Identification of the Current Status and Validation of the Outsourcing Model for Educational and Research Activities in Secondary Education
Keywords:
Outsourcing, Educational Activities, Research Activities, Secondary Education, Model ValidationAbstract
This study aimed to identify the current status and develop and validate a comprehensive outsourcing model for educational and research activities in secondary education in Tehran. This applied research employed an exploratory mixed-method design. In the qualitative phase, a systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews with 19 university professors and experienced education officials in Tehran were conducted using purposive sampling until theoretical saturation. Qualitative data were coded through thematic analysis with MAXQDA. In the quantitative phase, the population included all secondary school teachers in Tehran; 383 were selected through multi-stage cluster sampling. Two questionnaires—a researcher-developed instrument and a standardized model validation scale—were administered. Content validity and reliability were confirmed through expert review, content validity indices, and Cronbach’s alpha. Quantitative data were analyzed using one-sample t-tests, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling with SPSS and LISREL. Results indicated that the current state of outsourcing educational and research activities in Tehran’s secondary schools is slightly above the theoretical mean and considered acceptable (p < 0.01). The final model showed strong internal and external validity, with mean validation scores ranging from 4.10 to 4.65 and significance levels below 0.001. All model pathways—including causal conditions, core phenomena, strategies, and outcomes—were statistically significant and supported. Outsourcing serves as an effective strategy to enhance educational and research quality, reduce costs, and optimize resource use. The validated model provides a robust framework for educational policymakers and school managers to plan and implement outsourcing processes effectively in secondary education.
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