THE SWOT INTERNAL and EXTERNAL STRATEGIC ANALYSIS of EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS of ISLAMIC AZAD UNIVERSITIES in NORTH WEST of IRAN

Abstract

This study aimed to perform the SWOT Internal and external strategic analysis of extra-curricular programs of Islamic Azad Universities in North West of Iran. This was a descriptive case study. The population consisted of all physical education managers and extra-curricular managers of Islamic Azad Universities in North West of Iran (N=36). Due to limited population, all 36 managers were selected as sample. The data were collected through interview, questionnaire, library content, and literature review. The researcher-made questionnaire consisted of 50 questions about strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of extra-curricular programs of Islamic Azad Universities in North West of Iran. Its validity was confirmed by a number of experts; also, its reliability was confirmed by using Cronbach's alpha (alpha = 96%). After collecting the data, the factors were ranked. The descriptive and inferential statistics such as Mean Comparison and Friedman test were used for analyzing the data.

Based on findings, the extra-curricular programs of Islamic Azad Universities in North West of Iran have 16 weaknesses, 11 strengths, 12 threats, and 11 opportunities. The strategic position was determined to be in WT in SWOT matrix. The organizations which determine WT strategies are defensive; they aim to reduce internal weaknesses and avoid threats of external environment. After determining strategic position, the WO, WT, SO, and ST were developed.

Keywords

• Strategic Planning,SWOT Analysis,Extra-curricular Programs,Islamic Azad University