Research on Educational Sport

A Lean Management Model for Enhancing Iran's Physical Education and Sports Science Education System

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D student of Sports Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University

2 Associate Professor of Sports Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University

3 Associate Professor of Sports Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University

4 Associate Professor, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Tehran

Abstract
Background and Purpose
One of the critical factors contributing to the improvement of quality in universities and educational institutions is the elimination of errors and inefficiencies. In the context of lean management, these inefficiencies are referred to as "Muda." Muda represents activities that consume organizational resources and assets without adding any value, thereby preventing value creation or causing delays in its production. To effectively move toward a lean approach, it is essential first to distinguish between activities that add value and those that do not, i.e., the muda.
Given the rapid pace of scientific advancement in the country and the limited financial resources available to support researchers’ scientific efforts, higher education officials face the pressing need to enhance the quality of the educational system in universities. This enhancement requires eliminating waste and fluctuations within the educational system to establish a solid foundation for overall improvement in university performance and the efficient utilization of resources.
The physical education and sports science education system constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of higher education in the country, responsible for training specialized professionals in sports science. According to information published by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology in 2022, approximately 50 universities across the country possess the necessary conditions to admit students into physical education departments and train specialized personnel in this field. It is clear that the training of specialized personnel in these higher education centers is subject to legal structures and performance standards.
This study aims to identify and address the issue of waste and losses in the educational processes of physical education faculties that affect the quality improvement of educational services within the sports science field. By presenting a conceptual model and applying it as a method for continuous improvement and optimization, this study seeks to facilitate educational processes in physical education faculties. Recognizing the waste present in the educational system, changing the mindset of human resources, culture, and value system in process structures, and replacing activities that do not add value with new, value-creating processes will enable universities to focus their energy on real, productive activities. This focus will lead to increased efficiency through accelerated processes, enhanced quality, improved services, and reduced costs.
 
Methods
The current research adopts a qualitative approach and is grounded in the systematic methodology of Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory. Data collection was conducted through documentary analysis and nominal group interviews with experts. The target population for interviews included professors and experts in sports management, educational planning, experienced sports instructors, and students from various sports science disciplines.
Initial interviews began with 10 participants and continued until theoretical saturation was reached, ultimately involving 16 participants. A comprehensive review of all scientific articles and reports related to physical education and educational management was conducted. Given the limited research available on educational waste and its management, an examination of existing documents and literature was essential to inform the study. A total of 35 documents were analyzed during this process.
 
Findings
The research findings indicate that the effective factors in waste management affecting the effectiveness of the physical education and sports sciences education system in Iran can be categorized into four main groups:Preparing the Legal Environment: Establishing a robust legal framework that supports educational quality and waste management practices.Attracting and Nurturing Successors: Developing strategies to recruit and retain qualified personnel who can sustain and improve educational standards.Hardware Factors: Ensuring the availability and adequacy of physical infrastructure and technological resources necessary for effective education.Strengthening Educational Groups: Enhancing the capacity and cohesion of educational teams as a foundational factor for waste management effectiveness.
Additionally, the study identifies five main intervention factors that influence waste management in the educational system:Factors Related to Teachers and Students: Addressing the competencies, attitudes, and engagement levels of both educators and learners.Lack of Appropriate Evaluation Indicators: The absence of reliable and valid measures to assess educational quality and waste.Inappropriate Outputs of Sports Sciences Faculties: Mismatches between educational outcomes and the needs of the sports industry or society.Cultural and Social Factors: Societal attitudes and cultural norms that impact educational practices and priorities.Weak Inputs: Deficiencies in the quality and preparation of incoming students and faculty members.
The study further outlines five main strategies for managing waste in the physical education and sports sciences education system:Determining Job Competencies for Teachers: Clearly defining the skills and qualifications required for educators to deliver high-quality instruction.Formulating Educational Efficiency Indicators: Developing and implementing metrics to monitor and improve educational performance.Planning and Revising Educational Lesson Plans: Continuously updating curricula to reflect current knowledge, technologies, and industry demands.Creating Educational Motivation: Fostering intrinsic and extrinsic motivation among students and faculty to enhance engagement and performance.Strengthening and Supporting Teacher Creativity: Encouraging innovation and professional development among educators to improve teaching quality.
The consequences of effective waste management within the physical education and sports sciences education system are reflected in four key areas:Development of Motivation and Creativity in Human Resources: Enhanced enthusiasm and innovative capacity among educators and students.Time Management: More efficient use of educational time, reducing delays and redundancies.Educational Effectiveness: Improved quality of teaching and learning outcomes.Research Effectiveness: Increased productivity and impact of academic research in the sports sciences.
 
Conclusion
The qualitative model developed for waste management in the physical education and sports science education system in Iran is designed to assist managers and stakeholders in reducing waste and enhancing effectiveness. The model highlights the significant influence of student and faculty characteristics, as well as social and educational requirements, on the success of waste management initiatives in higher education.
Strengthening educational groups through the provision of adequate hardware and preparing a supportive legal environment for higher education and succession planning are critical components of effective waste management. However, waste management efforts will be limited without addressing intervening factors such as limited awareness among students and faculty, the lack of suitable evaluation indicators, and cultural and social challenges.
Implementing educational waste management practices leads to improvements in both educational and research effectiveness, better utilization of educational time, and increased motivation and creativity among human resources. Therefore, it is essential to consider the competence and qualifications of faculty members when selecting educators for physical education roles and to support their participation in waste management initiatives.
This approach will enhance educators’ motivation to deliver quality education and necessitates the revision and improvement of efficiency indicators and teaching plans. Based on the research outcomes, it is recommended to develop comprehensive indicators for educational efficiency in sports science, systematically plan and review educational course outlines, foster educational motivation, and support innovation among educators. These measures should be reinforced through ongoing educator retraining and the formal integration of waste management processes within educational and research activities at physical education faculties.
 Article Message
To enhance the effectiveness of Iran’s physical education and sports science education system, it is imperative to identify and manage factors contributing to educational inefficiency. Implementing targeted strategies at the levels of faculty, students, institutional structure, and society will foster continuous improvement and sustainable development.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Research on Educational Sport
Volume 12, Issue 36
September 2024
Pages 61-88

  • Receive Date 07 January 2024
  • Revise Date 17 May 2024
  • Accept Date 21 May 2024

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