Identification and Prioritization of the Strategic Planning Components in Virtual Learning (A Qualitative Study in the Virtual Faculty of Isfahan University)

Abstract

Introduction: The strategic planning is the key to survive in the competitive world, to adapt to the new era, to think and operate globally, and to find better opportunities. The aim of the present study was to Identify and prioritize strategic planning components in the Virtual Faculty of Isfahan University.Materials and Methods: The research was a qualitative, case study. The statistical population consisted of all managers, assistants and experts at the Virtual School of Isfahan University, among whom 22 were selected, using purposive sampling method. Semi-structured interviews whose validity and reliability were verified by professionals of the field were used to collect the required data. The data were analyzed, using categorization method through the NVIVO software version 7.Results: The results showed that the following elements, strategic thinking (category of logistics documents) with 91 percent, educational information system (category of saving time) with 90.9 percent, rethinking (category of beliefs and values)with 82 percent, restructuring (category of coordination of compiled programs) with 89 percent, and recreation (category of comprehensive assessment) with 95.45 percent were significantly important in strategic planning. Furthermore, the field analysis (SWOT) showed that the identification of organizational strengths with 86.36 percent were the most important factor in the development of virtual education. Conclusion: Considering the need for change in virtual learning programs, the virtual education planners and managers’ knowledge of and familiarity with the basic concepts, attitude and new approaches of strategic planning is essential for the achievement of the expected goals, accountability to the existing problems and the establishment of an efficient educational system.