Search results

1 – 10 of 80
Article
Publication date: 9 May 2016

Alireza Jahani, Peyman Akhavan, Mostafa Jafari and Mohammad Fathian

Knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) is a tedious and repetitive process. A challenge for the effective use of KDD is understanding and confirming its results derived from the…

Abstract

Purpose

Knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) is a tedious and repetitive process. A challenge for the effective use of KDD is understanding and confirming its results derived from the harmonized process. To exploit the advantages of agents’ application, this paper aims to propose a conceptual model based on a multi-agent system (MAS) to control each step of the KDD process.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports the empirical findings of a survey conducted among academic and industrial sectors in Tehran, Iran. In this survey, the participants answered a questionnaire about the main factors of designing a suitable model for the KDD process based on MAS. The factor analysis reveals important insights of previous models developed by various researchers.

Findings

This research uses the survey results to find six critical success factors, continuity in refinement and improvement; learning and acting concurrently; loosely or tightly coupled approach for using technologies; cooperative, dynamic and flexible environment; documentation and reporting; and extracting and evaluating knowledge intelligently, for a proper conceptual model of the KDD process based on MAS.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model reflects all aspects of the KDD process by applying the intelligent agents for each process steps. In addition, this research only considers the Iran society; hence, it cannot be generalized to other nations, and it may need further research in other countries and to be implemented in real-world business domains.

Originality/value

This research helps organizations to adopt a proposed model and implement a KDD process to advantage the valuable knowledge that exists in their data resources.

Details

VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, vol. 46 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5891

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 May 2023

Mostafa Jafari, Mohammadreza Parsanejad and Mahshidsadat Makki

The basic purpose of this study is to increase the installation rate of mobile games and their life cycle. Little research has been conducted into the competitive market of mobile…

Abstract

Purpose

The basic purpose of this study is to increase the installation rate of mobile games and their life cycle. Little research has been conducted into the competitive market of mobile games and word-of-mouth (WOM), advertisement and quality simultaneously. In this paper, the authors aim to assist developers with a better understanding of how to invest in the game industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The primitive modeling has been made based on the Bass diffusion model and its extensions using features related to the game industry. Modeling and simulation have been performed using the system dynamics method.

Findings

The results show that if game developers only focus on advertising at the introduction of the game to the market, and neglect quality features, uninstall rate of adopters increases and the game life cycle decreases. And if developers only focus on the quality improvement of the game, and ignore advertisement, they couldn't create enough WOM and thus game installation wouldn't grow enough to create revenue. Furthermore, as long as the pleasure of the game is high for its adopters, developers shouldn't give up on investing in advertising to create even higher WOM. And also in communities with higher levels of variety-seeking among game players, quality is important at the start and advertisement is vital in the following steps of the game life cycle. And if the contact rate among people is high, developers could focus on quality more than the advertisement.

Originality/value

Even though WOM in mobile game installation is crucial, fewer studies have been done in this area and they only address the problem using qualitative or statistical methods. The quantitative system dynamics approach based on the Bass diffusion model, used in this research, fixes the shortcomings of the previous studies. Moreover, due to serious competition in the mobile game industry, only those developers can remain in the market who can predict the future trend of the game market. Furthermore, game development is a creative process and its key factors include engaging the gamers and monetizing.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 February 2018

Sama Khanmirzaee, Mostafa Jafari and Peyman Akhavan

Science parks play an important role in development of technology and are able to stimulate economic growth of the countries. The purpose of this paper is to study the role that…

Abstract

Purpose

Science parks play an important role in development of technology and are able to stimulate economic growth of the countries. The purpose of this paper is to study the role that science and technology parks (STPs) play in growth of knowledge-based economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Key factors affecting the competitive advantages and the World Bank indicators resulting in knowledge-based economy were displayed in the form of a questionnaire which was examined by experts. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate main factors and sub-factors of competitive advantages of the institutions, including aspects of human resources, research and development and technology transfer, facilities, market development and to assess the main criteria of knowledge-based economy known as pillars of the overall economic performance, the institutional regime and economic incentives, innovation system, education and information technology and communications.

Findings

The obtained results from the study on competitive advantages were evaluated and analyzed by using SPSS software and the results of the review on development of knowledge-based economy were modeled by SmartPLS software with partial least squares method. Eventually, the obtained model was tested and analyzed.

Originality/value

This study is an original contribution to the theory of STPs and knowledge-based economy. It was initiated to examine the role of STPs in development of knowledge-based economy and presentation schematic model.

Details

World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-5961

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 October 2017

Mostafa Jafari and Hamid Reza Zarghami

Regarding the important roles of creativity and innovation for accomplishing innovative missions in aerospace industries, this study aims to explore the impact of a three-month…

Abstract

Purpose

Regarding the important roles of creativity and innovation for accomplishing innovative missions in aerospace industries, this study aims to explore the impact of a three-month TRIZ (an engineering problem-solving toolkit) training workshop on enhancing three important creativity- and innovation-related characteristics of employees in Iran aerospace industries.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-month TRIZ educational program was run. Three standard questionnaires were used for assessing creative thinking (CT), need for cognition (NFC) and interest in work innovation (IWI). From different scientific sectors of aerospace industries, 290 participants took part in completing pre- and post-test questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed by the related statistical methods (the sign test, correlation analysis and descriptive statistics).

Findings

The results indicate that the TRIZ training workshop directly enhanced CT, NFC and IWI scores, and that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between these characteristics. Also, the results of the correlation analysis of these variables and the demographic features of the participants shed light on interesting facts that can be used for decision makers and researchers of aerospace industries.

Research limitations/implications

This study opens a new way for further research in the analysis of the impact of problem-solving techniques on improving creativity and innovation in aerospace and other high-tech industries.

Originality/value

This paper may be of high value to researchers in creativity and innovation fields in the high-tech industries, including the aerospace industry. This study further facilitates decision-making by enhancing inventive problem solving in these industries. It gives valuable information and guidelines that hopefully will help managers to consider the important issues during TRIZ toolkit establishment in their organizations.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 89 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 October 2014

Peyman Akhavan, Behin Elahi and Mostafa Jafari

This paper aims to empirically explore the effects of intellectual capital (IC) on supplier selection (SS) and, consequently, investigates the consecutive impacts on an Asian…

1402

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically explore the effects of intellectual capital (IC) on supplier selection (SS) and, consequently, investigates the consecutive impacts on an Asian automotive supply chain performance (SCP).

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-oriented survey obtained from top managers and expert employees from three different Asian automotive industries, all of which exist in the same supply chain, was utilized for factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The findings indicate that some dimensions of IC containing human capital, relational capital and structural capital sufficiently influence evaluation and selection of optimal suppliers which lead to more efficient performance of the supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

First, as the research analyzes the findings extracted from three important Asian automotive companies which exist in the same supply chain, the results may not be applicable to other industries in different countries. Second, gathering data from other elements of the supply chain like wholesalers and retailers could enrich the research conducted. Besides, more advanced statistical methods could be utilized to evaluate the regression equations and SEM.

Practical implications

With a comprehensive view on IC that takes into account its creation, protection and utilization, IC plays an essential role in selecting and assessing optimal suppliers which enhance competitive advantage, especially in knowledge-based organizations. IC will also increase the SCP efficiently and effectively.

Originality/value

This study develops an integrated knowledge model for a SS issue based on IC, and focuses on the effects of its various elements. It offers assistance to managers who tend to select optimal suppliers effectively.

Details

Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues, vol. 7 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-7983

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 June 2007

Mostafa Jafari, Mohammad Fathian, Peyman Akhavan and Reza Hosnavi

The main purpose of this study is to explore knowledge management and learning features in some Iranian small and medium‐sized enterprises.

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to explore knowledge management and learning features in some Iranian small and medium‐sized enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was designed, applied and then analyzed using statistical methods. The results discuss various perspectives from the knowledge management point of view, and provide some important findings and a regression model to show the essential issues of the subject.

Findings

The learning factor was assumed as a dependent variable to carry out regression analysis with four factors: training; interactive participation of employees; flat structures in SMEs; and CEO support and commitment. The statistical analysis determined the four factors as important issues in the regression model. The results also showed that there is no relationship between organizational size and the need for knowledge management.

Practical implications

Most SMEs in Iran are still traditional. Their school of thought belongs to the industrial age and their efforts are not aligned to the knowledge era's requirements. Today's changes dictate a new model of thinking as a basic requirement. SMEs in Iran have to restructure their way of thinking towards a knowledge‐based paradigm for competitiveness and survival.

Originality/value

This study is probably the first to provide an integrated perspective of exploring knowledge management through Iranian SMEs. It gives valuable information and guidelines that hopefully will help SME leaders in decision making in the KM area.

Article
Publication date: 10 July 2007

Mostafa Jafari, Peyman Akhavan, Jalal Rezaee Nour and Mehdi N. Fesharaki

This paper aims to discuss the essential issues of knowledge management adoption, in order to establish a knowledge management program in Iran Aerospace Industries Organization…

1681

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the essential issues of knowledge management adoption, in order to establish a knowledge management program in Iran Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has identified critical factors of knowledge management through Iran AIOs based on a comprehensive review of recent literature. For this purpose, a questionnaire was designed, applied and then analyzed by some statistical methods. The results discussed various perspectives from the knowledge management point of view, and provided some critical factors and a regression model for showing essential issues of subject.

Findings

The statistical analysis determined eight factors as critical issues in this large‐scale case study. These factors are “team working and KM features,” “leadership and commitment of CEO,” “appropriate organizational infrastructure,” “pilot, benchmarking and KM systems,” “job enrichment and security,” “culture, change management and strategy,” “collaborative and flexible organization” and “training and learning.” The overall results from the case study were positive as well, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the suggested regression model.

Research limitations/implications

The extracted factors can act as a guideline for KM adoption in the organizations. This helps to ensure that the essential issues are covered during design and implementation phase of KM program. For academics, it provides a common language to discuss and study the factors crucial for knowledge management.

Originality/value

The paper may present high value to researchers in the knowledge management field and to practitioners involved with KM program in the organizations. This study further provides an integrated perspective of critical issues for KM adoption in the high‐tech industries including the aerospace industry. It gives valuable information and guidelines that hopefully will help the leaders to consider the important issues during knowledge management establishment in the organization.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 79 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 January 2010

Mostafa Jafari, Jalal Rezaeenour, Peyman Akhavan and Mehdi N. Fesharaki

The objective of this paper is to develop a model for planning and establishment of knowledge management (KM) strategy in one of the Iranian Sub‐stream Aerospace Industries…

6332

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to develop a model for planning and establishment of knowledge management (KM) strategy in one of the Iranian Sub‐stream Aerospace Industries Organization to improve company's performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This research tries to use multi‐method approach by integrating balanced score card, which is a renowned strategic management approach, and Nonaka and colleagues' knowledge creation process (socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization model), which is a well‐known knowledge creation and conversion model, being adopted as the foundations of strategic knowledge management model (SKMM).

Findings

The analytical approach identifies eight issues as critical success factors of the knowledge strategy map in this case study. The overall results from the case study are positive as well, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the suggested SKMM model.

Research limitations/implications

SKMM can be used to help forward the plan, establishment and evaluation of KM strategies and initiatives. This helps to ensure that the essential issues are covered during design and implementation phases of KM strategies.

Originality/value

This paper further provides an integrated perspective of KM metrics in high‐tech industries including the aerospace industry. It gives valuable information and guidelines that hopefully will help leaders to consider important issues during performance measurement of KM strategies in organizations.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 82 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 January 2007

Mostafa Jafari, Peyman Akhavan, Mehdi N. Fesharaki and Mohammad Fathian

The main objective of this paper is to develop a knowledge management (KM)approach in Iran aerospace industries based on the findings through the analysis of successful practices…

21289

Abstract

Purpose

The main objective of this paper is to develop a knowledge management (KM)approach in Iran aerospace industries based on the findings through the analysis of successful practices in KM area.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study technique has been used in this paper for data collection and analysis. For that, “grounded theory” research approach has been selected by which the collected data from successful organizations in KM adoption are categorized and analyzed. The extracted concepts were deployed in Iran aerospace industries to present a KM approach through benchmarking.

Findings

The overall results from the case studies analysis were positive, thus reflecting the appropriateness for benchmarking. The extracted concepts clarify how to develop KM approach in an organization. This approach has been applied in a large case study in Iran and is supported by practical implementation in Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO), one of the most important high‐tech industries in Iran.

Practical implications

This paper provides a helpful roadmap for practitioners in implementing KM through out the organizations and especially in large‐scale ones. This helps to ensure that the essential issues are covered during design and implementation phase. For academics, it provides a common language for them to deploy a KM approach in the organizations.

Originality/value

This study is probably the first to provide a benchmarked integrated KM approach based on the critical success factors extracted by analysis in a multi case study research. This study further opens up new lines of research and highlights implications for KM efforts through benchmarking. It gives valuable information and guidelines which hopefully will help the leaders to deploy KM in their organizations.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 79 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2008

Peyman Akhavan and Mostafa Jafari

The purpose of this paper is to show that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in national economies.

1180

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in national economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper shows that we are experiencing a new kind of economy in recent times known as the “knowledge economy” which considers knowledge as the main resource of organizations for innovation and competitiveness.

Findings

The paper finds that considering SMEs as the microelement of a society or macro economy, knowledge management is crucial to drive them towards becoming learning organizations and to achieve sustainable competitiveness.

Originality/value

The research results in this paper can help SME leaders to understand the knowledge management dimensions that will move their organizations towards becoming learning organizations, and is especially relevant for developing countries.

Details

Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, vol. 22 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7282

Keywords

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