Sport Management and Development
Nazanin Rasekh; Mostafa Afshari; Saeed Jafari
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to conduct a comparative structural-functional analysis of Iran’s university sports system, identify existing gaps in relation to international models, assess its convergence with global trends, and propose a transformation and development framework.Methodology: Using ...
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Objective: This study aimed to conduct a comparative structural-functional analysis of Iran’s university sports system, identify existing gaps in relation to international models, assess its convergence with global trends, and propose a transformation and development framework.Methodology: Using an exploratory mixed-methods design, the qualitative phase involved content analysis of 32 documentary sources and two Delphi rounds with 11 experts to develop a conceptual framework consisting of three main domains (structure and governance, resources and support systems, and events and participation) and twelve sub-dimensions. In the quantitative phase, a researcher-developed questionnaire was administered to 25 university sports managers and experts to assess performance gaps and the level of convergence with international standards. A comparative analysis of ten selected countries was conducted based on Bereday’s comparative model.Results: The findings revealed that, despite considerable internal capacities, Iran’s university sports system encounters structural and operational challenges, including insufficient approved organizational positions, unequal distribution of sports facilities, legal shortcomings, and excessive centralization. The greatest performance gap was identified in financial resources, whereas the smallest gap was observed in procedural dimensions. Overall, the level of system convergence with international standards was assessed as moderate to low. The results further indicated weak integration among system components and inadequate alignment between organizational structures, resource allocation, and functional processes, limiting the effective utilization of existing capacities.Conclusion: The proposed transformation framework is based on three strategic directions: restructuring governance mechanisms, ensuring sustainable resource development, and improving the quality of participation. The key strategies include shifting from a highly centralized governmental model toward a semi-decentralized governance structure, diversifying financial resources, strengthening human capital, and enhancing technological capabilities. Developing an efficient university sports system in Iran requires redefining institutional responsibilities, establishing inter-organizational coordination mechanisms, and creating a flexible yet integrated governance framework capable of addressing diverse institutional needs while preserving national coherence.
Nazanin Rasekh; Hamid Gasemi; Salah Dastoom; Saeed Jafari; Somayeh Rahbari
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to systematically analyze the context and system of attracting and maintaining support and charity to women's sports in Tehran province.
Methodology: The research method was qualitative and thematic analysis. Research information was extracted from human resources ...
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Objective: The aim of this study was to systematically analyze the context and system of attracting and maintaining support and charity to women's sports in Tehran province.
Methodology: The research method was qualitative and thematic analysis. Research information was extracted from human resources (experts and specialists) and information resources (documents, articles, plans, organizational, academic and related media reports). The sampling method was purposive (based on specific criteria). Sampling estimates were also based on theoretical saturation (96 information sources, 26 interviews).
Results: The results showed that the concepts extracted from the interview and theoretical study were framed in 310 components (first coding), 44 categories (second coding), 17 sub-themes and 8 main themes (third coding). The eight levels of the conceptual model included the context, the level of capacity, the level of challenge, the level of system, the level of division of labor and cooperation of organizations, the level of process management, the level of strategies and the level of consequences.
Conclusion: Based on the results of the research, it can be said that the process of attracting and maintaining supporters and benefactors to sports was affected by the environmental background and structural capabilities, and it requires the adoption of appropriate strategies and inter-organizational cooperation in order to take advantage of the capacities and adjust the challenges to achieve the expected results.
