Journal of Strategic Management Studies

Journal of Strategic Management Studies

Designing a strategic model for improving the efficiency of Kermanshah province industrial towns company with a content analysis approach

Document Type : Research

Authors
Zohreh Kahrizi 1
Bijan Rezaee 2
Saba Amiri 3
1 Assistant professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, Economics and Accounting, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
2 Associate professor , Faculty of Social Sciences, Economics and Accounting, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Economics and Accounting, Razi University, Iran
10.22034/smsj.2025.543360.2187
Abstract
Introduction:
Industry, as a fundamental pillar of any country's economy, directly contributes to securing the livelihood and improving the quality of life of citizens. Today, the key role of industrial estates as a concentrated platform for diverse industrial activities in achieving comprehensive economic and social development is prominent. The roots of industrial estates go back to the 1890s and were formed with examples such as Manchester's Trafford Park. In Iran, the Industrial Estates Company is responsible for establishing and developing industrial infrastructures in accordance with the necessary standards throughout the country. Investigating key success factors allows managers and researchers to extract the main strategic elements in the competitive business environment that are vital for achieving organizational success. These success factors are defined as a set of environmental conditions and realities affecting the results of projects.
Methodology:
The research was conducted with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through semi-structured and targeted interviews. The main research questions included strategies to increase the efficiency and success of Kermanshah Province Industrial Estates Company and designing an optimal model to present these strategies. The qualitative part of the research included conducting in-depth, targeted, and semi-structured interviews with university faculty members with relevant expertise and experience, experts from Kermanshah Province Industrial Estates Company, as well as industry owners and business units located in the industrial estates of this province, along with reviewing relevant documents and texts. The interview process continued until theoretical saturation and data sufficiency were achieved. The data were analyzed using the content analysis method and through the coding and content analysis process (six stages of Brown-Clark content analysis). Reliability was confirmed with a kappa coefficient of 0.75 in SPSS software and validity was confirmed with researcher sensitivity and expert confirmation. The findings were confirmed with the opinions of three university professors and three industrial experts, and a pluralistic approach was used in the analysis. The criterion of trustworthiness was considered as an alternative to validity and reliability in this study.
Results and Discussion:
Analysis of 17 interviews resulted in the extraction of 104 initial codes, which, after integration, 42 basic themes were identified. Data related to these themes were systematically categorized into 13 organizing themes. Findings showed that these organizing themes are related to providing strategic solutions to increase the efficiency and success of Kermanshah industrial estate companies. Finally, key components were aggregated into five main categories and a final model of effective solutions to improve the efficiency and success of these companies was developed. Qualitative findings, including 42 basic themes in 13 organizing themes and 5 comprehensive themes, are dedicated to strategies for improving the efficiency and success of Kermanshah Industrial Estates Company. Comprehensive themes include systematically leading the organization with a knowledge-based strategic approach and utilizing specialized competencies to enhance capabilities and achieve sustainable goals, comprehensive and intelligent management of resources and development of key infrastructures, promoting strategic innovation in order to achieve sustainable development, continuous adaptation to dynamic environmental changes and promoting effective participation of key stakeholders, strengthening organizational culture and improving internal communications; a key strategy for increasing organizational cohesion and productivity. The results of this research have an impact on management decision-making and sustainable policy-making of Kermanshah Industrial Estates Company.
Conclusion:
In this section, based on theoretical foundations and background review, the research results were analyzed. The success of any project and organization is based on key factors such as comprehensive project management, precise scheduling, cost control, quality assurance, optimal utilization of human resources, facilitating communication, risk management, and continuous support, the coordination and integration of which pave the way for the realization of the organization's strategic goals. Also, entrepreneurship is considered an important factor in economic growth, and organizations that institutionalize an entrepreneurial culture well significantly increase their capabilities and opportunities for success. Active and voluntary participation of employees is also a sign of high commitment and motivation in achieving macro goals and continuously improving the workplace. Innovation and creativity, especially in industrial estate companies, play a fundamental role in maintaining and enhancing competitive positions in national and international markets as fundamental drivers in facing competitive challenges and creating sustainable competitive advantages. In this regard, strengthening and developing innovative capabilities in interaction with a comprehensive management system, dynamic entrepreneurship, effective participation of human resources, and strategic focus on regional capacities and advantages can provide a coherent and integrated framework for creating and maintaining competitive advantages and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and development. Therefore, the present study attempts to make an effective contribution to the richness of the theoretical and applied literature on strategic management in the field of industries and industrial estates by presenting an integrated, indigenous, and context-oriented model.
Keywords
Industrial development
Strategy
Performance improvement
Industrial estates company
Success
Subjects
1. Ab MaryaM, M. (2024). Location selection of industrial towns based on the East Azerbaijan Province spatial developMent plan in the central zone using the AHP Method (Master’s thesis). University of Tabriz, Aras International CaMpus. [In Persian]
2. Akbari, M., & Yazdani, N. (2024). The impact of dynamism and adaptability of marketing capabilities under competitive intensity on enhancing the export performance of commercial firms. Strategic Management Studies Quarterly, 15(60), 157-184. doi: 10.22034/smsj.2023.398163.1854. [In Persian]
3. Albert, M., Balve, P., & Spang, K. (2017). Evaluation of project success: a structured literature review. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 10(4), 796-821. doi: 10.1108/IJMPB-01-2017-0004.
4. Babaei, R., Kordbacheh, H., Feyzpour, M. A.(2021). Spatial Differences in Factors Affecting the Performance of Industrial Firms: A Case Study of Abbasabad and Shamsabad Industrial Parks in Tehran. Quarterly Journal of Economic Research and Policies, 29(97): 101-130. doi: 10.52547/qjerp.29.97.101. [In Persian]
5. Barney, J. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of management, 17(1), 99-120 . doi: 10.1177/0149206391017001.
6. Boyatzis, R. E. (1998). Transforming qualitative information: Thematic analysis and code development. Sage Publications, Inc
7. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using Thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative research in psychology, 3(2), 77-110. doi: 10.1191/1478088706qp063oa.
8. Eckert,F., Juneau, J., Peters, M. (2023). Sprouting Cities: How Rural AMerica Industrialized, AEA Papers and Proceedings, 113, 87-92. doi: 10.1257/pandp.20231075.
9. Elahi, S. M., Hosseini, S. M., & RahMani, M. (2024). Investigating the IMpact of Organizational Learning Strategies on Creativity, Innovation, and New Product PerforMance in SMall Industrial CoMpanies of the Capital Industrial Town. Industrial Management Studies, 22(73), 287-322. doi: 10.22054/jims.2024.79251.2912. [In Persian]
10. Fonseca, F., RaMos, R.A.R., da Silva, A.N.R., (2015). An agent-based Model to assess the attractiveness of industrial estates. Artificial Societies and Social Simulation. 18 (4), 1–13. doi: 10.18564/jasss.2893.
11. Gaffari Ghiandeh, A. , vazifeh, B. and Saeidi zaranji, S. (2023). Analysis and Modeling attractions in Ardabil - Phase 2 Industrial park for the location of Industrial Town using TOPSIS Method. Geography and HuMan Relationships, 6(2), 454-472. doi: 10.22034/gahr.2023.390196.1826. [In Persian]
12. GeMino, A., Horner Reich, B. and Serrador, P.M. (2021). Agile, traditional, and hybrid approaches to project success: is hybrid a poor second choice?. Project Management Journal, 52(2), 161-175. doi: 10.1177/8756972820973082.
13. GhaseMi, H. (2019). Identification and evaluation of critical success factors (CSFs) in coMpanies of industrial towns in West Azerbaijan Province (Case study: CoMpanies of industrial towns in West Azerbaijan Province) (Master’s thesis). Azarabadgan Institute of Higher Education. [In Persian]
14. GoMroki, F., Imani, A., & Zivdar, M. (2021). An Investigation of Organizational AMbidexterity Moderator Role in the Relationship between the Open Innovation and Entrepreneurial Orientation in Active SMall & MediuM Size Enterprises in (SME) Industrial Zone, Zahedan. Public ManageMent Researches, 13(50), 205-230. doi: 10.22111/jMr.2021.37638.5395. [In Persian]
15. Hassanpour, Gh. (2019). Investigating the IMpact of EMpowering Leadership on Business PerforMance of Active CoMpanies in Maku Industrial Park (Master’s Thesis). IslaMic Azad University, Maku Branch. [In Persian]
16. https://kerManshah.isipo.ir/
17. https://isipo.ir/
18. Jangi Zehi, M., Maleki, M. Reza., & Salmasnia, A. (2022). Assessment of Sustainable Development in Iran’s Free Trade-Industrial Zones. Strategic Management Studies Quarterly, 13(51), 227-244. doi:10.22034/smsj.2022.157951. [In Persian]
19. Karami, A., Griffits, G., Karami, H., & Younespor, Z. (2019). The impact of enterpreneurial orientation on the export performance of SMEs with the mediatienig role of learning Capabilities. International Business Administration, 1(3), 43-57. doi: 10.22034/jiba.2019.6684. [In Persian]
20. Khaki, M., Fathi, M., & Molaei, M. (2024). Analysis of environMental factors in the spatial structure of industrial towns in Alborz Province using the ELECTRE III Method. Geographical Research, 39(3), 269–277. doi: 10.58209/geores.39.3.269. [In Persian]
21. Khanifar, H. & MosleMi, N. (2016). FundaMentals Qualitative research Methods: new and practical approach. Tehran: Negahedanesh Publication. [In Persian]
22. Khazaeian, O., & Fattahi, A. R. (2023). Defense-security considerations with a passive defense approach in the design of industrial estates, Journal of Defense Preparedness and Technology, 6(1), 85–118. [In Persian]
23. Khosravi, F., Baradaran, S. (2019). Factors Affecting Project Success in Perlite Construction CoMpany. 14th International Conference on Project ManageMent, Tehran, Ariana Research Group. https://civilica.coM/doc/843651.
24. Laleh, A., Qarabiglou, H., RaMazani, M., & Iranzadeh, S. (2023). Identification and Evaluation of EMployer Brand CoMponents in Iran’s SMall Industries (A Case Study of Active CoMpanies in the Industrial Townships of East Azerbaijan Province). Strategic Management in Industrial SysteMs, 18(63), 79-97. doi: 10.30495/imj.2023.1963951.1786 [In Persian]
25. Madan, Poornima & Srivastava, Shalini. (2015). Employee Engagement, Job Satisfaction & Demographic Relationship: An Empirical Study of Private Sector Bank Managers. FIIB Business Review. 4(2), 53-62. doi: 10.1177/2455265820150210.
26. Mahdizadegan, F. (2021). Identifying key success factors of sMall and MediuM electronic businesses in the field of fashion and clothing during the COVID-19 pandeMic (Master’s thesis). KharazMi University. [In Persian]
27. Malesu, M.L., Syrovátka, P. (2025). Critical success factors for small and medium sized businesses: a PRISMA-based systematic review. Futur Bus, 11(1), 1-17. doi: 10.1186/s43093-025-00458-1.
28. Markaz MaleMiri, A. (2024). Pathology of industrial towns in Iran (2): ExaMining business obstacles in industrial towns (Report No. 19769). Monthly magazine of expert reports of the Islamic Consultative Assembly Research Center, 32(2) . 10.22034/report.2024.16801.1719. [In Persian]
29. Mintzberg, H. (1995). Strategic thinking as seeing; In B. Garratt (Ed), Developing Strategic Thought: Reinventing the art of direction_ giving: 67. London: McGraw– Hill.
30. MohaMMadzadeh, P., Abdi, H., Behboudi, D., & Beheshti, M.B. (2017). Key Factors Affecting the Success of Entrepreneurs Using Logit and Probit Discrete Models. Iranian Journal of Applied EconoMic Studies, 24(2), 153-175. doi: 10.22059/jte.2017.231081.1007555 . [In Persian]
31. Musyarofah, S.A., Tontowi, A.E., Masruroh, N.A., Wibowo, B.Sh. (2023). Developing Supply Chain Readiness MeasureMent Tool for The Manufacturing Industrial Estates. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and CoMplexity. 9(1), 1-21. doi: 10.1016/j.joitmc.2023.100019.
32. Nematizadeh, S., heydari, S.A., mirashrafi, M. (2021) Designing and presenting a model to assess the readiness of the Iranian Customs Organization to join the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Journal of Fiscal and Economic Policies. 9 (34) :53-76. doi: 10.52547/qjfep.9.34.53. [In Persian]
33. Nobakht, R., Fathi. S., Karimian, H.(2015). The Effect of Industrial Towns on Socio-economic Development in Iran (Case of Study: Tribal Regions in Masjid Soleiman) Iranian Social Development Studies, 1(7), 111-126. [In Persian]
34. Nyoni, T., & Bonga, W. G. (2018). AnatoMy of the SMall & MediuM enterprises (SMEs) critical success factors (CSFs) in ZiMbabwe: Introducing the 3E Model. DynaMic Research.1(2), 1-18.
35. Pakdeenurit, P., Suthikarnnarunai, N. & Rattanawong, W.(2017). Location and Key Success Factors of Special Economic Zone in Thailand. Marketing and Branding Research, 4(2), 169-178. doi: 10.33844/mbr.2017.60355.
36. Peraturan PeMerintah R.I. (2024). Peraturan PeMerintah Republik Indonesia Nomor 20 Tahun 2024 tentang Perwilayahan Industri.
37. Piryan Kalat, O., KaMkar ghorbanzadeh, R., ZaMani, P., & Ziari, K. (2023). Evaluating and identifying potential areas for the construction of Industrial parks in UrMia city. Journal of Geography and EnvironMental Hazards, 12(3), 217-245. doi: 10.22067/geoeh.2022.78283.1268. [In Persian]
38. Porter, M. (1980). Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance; and Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors. Free Press, New York. doi: 10.4324/9781912281060
39. Pourhanifeh, Hassan & Mazdeh, MohaMMad. (2016). Identifying the critical success factors of organization with Analytic Hierarchy Process approach (case study – Iran ArghaM CoMpany). ProbleMs and Perspectives in ManageMent. 14(4), 54-60. doi: 10.21511/ppm.14(4).2016.06.
40. Qayoudhi, S. A., Priya, Sh & Prasad., V.V., (2021). Factorial Analysis of the Critical Success Factors of Continuous Improvement (CI) Techniques in the Companies from Sohar Industrial Estate, Oman. International Journal of Research in Entrepreneurship & Business Studies. 2(4), 1-12. doi: 10.47259/ijrebs.241.
41. Qureshi, K. M.R., & Mewada, B.G., (2025). Assessing Lean 4.0 critical success factors (CSFs) for iMpleMenting in sMall and MediuM-sized enterprises (SMEs), Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment. 5(2), 125-138. doi: 10.1108/FEBE-12-2024-0085.
42. RaMazanpour Nargesi, G., & Ghaed Sharafi, H. (2019). A conceptual fraMework for exaMining and evaluating industrial parks in Iran. Industrial Technology Development, 17(35), 35–48. doi: 20.1001.1.26765403.1398.17.35.3.4. [In Persian]
43. RengaMani, J., (2018). Achieving project success for construction professionals to categorise significant project ManageMent innovations and expertise. International Journal of Supply Chain Management, 7(3), 196-198.doi: 10.59160/ijscm.v7i3.1994.
44. Rezai Tal Zali, H. (2024). A study of the legal supervision of the Industrial Town Company over projects established in industrial towns and zones with emphasis on judicial rulings (Master’s thesis). IslaMic Azad University, Marvdasht Branch, Faculty of HuManities, IslaMic Azad University, Marvdasht Branch. [In Persian]
 45. Saadat, V.، Ghlichlee, B.، Rezaian, A. and tabarsa, G. (2022). Applying the Content Analysis Approach in Presenting a Model for Consequences of Leaders' Ambiguity Tolerance. Public Administration Perspective, 13(3), 15-34. doi: 10.52547/jpap.2022.226090.1164. [In Persian]
46. Saleman, Y., & Jordan, l. (2014). The Implementation of Industrial Parks.. Washington, US.: World Bank Policy Research Working Paper. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/16488 License: CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 IGO.
47. Scuotto, V., Nicotra, M., Del Giudice, M., Krueger, N., & Gregori, G. L. (2021). A Microfoundational perspective on SMEs' growth in the digital transforMation era. Journal of Business Research, 129(10), 382-392. doi: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.01.045.
48. Sheikhi, Sh. (2024). The nature and effects of land allocation contracts in industrial park coMpanies with eMphasis on judicial rulings, PhD dissertation, University of Tehran. [In Persian]
49. Talebi, A. (2024). Evaluation of innovations in Manufacturing coMpanies active in Ardabil industrial towns (Master’s thesis). Moqaddas Ardabili Institute of Higher Education. [In Persian]
50. Wetherell, S. (2020). Foundations: How the Built Environment Made Twentieth-Century Britain. Princeton University Press. 18-64. doi: 10.2307/j.ctv10crd5c.
51 Weerasooriyan, N. W. M. R., & Alwis, A. C. D. (2017). Impact of employee engagement on lean manufacturing: An empirical study in Sri Lanka. FIIB Business Review, 6(2), 33-42. doi: 10.29368/FIIB.6.2.2017.33-42.
52. Wibowo, A., KusuMawati, N. A., Athira, Y. M., Ananda, P., & Antoni, H. (2023). Analisis DaMpak Kawasan Industri Terhadap Lingkungan Masyarakat di KecaMatan Gunungputri. Journal Pemuliaan Hukum, 5(2), 119–128. doi: 10.30999/jph.v5i2.2637.
53. Zou, S., Fang, E., & Zhao, S. (2003). The effect of export marketing capabilities on export performance: an investigation of Chinese exporters. Journal of International Marketing, 11 (4), 32-55. doi: 10.1509/jimk.11.4.32.20145.
Journal of Strategic Management Studies
Volume 17, Issue 66
Summer 2026
Pages 97-119

  • Receive Date 25 August 2025
  • Revise Date 18 October 2025
  • Accept Date 17 December 2025