Dimensions of the Academic Value Co-Creation Model with an Emphasis on Fifth-Generation Universities in Islamic Azad University Branches of Mazandaran Province
Keywords:
Academic value co-creation dimensions, fifth-generation university, Islamic Azad UniversityAbstract
The purpose of this study was to identify the dimensions of the academic value co-creation model with an emphasis on fifth-generation universities in the branches of Islamic Azad University in Mazandaran Province. This applied study employed a qualitative approach using the Delphi method. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 academic experts (professors and associate professors) who were purposefully selected from various branches of Islamic Azad University in Mazandaran Province. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis with an inductive approach. The initially extracted indicators were reviewed in several stages and reduced to 103 final indicators, which were then used to develop a questionnaire with high reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.982). Subsequently, Exploratory factor analysis was used to validate the model structure. The findings revealed 13 key dimensions that constitute the academic value co-creation model: joint production, knowledge sharing, collaboration and participation, university interaction, innovation and creativity, satisfaction, quality of academic services, loyalty, entrepreneurship, sustainable development, branding, environment, and human development and civilization-building. Together, these factors explained a considerable proportion of the total variance (68.160% after rotation). This model can serve as a strategic roadmap for policymakers and university administrators to facilitate the transition toward fifth-generation universities, regional sustainable development, and a knowledge-based economy through the active participation of all stakeholders.
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