Policymaking, Smart Policymaking, Islamic Azad University

Subject Areas : human resource management

HOSSEIN MAHDI ROKNABADI ¹ , Mohsen ameri shahrabi ^{2 *} , maryam adibzadeh ³ , neda nafari ⁴

1 - Department of Management, North Tehran, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 - Department of Management, North Tehran, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3 - Department of Management, North Tehran, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
4 - Department of Management, North Tehran, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Received: 2025-06-02 Accepted : 2025-07-16 Published : 2025-08-06

Keywords: Smart policymaking, management and planning, higher education, training and development, ,

Abstract :

Background and Objective: Currently, higher education institutions are contending with numerous challenges, including concerns related to academic quality, strategies for securing financial resources, and graduate unemployment. To address these issues effectively, the implementation of intelligent and well-informed policymaking is recommended. The primary objective of this research is to conceptualize smart policymaking within the context of Islamic Azad University.

Research Method: This study was conducted employing a descriptive-analytical approach through the utilization of content analysis methodology. Data collection was carried out via documentary review and semi-structured interviews with twenty-seven experts, employing theoretical sampling until achieving theoretical saturation. The participant cohort comprised senior and top executives from the Ministry of Higher Education, the Islamic Azad University, and other relevant institutions. Data analysis was performed using open coding, axial coding, and selective coding techniques. The Promethee method was applied to establish the ranking of the components.

Findings: The results indicated that five components—namely, Smart Management and Planning, Smart Quality and Evaluation, Smart Human Resource Training and Development, Smart Participation and Transparency, and Smart Research and Innovation—are integral to the successful implementation of smart policymaking. Among these, Smart Human Resource Training and Development was identified as the most critical component. Additionally, data-centric and technology-centric elements were posited as fundamental principles underlying this approach.

Conclusion: The proposed methodology may serve as an effective framework for the reformulation of educational policies and programs within higher education institutions.

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