Presenting a Conceptual Model of Institutional Research Office for the Medical Universities of Iran: A Case Study

Abstract

Background: The office of institutional research (IR) is an efficient part of universities and is responsible for guiding academic research. IR plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of higher education and universities through targeted research. Objectives: The present study aimed to propose a conceptual model of IR for the medical universities of Iran. Methods: This qualitative case study was performed on experts and managers at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran. 10 subjects were selected via purposive sampling, and data were collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews, text mining, and observation until reaching theoretical saturation. The validity of the research was confirmed based on Lincoln and Guba's evaluative criteria. The retest and inter-coder reliability of the interview texts and documents were confirmed at 0.85%, and 0.81 and 0.79, respectively. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis. Results: We developed a model consisting of four inclusive themes, including: information authority, spin doctor, policy analyst, and scholar and researcher. Furthermore, the proposed model had 17 organizing and 71 basic themes. Conclusions: Our model with themes and organizing could be used by the medical universities of Iran to guide the measures taken to establish an IR office in these institutions.