حسین عباسیان

The current research aimed to identify the linchpin components for school principals. In the current study, the researcher used the qualitative method of cornerstone content analysis based on the research objective and problem. The research field was formed by all schools’ principals in Tehran. The purposive sampling method was used to select research participants. To collect data, non-reactive measures (various documents such as articles, books, research results of others, reports, etc.) and semi-structured interviews with key informants were used. At the beginning of the interview, general explanations about the research and its objectives were presented to the interviewee and then the interview was started. The purpose of the researcher conducting these interviews was to identify the development’s linchpin components and their symptoms. The duration of each interview was between 30 and 45 minutes; the ideas raised during the interview process were noted down. Qualitative data were analyzed by using the three-step inductive thematic analysis method of Clarke and Braun (2006). In the inductive thematic analysis where there are logically no pre-defined themes, patterns are revealed during the analysis by placing open codes or similar sub-themes within a main theme. Also, to check the validity of the obtained findings, qualitative validation criteria of "validity" and "reliability" as well as "external audit" were used. The findings showed the 13 components to develop the linchpin components of school principals: network communication; strategic planning; collaborative/interactive/ leadership and management based on collective wisdom; expertise and deep knowledge; critical thinking and problem-solving; creativity and innovation; developmental thinking (self and others); (boundary) breaking structure; ethics/professional ethics; insight and inspiration; acceptance of differences and the uniqueness of humans; generosity and the art of work and emotional connection

The present study was conducted with the aim of designing a model of professional competencies of vocational school principals with an open innovation approach and its validation. Qualitative research is a classic foundation data type. Participants include 20 experts and the director of the conservatory, purposefully sampled and interviewed in a semi-structured manner. The data are encoded using MAXQDAv2020 software, and the researcher has used the Strauss and Corbin acceptance indicators, the technique of visit by members and the self-review approach for validation of the research model. The findings show that the model of professional competencies of the directors of technical and vocational schools with open innovation approach includes 9 main competencies and 20 sub-competencies as follow: social competencies (cultural competence, social responsibility); Cognitive competencies (self-confidence and self-assurance, perfectionism and professional development); Specialized competencies (technical, scientific and functional competencies); Knowledge competencies (general level knowledge, basic level knowledge and professional level knowledge competencies); Attitudinal competencies (systemic thinking and problem solving strategy competencies); Personality competencies (self-awareness and independence, positivity and realism); Communication and networking (competence to establish external and internal communications); Developmental competencies (advocacy for IT, transformation and change management); Strategic and leadership competencies (goal-oriented and planning competencies). The listed methods for validating the model show that it has the necessary validity. The findings of this study provide implications for training and improving the directors of vocational schools in accordance with the identified professional competencies.

INTRODUCTION: The quality of education and accreditation of universities, institutions, and educational centers has always been of great concern to many groups, including managers, officials, students, parents, and employers, in the past hundred years. The purpose of current research is to design the accreditation model of applied science higher education institutions. METHODS: This qualitative research was conducted using qualitative content analysis. Its statistical population includes articles, documents, and all the key informants of applied science higher education institutions in Tehran. A total of 21 key informants were selected using the purposive and snowball sampling method and maximum diversity technique. The data were collected by semi-structured interview, observation, review of documents and scientific texts and analyzed by using MAXQDA-2022 software and weighting of factors, criteria, and indicators with the Shannon entropy method and prioritization with RANK function in Excel. FINDINGS: The results demonstrated that after weighting and prioritizing, the final research model included 33 factors, 101 criteria, and 704 indicators. There are 27 input factors, 4 process factors, 1 output factor and 1 outcome factor. CONCLUSION: The current accreditation model was prepared in accordance with the conditions of applied science higher education institutions using domestic and international experiences with a systemic approach (input, process, output, and outcome) in the form of factors, criteria, and indicators and can be used by the University of Applied Science and Technology.

The research was conducted with the aim of identifying the drivers and obstacles for the professional development of elementary school principals. The current research is qualitative study. The statistical population was the principals of public elementary schools. Using the purposeful snowball sampling method, 22 school principals from the education districts of Tehran were selected as a sample, and the theoretical saturation of the data was observed in the interview of the 20th person. A semi-structured interview was used as a tool. The data was analyzed by theoretical coding (Open, axial and selective coding) according to the answers provided to the three research questions. In the review of the current situation of the professional development of principals, 5 components were obtained, regarding factors affecting the professional development of Principals, 9 components were obtained, and in the review of obstacles to the professional development of Principals, 3 components were obtained. Based on the results of the research, it was found that the principals of educational institutions are facing issues and problems, which, by solving them, helped the professional development and capabilities of the principals. Finally, professional development indicators were presented in 5 scientific, skill, organizational, personal and cultural-social sectors.