the strategic plan of iranian medical sciences universities: from theory to practice*

introduction: a strategic plan provides the context for improving organizational performance by accurate, extensive, and in-depth identification and analysis of interior and exterior environments. this study was performed to develop and execute a strategic plan at the medical sciences universities of iran. methods: this analytical and cross-sectional study was performed in 2012-2013. the study population was selected through systematic random and quota sampling and consisted of the vice-chancellery of health of 13 medical universities. in the selected universities, all managers and experts were interviewed trough census method. the data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire including 8 individual and organizational questions and 6 questions on the formulation, implementation, evaluation, and effectiveness of strategic plans. the validity and reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed. the data were analyzed in spss software using the related statistical tests with the significant level of α > 0.05. results: from the point of view of 267 managers and experts, the participation level of administrators and managers in the formulation of a strategic plan was 2.9 ± 1.4, from a total of 5 scores. the level of informative content and objectives of the strategic plan was 2.8 ± 1.3. the level of assurance of managers and experts was 2.6 ± 1.22. the level of alignment of the strategic plan with the operational plan was 3.2 ± 1.2. the level of evaluation and revision of the strategic plan was 2.3 ± 1.2. the level of its effectiveness was 2.5 ± 1.1. there was a significant difference between the formulation, implementation, evaluation, and effectiveness levels of the strategic plan and university types (p > 0.05). conclusion: this study showed that the level of alignment of the strategic plan with the operational plan was average, and the rest of the factors were lower than average. therefore, it is recommended that in the future revision of the strategic plan, intervention programs be designed and implemented.