Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 PhD Student in Sport Management, Department of Sport Science, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
2 Bo.C., Islamic Azad Univercity, Borujerd, Iran
3 Associate Professor of Sports Management, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to design an Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) of the key factors for the success of the Iranian sports delegation at the 2028 Olympics. This research was an exploratory mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) study that employed Fuzzy Delphi, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) techniques. The statistical population consisted of the country's sports elites, from which a panel of 34 experts was selected using purposive sampling. The validity of research was confirmed through the expert panel and Guba & Lincoln's criteria, while its reliability was established by achieving consensus in the Delphi rounds and using a fixed screening threshold (0.7). Content analysis, Fuzzy Delphi, ISM, MICMAC analysis were utilized for data analysis. After identifying 183 initial factors and screening them, the findings led to the identification of 74 final factors, which were categorized into 15 main factors. The final model revealed a five-level structure, with "Integrated Executive Management" positioned at the most foundational level (Level 5) as the most influential driver. Factors such as "Efficient Planning" and "Financial Resource Provision" were located at the middle levels, while factors like "Performance Monitoring" and "Psychological Support" were at the highest level (as outcomes). MICMAC analysis identified "Integrated Executive Management" as the key independent factor. It is concluded that success of Iranian sports in the Olympics is a hierarchical system in which the stability and efficiency of macro-level management are the root and main prerequisite for effectiveness of other operational and support factors, and any strategic policymaking must begin from this point
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