Design and Validation of an Innovative University Model in Iraq Universities

Objective: The present study was conducted to design and validate an innovative university model in Iraq universities. Methodology: This research adopts an exploratory sequential mixed-method approach (quantitative and qualitative). The study population in the qualitative phase included key experts, faculty members, and university administrators, while in the quantitative phase, it comprised all faculty members and administrators of Iraq universities. The qualitative sample included 10 participants selected through purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved, while in the quantitative phase, 385 participants were randomly selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis with coding, resulting in a model designed with 5 dimensions and 79 items. Findings: For model validation, a questionnaire was initially designed, and after assessing face and content validity, 10 questions were removed, leaving 69 questions. The results indicated that all questions had a factor loading above 0.4, convergent validity above 0.5, reliability for both criteria (Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability) for all dimensions above 0.8, and acceptable discriminant validity. Ultimately, the model fit index exceeded 0.36, suggesting strong validity, reliability, and model fit. Conclusion: Policymakers and planners can utilize the findings of this research as a guide to strengthen and develop universities, transforming them into innovative universities.