Presenting a Comprehensive Index Model of Iranian Student's Satisfaction (Scope of the Study: the National Universities of Iran Region Seven)

Higher education system has been known as one of the most significant bases of development and progress of every society. As the most important inputs of this system, students play special role in transforming the destiny of the country. Regarding the increasing number of universities and the specific situation of the country in facing the national and international crises, nowadays researchers and managers in higher levels have paid more attention to attracting, satisfying and retaining the students. Despite some efforts undertaken, it has not been looked at seriously, so that Iran loses enormously, for leaving elite students (Brain Drain).Thus, the need to have a comprehensive plan, which would lead the organization's managers and strategists, is felt. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive model for the relationship amongst the students’ satisfaction indexes, and ultimately create loyalty. For this purpose, in this study by the combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, an Iranian students’ satisfaction Index model was constructed including a new way of building models. To do this, 384 questionnaires were distributed amongst five mother National Universities of region seven of Ministry of Science. Based on the results of the study, “perceived quality”, “image organization”, and "student relationship management" have the greatest impacts on the students’ satisfaction respectfully. Also, the "image organization", "students’ satisfaction" and "trust" were identified as the most influential factors in creating loyalty amongst the students.