Identification of the Constituent Elements of Educational Services in Iranian Higher Education Institutions
Keywords:
Educational services, higher education quality, tuition policy, educational equity, university governanceAbstract
This study aims to systematically identify the constituent components of educational services in Iranian higher education institutions to enhance quality, efficiency, and educational equity. An exploratory mixed-method design was employed using document analysis of higher education regulations and financial reports, comprehensive literature review, and in-depth semi-structured interviews with higher education experts in Tehran, followed by qualitative content analysis and systematic coding. The findings indicate that educational services are organized around three core structural domains—direct educational functions, support and infrastructure services, and research–innovation functions—and that service valuation and tuition determination result from the interaction of actual instructional costs, service quality, institutional reputation, economic conditions, and regulatory constraints, with a hybrid policy model of progressive tuition, deferred payment, and targeted subsidies emerging as the most appropriate framework for Iran. Identifying the multidimensional structure of educational services provides a fundamental basis for reforming quality assurance, financing strategies, and governance of higher education and contributes to institutional sustainability and educational justice.
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