate by 17% in long term. By considering results of three scenarios we could suggest that Tabriz Azad University should follow the two strategies of increasing research budget and making use of new investments.