Statistical Modelling for Pandemic Crisis Management in Universities

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explain the crisis management model of agricultural faculties in pandemic conditions. This descriptive-correlation research was conducted using a survey method. The staff and teachers of the agricultural faculties from universities in the Tehran province (493 people) constitute the statistical population of this research. Using Cochran's relationship and the size of the statistical population, the number of samples was estimated to be 240, and the samples were selected using the stratified random sampling method. The main tool of this research was a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability were tested and confirmed. In order to analyze data and test research hypotheses, structural equation modeling with a partial least squares approach and PLS Smart software were used. The results showed that formulation of laws and policies with a path coefficient of 0.137, diversification of financial resources with a path coefficient of 0.323, development and strengthening of infrastructure with a path coefficient of 0.245, communication with a path coefficient of 0.102, and human resources management with a path coefficient of 0.363 have significantly positive impacts on the pandemic crisis management, which directly explained 84.8% of the changes related to the variable of pandemic crisis management in the university. Moreover, pandemic crisis management at the university has a positive and significant effect on the sustainability of higher education with a path coefficient of 0.453, and it has the ability to predict 20.5% of changes in the sustainability of higher education.