Promoting Administrative and Financial Processes of Management and Medical Informatics School of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences by Action Research Methodology

Background and Objectives: Administrative and financial affairs are one of the most important activities in any organization. Determining the processes related to these affairs is necessary. Therefore, the present research was designed and implemented to improve the administrative and financial processes of Management and Medical informatics school of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences by action research methodology. Material and Methods: This was a qualitative study with action research approach. After understanding about the lack of transparency and time consuming of administrative and financial processes, it was planned to resolve this problem. The correct form of the processes was determined and presented after reviewing the jobs description, interviewing with personnel and drawing the flowchart of the administrative and financial processes. Then, an evaluation was done by selecting 20 percent of the processes and examining personnel’s performance and timing. Results: Current situation analysis showed that administrative and financial processes are done mainly based on individual experience and interest. The lack of coordination with school's educational and research timetable prevents timely performance of tasks. After taking action research steps, 49 processes were identified and documented. (accounting: 13, secretariat: 2, public affair administration: 7, staffing: 16, property: 7, and procurement: 4). The results of the evaluation showed that 97% of the processes were in accordance with the standard and the time spent on implementing the processes was reduced between 30% to 100%. Conclusion: Action research, as part of a collaborative process between researchers and process owners promoted administrative and financial processes. In order to increase the readiness level of the financial department of the faculty and coordination with the education and research departments, adjusting the administrative and financial calendar at the beginning of the year predicting the action time before receiving the request receipt of the units was suggested.