Identifying and leveling the factors affecting Higher Education based on Industry Needs in Islamic Azad University

Subject Areas :

Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi Kia ¹ , Mohammad Naghi Imani ^{2 *} , Alireza Mohammadinejad Ganji ³

1 - PhD student, Educational management, Islamic Azad University, Damavand Branch, Damavand, Iran
2 - Associate Professor, Department of Educational Management, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Counseling, Azad Islamic University, Rodhan Branch
3 - Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Management, Faculty of Psychology, Azad Islamic University, Karaj Branch

Received: 2023-12-05 Accepted : 2023-12-27

Keywords: Azad University, Higher Education, Industry Needs, Interpretive Structural Modeling,

Abstract :

The industrial development is directly related to its knowledge and skills. Therefore, improving the capabilities of graduates is a critical issue for any national higher education system. In this regard, the training provided is necessary in accordance with the requirements of the labor market and industry. Effective engagements between industry and higher education can play a vital role in training competent graduates who are able to start new businesses and create jobs.The purpose of the present study is to identify and level the factors affecting higher education based on industry needs in Islamic Azad University. The research method is applied in terms of purpose, and from the point of view of collecting data, it is of mixed type. The sampling method is purposeful in both qualitative and quantitative sections. The statistical population included the faculty members of Islamic Azad University, the Damavand branch, and managers and activists of industries in Damavand city. In the qualitative section, the data collection tool was a semi-structured interview, and in the interpretive structural modeling section, the main data collection tool was a questionnaire. The results of the qualitative part showed that twelve factors include employability skills training, curriculum development, industrial partnerships, educational planning and development, entrepreneurial, legal and legal culture, government support, policymaking, finance, infrastructure, HR policies development, Educational and research policies have an impact on higher education based on industry needs in Islamic Azad University. Based on the results of interpretative structural modeling, the most dependence was in the variables of HR development policies and educational policies. Meanwhile, the industrial partnerships had less dependence and the highest role.