Document Type : Original Article

Authors

• Zahra Moradi Dehsefid ¹
• Gholamreza Heidari ²
• saleh Rahimi ²

¹ M. A in Knowledge and Information Science, Social sciences and education college, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

² Associate Professor of Knowledge and Information Science, Social sciences and education college, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to assess the thematic alignment of graduate theses produced within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Education at Razi University with the pressing issues and developmental needs of Kermanshah Province, based on the expert perspectives of faculty members.
Methodology: The research employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative content analysis with qualitative survey research. In the first phase, a total of 308 thesis titles were systematically analyzed and categorized based on general and specific thematic areas. In the second phase, the study gathered the perspectives of 21 faculty members through semi-structured interviews, which focused on their perceptions of the province’s primary socio-economic challenges, their personal research agendas, and their experiences with community-based scientific activities.
Findings: The study identified findings across three distinct axes: the thematic patterns of theses, faculty perceptions of regional challenges, and a comparative analysis between research topics and provincial priorities. Results reveal fields such as Information Science, Social Sciences, Entrepreneurship, Counseling, and Psychology demonstrated the highest level of thematic alignment. Conversely, disciplines including Economics, Political Science, and Accounting exhibited the lowest degree of alignment with regional issues.
Conclusion: According to faculty members, many graduate theses are still disconnected from real-world, problem-oriented societal needs. To enhance the university’s contribution to regional development and effectively fulfill its social responsibility, graduate research agendas must be reoriented toward the actual needs of the province.
Value: This article is derived from a master’s thesis at Razi University, and no similar research has been conducted in this field to date.

Keywords

• Thematic Alignment
• Graduate Theses
• University Social Responsibility
• Kermanshah Province
• Razi University

Main Subjects

• Sociological and Anthropological Dimensions of Data, Information and Knowledge Studies