The Strategies of Post-COVID Age in Iranian Higher Education: A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

In the present study, the strategies of Iranian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the post-COVID era have been considered. The research approach is qualitative and phenomenological, and accordingly, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 samples from two groups of chief executive officer and faculty members. Thematic content analysis method was used to analyze the qualitative data. The results showed that the strategies and guidelines of the higher education system in the post-COVID era include (1) Facilitate and promote domestic and international cooperation, (2) Attracting public support (3) Use of various teaching methods and (4) Develop the competencies of the faculty members are recommended. Therefore, in Iranian HEIs, it is necessary for university management in the post- COVID era to be prepared to advance its goals, and based on the circumstances, to prioritize the review of educational, research and executive methods. The study contributes to the understanding of the university management in the post-COVID era, giving evidence of the magnitude of the impact of management in the crisis condition, which led to a deeper understanding of the international cooperation needed to protect us. In the four strategies, this study improves current knowledge regarding university management in the post-COVID era.