Development and Prioritization of Research Strategies of Iranian State Universities through Utilizing SWOT Analysis and Analytic Network Process

Utilization of strategic planning models is taken as the prevalent action among different departments of university. As an applied and descriptive study, this research aims at explaining and also prioritizing the research strategies at Iranian state university and is also aimed at facilitating the research affairs and managerial issues of university. For this purpose and in terms of statistical population, from among all research elites and experts affiliated to the case study university, 25 participants were selected as a sample population. This study was also conducted through administering a questionnaire among participants in order to collect required data for data analysis. To delve into this issue in this study and also in an attempt to explain research strategies at Iranian state university, SWOT model were run at the early stage of investigation. Thereupon, ANP analysis was also run to prioritize the enhancing factors affecting the research strategies including aims, criteria, sub-criteria and strategic options. The findings revealed that in terms of implementing strategic planning, SO strategies stood at the top of prioritization. Finally, in terms of enjoying the exploitation of upcoming opportunities, universities are expected to make their attempts to identify and also utilize their potential strengths.