A Conceptual framework for futurity oriented university planning

Considering worlds’ highly complex and competitive conditions and metamorphosis, Iran’s universities and higher education institutions resembling intelligent, self regulated and self guided organizations have no choice but to strategically drive their planning toward futures study. Foremost, futures study is an emerging epistemological platform and approach to the planning. In futures study alternative futures are being categorized in four possible, plausible, probable and preferred levels. Worlds’ leading universities placed the futures studies at the center of their planning. The purpose of this study was to obtain a conceptual and operational model for futurity at university settings. A descriptive/analytical and a qualitative research method was chosen for content analysis of texts, documents, academic experiences and expert consultations. Research domain was public universities excluding medical universities. Researcher made tools was utilized for content analysis and their validity was evaluated. In-depth, semi- structured and exploratory interviews with purposive sample of administrators were conducted to the point of data saturation. The method of analysis was qualitative content analysis of texts. Triangulation of findings led to a conceptual model. Validation of the model was tested by panels of experts and stakeholders. Research results included a conceptual model with three pillars, eight procedural loops and 12 guiding principles for foresight system at universities. Finally, driving forces and the factors shaping the future of Iranian university were identified.