Typology of Critical Factors in Smart Resource Configuration in Iran’s Electricity Industry

Abbas   Maroufi; Mohammad Pasban; Mojtaba  Ramazani

Authors

Abbas Maroufi Department of Management, Ta.C., Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7900-9160
Mohammad Pasban Department of Management, Ta.C., Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran Corresponding author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5283-8508
Mojtaba Ramazani Department of Management, Ta.C., Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5275-4830

Keywords:

smart resource configuration, Iran’s electricity industry, typology, multiple grounded theory.

Abstract

This study aimed to design and present an interactive model of the factors affecting smart resource configuration in the electricity industry in order to develop a coherent understanding of intelligent organizing processes, using a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative). The population of the qualitative phase consisted of senior experts actively engaged in the electricity industry as well as specialists from various relevant scientific fields related to smart configuration. The statistical population of the quantitative phase, which was used to validate the qualitative model, consisted of 381 senior experts and managers in the industry who were selected through convenience sampling. The findings of the qualitative phase identified the factors affecting smart resource configuration in the electricity industry in the form of 2 overarching themes, 14 subthemes, 56 directed codes, and 943 indicators (guiding points), which were obtained through the review and synthesis of the interviews and the integration and categorization of the corresponding codes. The findings from model validation also confirmed the model using confirmatory statistical analysis. Finally, practical recommendations were proposed based on strengthening the underlying elements required to enhance the smart resource configuration model, grounded in the Theory of Constraints, within Iran’s electricity industry.

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