Religion & Communication

Presenting a cultural policy-making model based on effective drivers in university virtual education

Document Type : Scientific-Research Article

Authors

1  Department of Cultural Policy, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, I.R.Iran

2 Department of Cultural Management and Media Managemen, Science & Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Cultural Policy NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This article designs a futures-oriented cultural policy model for virtual education in universities. It proposes a proactive framework to anticipate challenges and minimize crises by incorporating stakeholder input. While virtual education is a key driver for sustainability and complements traditional systems, especially in crises, it raises concerns about preserving the university's social identity in the digital realm, particularly socio-culturally. The model addresses the tension between globalized education and specific cultural requirements, aiming to provide a structured approach for effective policy-making in this evolving field.
This research is developmental-applied in terms of its purpose and its nature is descriptive-exploratory. In this regard, with the assistance of a panel of experts through in-depth and semi-structured interviews, effective drivers were identified with the help of the interaction structure impact analysis method and the Mic-Mac software. Based on the results obtained, a cultural policy-making model was designed using the SSM (Soft Systems Method) method based on complex interactions between factors, attention to the multiple stakeholders of the virtual education system in the university, the conflict between the globalization of virtual education and Iranian-Islamic cultural requirements, and drastic technological changes. This model has been designed based on a process model in 5 stages, the first stage being prediction, prescription, and decision-making regarding cultural policies in accordance with current and future needs, the second stage being the formation and selection of policies, the third stage being the implementation of policies, the fourth stage being the ex post evaluation of policies, and the fifth stage being the adjustment, modification, or stabilization of policies. This model, while maintaining relative comprehensiveness, rationality, common sense, and attention to stakeholders, is a simple concept that firstly focuses on the limits and pitfalls of policymaking in universities, secondly on the place of virtual education in universities, and thirdly on effective trends and drivers in the field of policymaking.

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Main Subjects

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Religion & Communication
Volume 32, Issue 2 - Serial Number 68
religion and communication
January 2026
Pages 821-862