Multipurpose Universities: A New Development in Higher Education

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Ph.D. in Higher Education Management, Department of Management, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract
The present study aims to examine and analyze the concept and dimensions of the multi-purpose university as an emerging approach in higher education. This research is categorized as developmental in terms of its purpose and adopts a qualitative approach using thematic analysis for data collection. The study population consisted of faculty members and experts in higher education, educational management, psychology, and social sciences in Tehran in 2024. Using a purposive sampling method, 20 participants were selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a three-stage coding process in MAXQDA software. The findings identified 478 basic themes, 52 organizing themes, and 9 overarching themes during the open coding phase. The extracted model comprises the following dimensions: multidimensional education, applied and innovative research, entrepreneurial development and industry collaboration, responsiveness to societal needs and environmental concerns, technology and digital transformation, internationalization and cultural diversity, Islamicization and ethical training, effective management and governance, and interdisciplinary skill development. Integrating these dimensions can transform universities from solely educational institutions into multi-purpose entities with significant societal and global impact. Higher education policymakers and administrators can leverage this approach to enhance universities' responsiveness to evolving societal demands and strengthen their role in advancing sustainable development.

Keywords


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