Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Department of Sports Management, Sh.C, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
2
Department of Sports Management, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Background and Purpose
The Fundamental Reform Document of Education in Iran, as the primary reference for developing educational policies and strategies, emphasizes the balanced and comprehensive development of students as the nation’s human capital. This document considers physical health and student well-being as core components of development and underscores the necessity of enhancing physical education and health programs. In the section pertaining to higher education, specific responsibilities are outlined to improve students’ physical readiness.
However, in recent decades, lifestyle changes toward physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and excessive use of modern technologies have led to alarming increases in obesity, sedentary behaviors, and musculoskeletal problems among children and adolescents. Schools play a crucial role in modifying lifestyle behaviors and raising family awareness about the importance of physical activity. Although the physical education curriculum has the potential to institutionalize an active lifestyle among students, its implementation faces challenges such as shortages of qualified personnel, insufficient educational resources, poor infrastructure, and inadequate support from school administrators and families.
Despite recent efforts to develop sports facilities, the per capita sports space available to students is approximately 3.4 square meters, which falls below global standards (Razavi et al., 2014). In response, the Ministry of Education has launched the “Martyr General Soleimani Project,” aimed at developing 2,100 sports facilities in underprivileged areas. This study aims to identify and prioritize the factors influencing the success of this project within the educational system.
Materials and Methods
An exploratory mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative research was employed. The qualitative phase involved identifying and exploring factors affecting the effectiveness of the Martyr General Soleimani Project. Fifteen experts with advanced degrees, relevant experience, and backgrounds in sports facility supervision and research were purposively selected to ensure valid and meaningful insights. Demographic data included gender distribution, education levels, professional experience, and educational roles.
The quantitative phase targeted planners and implementers related to the project. Using Cochran’s formula for sample size determination in unknown populations, a minimum of 384 participants was needed; ultimately, 423 valid responses were collected. A questionnaire based on qualitative findings was designed, employing a five-point Likert scale comprising 37 items. Following expert review by ten sports scientists and reliability testing, the instrument demonstrated high reliability (α = 0.95). Data collection involved library research for literature review, alongside interviews and questionnaires in the field.
Descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and second-order factor analysis, were performed using SPSS version 26 and Smart PLS 4.
Findings
Qualitative data gathered from semi-structured interviews—a suitable method for complex, unstructured topics—were analyzed through multiple transcript reviews and conceptual coding. Thirty-seven open codes emerged, which were classified into six core themes: organizational, school-related, community-related, student-related, teacher-related, and standardization factors. For example, under the organizational theme, elements such as alignment with the Fundamental Reform Document, development of sports infrastructure, and policy implementation monitoring were emphasized.
Quantitative exploratory factor analysis assessed sample adequacy and inter-variable relationships. The six factors accounted for over 45% of total variance, with high factor loadings indicating their strong influence on project success. The second-order factor analysis identified 27 sub-factors contributing to effectiveness. The finalized model exhibited strong internal consistency and construct validity. Student-related factors exerted the greatest influence on project effectiveness, followed by school-related and organizational factors, underscoring the importance of strategic physical activity planning in educational settings.
Conclusion
This research developed a comprehensive model encompassing 37 key indicators across six main dimensions: organizational, social, student-related, school-related, teacher-related, and standardization. Student-related components had the most substantial effect, particularly in optimizing sports facilities for underserved areas, aligning with the project’s goal to expand infrastructure. School-related findings emphasized the need to enhance physical education quality and increase student engagement, alongside professional oversight and service improvements.
Organizational factors highlighted curriculum planning, equitable facility access, and resource monitoring. Findings resonated with existing literature, revealing infrastructure disparities especially in disadvantaged regions. Social and teacher-related dimensions also proved critical, involving improvements in student physical and mental health, social interaction, and empowerment of physical education teachers.
Finally, the study emphasized coordinated actions by the Ministry of Education and the implementation of structured evaluation mechanisms to sustainably improve educational sports facilities, thereby promoting public health and physical participation among students.
Keywords: Education, Effectiveness, Martyr Sardar Soleimani’s Plan, Sports Spaces.
Article Message
Developing sports facilities within the educational system—particularly in underprivileged regions—plays a vital role in improving students’ physical and mental health, and in enhancing the effectiveness of physical education programs.
Ethical Considerations
At all research stages, informed consent was obtained, and participant confidentiality was maintained. The study complied fully with ethical guidelines governing human research, upholding scientific integrity, impartiality, and respect for participant rights.
Authors’ Contributions
All authors actively participated in study design, data collection, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.
Conflict of Interest
This research was conducted without specific financial support. The authors declare no scientific, financial, or professional conflicts of interest.
Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge the physical education experts, project officials, and all participants for their invaluable cooperation during the research process.
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