Future Research of Strategic and Key Drivers of Educational Sports of Islamic Azad University in 1414

Subject Areas : Sport Sciences Quarterly

Amirabbas Lashgari ¹ , Tayebeh Zargar ² , Meisam Allahmoradi ³

1 - department of Physiology , Tehran medical science Islamic Azad university , Tehran, Iran.
2 - Assistant Professor of Physical Education and Sport Science Department, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3 - assistant profossor of physical education and sport scince , islamic azad university, Baneh Baranch , Banh , iran

Received: 2024-11-06 Accepted : 2025-02-02 Published : 2025-12-11

Keywords: future research, educational sports, sports administration, Islamic Azad University.,

Abstract :

Educational sports hold a significant position within the formal education system, from preschool to university levels. The quality of programs and policies developed by senior administrators of Islamic Azad University plays a critical role in enhancing the overall educational system. This study aimed to identify the key future drivers of educational sports at Islamic Azad University in Iran using a foresight approach. The research was applied in purpose, descriptive-analytical in method, and explanatory based on futures studies methodologies. The statistical population included line and operational managers as well as experts from the university’s Sports Administration, with 20 individuals selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through a literature review and expert interviews and analyzed using MICMAC software. Findings revealed 24 influential factors shaping the future of educational sports at the university, among which four—efficient management, university policies, sports infrastructure, and financial resources—were identified as the most critical and uncertain. Based on these results, it is recommended that university decision-makers prioritize these key drivers in strategic planning and resource allocation. Furthermore, institutionalizing a foresight-oriented mindset and continuously monitoring environmental changes can facilitate the sustainable development of educational sports at the university level.

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