fuzzy delphi method

The purpose of this study was present the mental model, identifying and ranking the mental model components of the sports companies managers in manufacturing sector of Iranian sports industry, using fuzzy Delphi technique. The present study is a combination (qualitative and quantitative), descriptive-analytic, and time-based research, which is applied in terms of purpose and is a field research, in terms of data collection. The statistical population of the study includes the managers of companies producing Iranian sports equipment, according to statistics announced through the official website of the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Trade of the country, 255 people (236 men and 19 women). The statistical sample was selected purposefully in the qualitative part and in the quantitative part by the total number method. In the qualitative part, fuzzy Delphi method was used and in the quantitative part, exploratory factor analysis and structural equations were used. Findings showed that the components of mental ability, mental involvement, mental history and psychological characteristics have an explanatory role in shaping the mental model of managers. Other findings showed that the highest rank is related to mental ability and the lowest rank is related to mental conflict. Therefore, managers can use their mental ability to solve the company's problems.

Objective of present study is prioritizing Olympism education approaches regarding cultural and educational criteria of our country. Regarding method, this study is descriptive-analytical and regarding purpose, is practical study. First of all; for determining the criteria of study, fuzzy Delphi method and then the TOPSIS method were used to weighting teachers' opinion. The study population included two groups: 15 physical education experts that have research experience on Olympic, and 300 physical education teachers. Five criteria included knowledge resources, cultural factor, financial resource, efficiency and hardware equipment selected by experts as important criteria. And regarding these criteria's, life based approach that weighted 0/804 was the most important approach and experience based approach that weighted 0/733 was less important than other approach. Between educational methods, combination of values with social challenge of students and educating social issues by using athletes' experiences had higher priority. Regarding that Olympic education is a new issue in the world, knowledge resources was the most important criteria to choose educational approaches and method. Life based approach was first priority that show the great need to change traditional education system and become more relevant with modern education systems. Also combination of social life with Olympism education and physical education make the educational method more efficient.

Choosing the best coach requires identifying critical criteria or characteristics for leading the team. Therefor the purpose of this paper was based on 2 subjects; determining critical criteria of choosing a coach and selecting the best coach for sport teams.
For achieving the research goals; at first, based on library studies, 20 criteria were identified as coach selection criteria. Then by using Fuzzy Delphi method and seeking other's opinion with a five Likert scale questionnaire from 32 masters and the PHD students of physical education of university of Guilan and based on Pareto rule, 11 criteria which achieved scores more than 0.8 were identified as critical criteria. According to 11 critical criteria and 3 coaching alternatives, final questionnaire was prepared and distributed among five decision makers on coach selection in Guilan's Damash Sports Club. After gathering the data, it was analyzed by TOPSIS technique.
After identifying and determining critical criteria such as technical, managerial and leadership, psychology-mental, social, communication, sports and motivational skills, initiative and intelligence, background and personality characteristics, a decision structure was designed in three levels and accordingly a selection process was carried out by using developed TOPSIS MADM technique. Results showed that the first option was selected as the best coach. The proposed approach minimizes subjective judgment in selecting coaches. It also can assist club's decision makers and managers to identify and determine the critical criteria before coach selection.
This approach also helps the decision makers to better select the best coach of the sports team by considering several criteria and options. Also, the suggested research methods could be used in other sports.