A New Technological Capabilities Management Model Designed through Structural Equations within the Iranian Petrochemical Industry (Case Study: Fanavaran Petrochemical Co. )

maryam asghari¹ seyed hessamodin madani²

1) Department of Executive Management, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
2) Department of Technology Management, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

IOI Code : XYCG-ADKHA
Publication : international conference of Management Elites(icme.ir)
Abstract :
    This study attempted to provide a useful solution to technological capabilities management. The data were collected through desk review of previous studies as well as field research, interviews with experts and questionnaire. Then, the data were analyzed through SPSS and PLS. This was an exploratory-survey study where the data were collected through a questionnaire with approved reliability and validity. Having reviewed the relevant literature and summarized the previous research projects as well as the expert opinions, a total of 53 indicators contributing to technological capabilities management were identified within the Iranian petrochemical industry. Moreover, a questionnaire on a Likert scale was constructed to assess the effectiveness of the indicators through several industry and academic experts. In this light, the indicators were screened down to 37, which were then incorporated into the new model in the form of 7 major factor as follows: 1) technology leadership capabilities, 2) strategic capabilities, 3) innovative capabilities, 4) R&D capabilities, 5) utilization capabilities, 6) business capabilities, and 7) networking-administrative management. The final version of the questionnaire was handed to 43 experts, of which 37 were returned. Using the structural equations and PLS, the data were fitted and eventually a total of 37 indicators were identified for the new model. According to the newly designed model, it is crucial for any successful technological capabilities management within the petrochemical industry to concentrate on all seven factors, since failure to address one factors might hinder the successful technological capabilities management.

Keywords : technology technology assessment technological capabilities technological capabilities management