Students’ empowerment model: An approach to the establishment of gen-3 and 4 universities

Abstract

In spite of the vast applications of the empowerment models, its dimensions and factors for higher education are still relatively unclear. This paper aims to provide an empowerment model for students with the approach of establishing the 3 rd and 4 th generation universities in the higher education sector of Iran, providing the necessary foundations for empowerment of human and social resources of the universities. This research utilizes documentary research and Fuzzy Delphi technique for filtering the dimensions and factors of the subject. From the 181 identified factors, 44 factors selected for Fuzzy Delphi technique. The statistical group of study consists of 15 experts. The survey has been conducted in four stages and the results of each stage are filtered via the Fuzzy Delphi method. Eventually, the student's empowerment model is designed in 4 dimensions and 20 factors, and is proposed as an empowerment model for the students in Iran's higher education tiers. It helps the universities with analyzing the current circumstances and undertake optimizations based on successful experiences.