Abstract
introduction
universities play a significantly important role in the development of societies.
Furthermore, they have always been exposed to internal and external changes. Therefore, they are required to adapt themselves to the environment and its conditions in order to meet the needs and realize the values of society. In this regard, Universities of Medical Sciences across the country have attempted to manage their paradigmatic transition to entrepreneurship in order to synchronize with global trends. so, this study aimed to evaluate the futures faced by the higher education system in Iran in the move toward third-generation universities and globalization, using the scenario planning approach.
Methods
In this research, a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods were used, in three phase: I: Identifying the variables affecting the future of medical education, II: Finalizing Key Factors for Prediction and Building Scenarios (Future Estimates), Phase III: Building the Future (Scenario-making)
Results
Five factors, which had high impact and possibility of occurrence, were selected as the final key factors in the movement of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences toward the third-generation university. A: The ability of the system to funding the university B: stabilization of long-term policy-making towards the realization of third-generation university C: the cultural and attitudinal infrastructures of university D: Status of hardware (equipment) and software (educational contents and processes) infrastructures in this regards.
Conclusion
Four compatible scenarios was extracted using the Scenario Wizard Software. 1. quick move toward the third-generation universities 2. opening the wing of e-learning and virtual schools 3. turtle movement 4. alert of moving backward to first-generation universities. It seems that a proper and principled policy-making for moving toward third-generation universities is an essential goal, hence the future of this path must be clarified and a joint vision must be created.
Structural Requirements of the Third-Generation University: The Case of Medical Sciences Universities in Iran
