Identification, compilation, and validation of indicators and dimensions of rankings of universities and institutions of higher education

This study aimed to identify, compile and validate the dimensions and indicators of rankings of universities with regard to the opinions of higher education experts, university professors and students. Data was collected and analyzed in two quantitative and qualitative steps. In the qualitative phase, 20 experts in the field of higher education were interviewed individually and in form of focus groups. During the analysis of qualitative data using open, axial and selective coding, 148 indicators out of 9 criteria were identified. In the quantitative section, with the participation of 360 students and professors, a questionnaire was carried out that had been set based on the Likert scale of adjusted indicators. The confirmatory factor analysis, convergent and diagnostic validity were used to assess the validityof the research tools and internal consistency,Cronbach's alpha andcomposite reliability index were used for validation. The research results showed that the made tools have an acceptable validity.