Developing an effectiveness evaluation framework in higher education curricula: A strategic approach

In this research, from a new perspective of higher education curriculum studies as an interdisciplinary field, it has been tried to present a framework of evaluation of curriculum effectiveness based on a strategic approach. The research method was a qualitative case study. In this regard, with using a targeted approach and applying the theoretical saturation criterion, open interviews was conducted with 17 faculty members in the field of curriculum from some universities of Iran. The data obtained analyzed with using Nvivo software and through thematic analysis and then clustered in three basic, organizing and global themes and thematic network were organized. The results of the analysis showed that, a matrix within the dimensions of the effectiveness of the curriculum of higher education (internal, external and institutional) and strategic approach (strategic orientation and strategic action) was formed. Then the effectiveness evaluation of higher education curriculum (global theme) including dimensions of internal effectiveness- strategic orientation, internal effectiveness- strategic action, external effectiveness - strategic orientation, external effectiveness- strategic action, institutional effectiveness- strategic orientation, institutional effectiveness- strategic action (organizing themes) that each of which was found to have different dimensions (basic themes).