Presenting a model of the competencies required by students based on the lived experiences of doctoral students

Abstract

Introduction: Today, higher education is considered one of the most fundamental pillars of the rise towards globalization. Skilled human resources are the main indicator of the progress and development of countries and are considered one of the most important factors of their power.

Method: The method of the present research was the model of the competencies required by students based on the lived experiences of international doctoral students and was carried out in the form of a mixed design. The mixed research method was exploratory. In the qualitative part, the phenomenological method was used and in the quantitative part, the descriptive-survey method was used. The scope of the research included all international doctoral students, who were 1200 people according to the statistics published by the university. In the qualitative part, they were selected using the purposive sampling method until theoretical saturation was achieved, and the tool for collecting findings was interviews. Also, the statistical population in the quantitative part was all international doctoral students, who were selected based on the Cochran formula as a sample size and random sampling method. The data collection tool in the quantitative section was a researcher-made questionnaire (consisting of 5 components) that was designed based on the findings of the qualitative section and the literature on the subject. The mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the data.

Findings: Based on the results obtained in the qualitative section, 5 comprehensive themes of scientific abilities (including research skills, interdisciplinary knowledge and language skills), social skills (including intercultural communication, teamwork, networking), adaptation to the environment (including cultural compatibility, respect for laws, familiarity with the educational structure), management skills (including project management, time management, team leadership) and personality development (including creativity and innovation, problem solving, critical analysis) were extracted and a researcher-made questionnaire with 45 questions was extracted.

Discussion: Officials and guardians of doctoral students in international relations should strive to promote and enhance the missions and goals of this important educational and training institution with careful planning and allocation of necessary resources and financial credits so that we can witness the realization of strategic goals for international doctoral students.