A Network-Based Causal Performance Evaluation Model for Iranian Sports Federations Based on the Balanced Scorecard and DEMATEL

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to develop a network-based causal performance evaluation model for Iranian sports federations based on the Balanced Scorecard and the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. In terms of methodology, this study is classified as a descriptive–analytical research design. It is descriptive because it seeks to collect comprehensive and factual information regarding the phenomenon under investigation, and analytical because multi-criteria decision-making techniques were employed to conduct realistic, accurate, pairwise comparisons and to incorporate the subjective judgments of experts in determining causal relationships as well as the significance coefficients of indicators and sub-indicators. The statistical population of the study consisted of two sections. The first section included experts and specialists from sports federations, as well as academic and organizational experts and specialists who were selected through convenience sampling. The second section consisted of managers and employees of the sports federations under study (810 individuals). In the first stage, due to the limited size of the expert population, a census method was employed; therefore, no sampling procedure was required. In the second stage, stratified sampling based on Cochran’s formula was used to examine the performance status of the selected sports federations. According to the formula, the sample size was initially estimated at 284 individuals. However, considering the unlimited population assumption and based on the Morgan Table, 200 participants were ultimately selected. Accordingly, the final sample size for the study was determined to be 200 individuals. In the first phase of the research, the performance evaluation model of sports federations was identified. In the second phase, the identified indicators were refined. The indicators extracted in the first phase were categorized and presented to the experts through a questionnaire designed on a five-point Likert scale. Subsequently, based on the opinions of university professors and experts, the indicators were positioned within the perspectives of the Balanced Scorecard framework. The indicators that obtained the highest scores from the experts were selected as the principal and influential indicators affecting performance and productivity. In the final phase, the performance status of the organization under study was evaluated according to the extracted criteria and sub-criteria. At this stage, in order to measure the values of the sub-criteria, a combination of data collection instruments, including actual data and four researcher-developed questionnaires administered to employees using a five-point Likert scale, was utilized. Microsoft Excel software was used to perform the DEMATEL calculations. After conducting the mathematical calculations associated with the DEMATEL technique, the internal and external relationships among the examined factors were ultimately calculated using the total relation matrix. Following the formation of the decision network, pairwise comparisons among the factors were conducted. Subsequently, the weights and significance of each factor were determined using the Analytic Network Process (ANP) technique and Super Decisions software.