Journal of Personal Development and Organizational Transformation

Validation of a Conceptual Model of Cognitive Skills and Academic Performance among Science Department Students in Colleges of Basic Education in Iraq

Sarah Jasim Mohammed AlAbdullah

; Asghar Sharif *

; Mushreq Mohammed Mijwil Al-Isawi

, Zohreh Saadatmand

Abstract:
Introduction: Given the importance of identifying and developing cognitive skills and academic performance, validating extracted conceptual models is essential.

Method: The aim of this study was to validate a conceptual model of cognitive skills and academic performance among students of the Science Department in Colleges of Basic Education in Iraq. This research employed a quantitative design and was conducted using a descriptive-survey method. The statistical population consisted of all Science Department students in the Colleges of Basic Education in Iraq, totaling approximately 12,000 individuals. Based on Cochran’s formula, a sample size of 384 students was selected using a non-random sampling method. Data collection was carried out through a researcher-made questionnaire comprising five components. SPSS and AMOS software were used to validate the conceptual model. The questionnaire demonstrated high validity in the quantitative phase.

Findings: The results of confirmatory factor analysis using AMOS software indicated that the proposed model of required competencies for students had an acceptable fit. Fit indices such as RMSEA = 0.043, CFI = 0.942, and χ²/df = 2.357 supported the model's acceptability. All main factors—management and planning, learning and data analysis, interaction and collaboration, use of technology and resources, and personal and motivational growth—had significant factor loadings above 0.5, confirming the construct validity. These results support the structural validity of the model and suggest that the extracted framework is applicable in designing educational programs for students in the Science Departments of Colleges of Basic Education in Iraq.
Conclusion: The findings confirm the satisfactory fit and factorial structure of the proposed model. This model can serve as a foundation for developing educational programs and policymaking in the domain of cognitive skills and academic performance for Science Department students in Iraqi Colleges of Basic Education.

Hierarchical Structuring of the Social Responsibility Model with an Islamic–Iranian Approach in the Southern Oil-Rich Regions

Fereydun Ghanavati

; Ghanbar Amirnejad *

; Mohammad Hemati

, Karamollah Daneshfard

The purpose of this study was to hierarchically structure the social responsibility model with an Islamic–Iranian approach in the National Iranian South Oil Company. From the perspective of purpose, this research was applied in nature, and methodologically it was descriptive–analytical with an interpretive structural equations approach. The statistical population included all employees in the oil-rich regions (managers, experts, and customers of the National Iranian South Oil Company), from which 40 individuals were randomly selected as the sample. The data collection instruments consisted of a validation questionnaire based on the final model using a Likert scale, and semi-structured interviews for qualitative assessment of the model’s validity. Moreover, the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) method was applied to analyze the data and determine the prioritization of components. The required data were collected through Delphi questionnaires and interpretive–structural analysis and were processed using SPSS and MICMAC software. The findings revealed that social responsibility is structured into six hierarchical levels: the first level (individual social responsibility – developmental social responsibility – ethical social responsibility); the second level (economic responsibility – organizational social responsibility – stakeholder social responsibility); the third level (civil social responsibility); the fourth level (environmental social responsibility); the fifth level (governance-related social responsibility – accountability social responsibility – customer-oriented social responsibility – development-oriented social responsibility – intra-organizational social responsibility); and the sixth level (faith-based social responsibility – Islamic-oriented social responsibility – Islamic requirements in social responsibility).

Identifying Causal and Contextual Factors Influencing the Selection of Sports Managers

Hajar Naderinasab

; Arefeh Jamshidi *

; Erfan Heydari

, Narges Ghilich afshar

This study aims to identify the causal and contextual factors influencing the selection of sports managers in Iran using a qualitative, grounded theory approach. This applied qualitative research employed semi-structured interviews with 20 sports experts and managers, selected through purposive sampling. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis and the three-stage coding method (open, axial, and selective) via MAXQDA software. The results revealed two main categories of influencing factors: contextual and causal. Contextual factors included economic conditions, legal frameworks, organizational culture, technology, political and social dynamics, and environmental/geographic conditions. Causal factors comprised financial resources, income generation, public and organizational culture, technological infrastructure, managerial structures, individual competencies, and geographical context. These themes were categorized into primary and sub-themes through systematic coding. The selection of sports managers is a multidimensional process influenced not only by individual competencies but also by institutional, legal, social, and political structures. Developing a comprehensive and transparent model for selecting sports managers requires simultaneous attention to these dimensions and the use of technological tools and scientific evaluations.

Ranking the Importance of Factors Influencing the Development of Human Capability in the Banking System (Case Study: Overseas Branches of Bank Melli)

Iraj Sardari Baf

; Seyed Reza Seyed Javadin *

; Mojtaba Amiri

, Tahmoors Hassangholipour

The aim of this study is to rank the importance of factors influencing the development of human capability in the banking system, with a specific focus on the overseas branches of Bank Melli. The present research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-survey in nature and method. Data collection was conducted through a survey method. The study population includes experts, managers, and employees of Bank Melli's overseas branches. A convenience sampling approach was used to select the sample, and the questionnaire was distributed among these individuals. To collect research data, both library research and survey techniques were employed. The questionnaire items were designed in pairwise comparison format, based on each study indicator and informed by existing articles in the field. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by experts and specialists. In the inferential statistics section, the pairwise ranking test and Expert Choice software were used to analyze the results. Based on the findings of the factor ranking in this study, it was revealed that general communication skills and professional knowledge are the most important factors in the development of human capability in the overseas branches of Bank Melli.

Identifying the Components of Sustainable Organizational Culture with a Social Responsibility Approach

Abdolsaheb Neiyazi

; Zolfaghar Rashidi *

; Esfandyar Mohammadi

The objective of this study is to identify the components of sustainable organizational culture with a social responsibility approach and to develop a conceptual model for its explanation within Iranian public service institutions. This study employed a qualitative methodology using grounded theory. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with managers, employees, and cultural policy experts in Ilam Province. Sampling was purposive with snowball technique, and data analysis was conducted through open, axial, and selective coding procedures. A total of 745 open codes were extracted and classified into six main categories: core phenomenon, causal conditions, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, strategies, and consequences. The core category was identified as “sustainable organizational culture,” encompassing elements such as ethical leadership, social responsibility commitment, transparency, stakeholder engagement, sustainability education, and local community support. The results suggest that establishing a sustainable organizational culture requires the dynamic interaction of structural, behavioral, and contextual elements. Success is achieved when sustainability is embedded in leadership practices, employee values, and organizational policies. The proposed model provides a localized framework for implementing sustainability in public institutions.

A Comparative Study of Social Education from the Perspective of Allameh Motahhari and Comenius and Its Educational Implications

Mehdi Dargahi

; Vahid Fallah *

; Kiumars Khatirpasha

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.2.3.15

The humanistic educational school is one whose purpose lies within the human being himself; that is, it is based on the perfection of the human being. Allameh Motahhari examined education based on four fundamental human capacities. Martyr Motahhari identified freedom as one of the necessities of life and development and argued that all beings require three elements—education, security, and liberty—to reach the stage of growth and perfection. In Islam, education and upbringing involve shaping individuals according to a doctrine that encompasses clear objectives and comprehensive principles. In the rational education of humans, both the pursuit of knowledge and the use of reason are emphasized, yet mere acquisition of information is not sufficient. Human education is defined as the cultivation of human potentialities. From Comenius’s point of view, education is both a fundamental need and an inherent right of human beings, and religion plays a key role in determining the aim and direction of education. According to his perspective, the goal of education is to resemble the origin, return to the essence, and actualize the three faculties of knowledge, power, and sanctity. In other words, with the aid of science, ethics, and religion, a person should attain wisdom, willpower, and piety. Both Allameh Motahhari and Comenius consider the natural and material world influential in the education of both humans and animals. However, with respect to their differences, Motahhari holds that the principle of harmony with innate nature (fitrah) is essential because the divinization of the human being occurs through the flourishing of innate talents in the light of religious teachings. Without aligning with innate tendencies, the goal of Islamic education cannot be achieved. Conversely, Comenius believes that none of the cognitive dimensions—which include educational, religious, and moral aspects—should constrain one another.

Application of the Sandelowski and Barroso Technique in Identifying the Components of a Comprehensive Integrated Enterprise Risk Management Model in New Business Development

Samaneh Moussaei

; Mohammad Ali Keramati *

; Azadeh Mehrani

, Hossein Moeinzad

, Safieh Mehrinejad

Risk management in new business development is considered one of the most fundamental and critical aspects of organizational success. With the rapid expansion of technologies, emerging changes in markets, and the necessity for adaptation to dynamic business environments, identifying, assessing, and optimally managing risks are key factors in ensuring organizational sustainability and growth. The objective of this study is to apply the meta-synthesis technique to identify the components of a comprehensive integrated enterprise risk management (ERM) model in the context of new business development. The researcher employed a systematic review and meta-synthesis approach to analyze the results and findings of prior research, and through the implementation of the seven-step method proposed by Sandelowski and Barroso, the effective factors were identified. Out of 541 articles, 40 were selected using the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) method. The validity of the analysis was confirmed with a Kappa coefficient of 0.747. To assess reliability and ensure quality control, the transcription method was utilized, which revealed an excellent level of agreement for the identified indicators. The analysis of the collected data using MAXQDA software led to the identification of 58 initial concepts based on 18 indicators grouped into 5 categories. Based on the meta-synthesis technique, five dimensions were categorized according to the identified concepts. These five dimensions are: strategic dimension, operational dimension, financial dimension, human resources dimension, and cultural dimension. Integrated enterprise risk management serves as a comprehensive framework for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in the development of new businesses and plays a pivotal role in organizational sustainability and success. The key components of this model include identifying various types of risks (such as financial, operational, strategic, and technological risks), evaluating their impact, designing and implementing risk control and mitigation strategies, and assessing the effectiveness of these control measures.

Identifying and Determining Causal Relationships Between Challenges and Strategies for Fintech Market Development Based on a Hybrid Approach of Thematic Analysis and DEMATEL

Seyed Mani Sadraee

; Farideh Haghshenas Kashani *

; Mehdi Karimi Zand

Given the rapid growth of financial technologies (FinTech) and the critical importance of market development in Iran, identifying key challenges and strategies, as well as understanding the causal relationships among them, is an essential necessity for policymakers and industry stakeholders. This study aims to identify and explain the causal relationships between the challenges and strategies of FinTech market development using a hybrid approach consisting of qualitative and quantitative phases. In the qualitative phase, using thematic analysis and conducting semi-structured interviews with 20 managers and experts from licensed FinTech companies under Shaparak (including Zarinpal, AsanDaryaft, Baleh Financial Messenger, EasyPay, and Iranian Credit and Reward Card), the main challenges and strategies were identified. In the quantitative phase, the extracted indicators were first validated using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and then the causal relationships among them were analyzed using the DEMATEL method. The results revealed that regulatory barriers and weak digital infrastructure are the most influential causal factors, which affect consequential challenges such as distrust in technology, price sensitivity, and cultural barriers. Furthermore, strategies such as branding, customer education, and the utilization of social networks were identified as key factors in reducing barriers and facilitating market development. Based on these findings, a conceptual model for FinTech market development was designed, which can serve as a decision-making foundation for regulators and FinTech companies in formulating policies and development programs.

About the Journal

The Journal of Personal Development and Organizational Transformation is a prestigious open-access academic journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research in the fields of personal development, organizational behavior, leadership, human resource management, and transformational change within institutions and societies. The journal serves as an interdisciplinary platform, bringing together scholars, researchers, and practitioners who are interested in exploring innovative strategies for enhancing individual and organizational performance.

Our mission is to foster knowledge exchange and contribute to the academic and professional discourse by publishing cutting-edge research, empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and practical case studies. We aim to bridge the gap between research and practice by providing actionable insights that can drive meaningful change in various organizational settings.

The Journal of Personal Development and Organizational Transformation upholds a rigorous peer-review process to ensure the highest scholarly standards. We follow a double-blind anonymous review system where each submission is evaluated by two or three expert reviewers. The journal publishes research that is original, methodologically sound, and contributes significantly to the advancement of knowledge in personal and organizational development.

As an open-access journal, we are committed to providing unrestricted access to high-quality research, ensuring that scholars, professionals, and the wider public can benefit from the latest advancements in the field without financial or institutional barriers. This approach supports the dissemination of knowledge on a global scale and promotes the accessibility of scientific contributions.

The journal is published online and accepts submissions from researchers worldwide. We welcome diverse perspectives and methodologies, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies. Our goal is to create a dynamic intellectual environment that encourages scholarly debate and the exchange of innovative ideas.

Current Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2025): Serial Number 8

Published: 2025-07-15

Articles

The Educational Management Model at the Medical Education Development Center of the Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch

Leila Delfan

; Parinaz Benisi *

; Maryam Mosleh

1-18
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.75
Developing a Qualitative Model of Factors Affecting Organizational Silence and Its Impact on Managerial Decision-Making

Neda Mohamadzadeh

; Behzad Mashali *

; Rashid Zolfaghari Zaferani

1-13
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.114
Validation of the Conceptual Model of Blended Learning Among Nursing Students

Nahid Dehghankar

; Mehry Daraei *

; Hossein Mehrdad

1-16
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.138
Developing an Optimal Governance Model with a Resistance Economy Approach (Case Study: National Water Organization)

Alireza Eslami

, Yahya Dadash Karimi *

, Farhad Nejad Irani

1-15
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.84
Modeling Human Resource Excellence in Accordance with Identified Crises (Case Study: Medical Universities of the Country)

Vahid Rahmani

; Morad Rezaei Dizgah *

; Hamidreza Rezaee Kelidbari

1-19
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.128
The Effect of Psychological Empowerment on Teachers’ Job Performance: The Mediating Role of Professional Identity and Psychological Well-being

Masoumeh Taghavi Deylamipour

, Samira Pali *

1-16
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.152
Discovering the Process of Corruption Formation in Iraqi Public Organizations

Inas Abbas Younus Younus

; Ghasem Eslami * ; Alireza Khorakian

, Yaghoob Maharati

1-21
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.158
A Model for Cultivating Managerial Traits in Secondary School Students: A Grounded Theory Approach

Hojat Alah Soluki

, Adel Halaj *

, Hamid Shafizadeh

1-19
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.120
Identifying Praise Management Factors Using a Textual Content Analysis Approach

Omid Fatehi Jifroudi

; Reza Verij Kazemi *

; Azam Haji Aghajani , Javad Gilanipour

1-18
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.141
Identifying the Antecedents and Consequences of Pluralistic Ignorance in Public Organizations

Fatemeh Nabizadeh Shahrbabaki

; Hamid Taboli *

; Malikeh Beheshtifar

1-24
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.136
Analyzing the Role of Human Resource Capabilities in Organizational Value Creation: A Hybrid Approach in Iran’s Gas Industry

Tahmineh Soltani

; Foad Makvandi *

; Mohammad Hemati

, Vahid Chenari

, Ghanbar Amirnazhad

1-13
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.135
Identifying the Causal Conditions Influencing Faculty Professional Growth with a Reflective Faculty Development Approach at Islamic Azad University, Sari Branch

Sara Alipoor Rayat

, Seyede Leila Hosseini Tabaghdehi *

, Mojtabi Rezaei Rad

, Kambiz Esmaeilnia Shirvani

1-15
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.112
The Role of Human Resource Empowerment Mechanisms in Fostering Innovation in Technology-Based Businesses

Maryam Paknezhad

; Hossein Ali Jahed *

; Reza Sorani Yancheshmeh

1-22
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.132
The Role of Human Resource Empowerment Mechanisms in Fostering Innovation in Technology-Based Businesses

Saeed Adinehvand

; Elham Moghadamnia *

; Morteza Khosravi

, Fatemeh Ghazanfari
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.131
Analyzing the Impact of Knowledge-Based Companies on Advancing Organizational Goals

Javad Eshaghi *
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.60
Identifying the Factors Influencing Professional Identity through the Hidden Curriculum Approach in University Students

Zahra Karimonnafs , Babak Hosseinzadeh *

, Seyyedeh Zahra Hoseini Daronkolae

1-16
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.88
Designing a Model of Sustainable Human Resource Empowerment Indicators with Emphasis on the Fourth Industrial Generation in the Banking Industry

Elnaz Hooshyar

; Houshang Taghizadeh *

; Ghaffar Tari
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.145

View All Issues

Journal of Personal Development and Organizational Transformation

Validation of a Conceptual Model of Cognitive Skills and Academic Performance among Science Department Students in Colleges of Basic Education in Iraq

Hierarchical Structuring of the Social Responsibility Model with an Islamic–Iranian Approach in the Southern Oil-Rich Regions

Identifying Causal and Contextual Factors Influencing the Selection of Sports Managers

Ranking the Importance of Factors Influencing the Development of Human Capability in the Banking System (Case Study: Overseas Branches of Bank Melli)

Identifying the Components of Sustainable Organizational Culture with a Social Responsibility Approach

A Comparative Study of Social Education from the Perspective of Allameh Motahhari and Comenius and Its Educational Implications

Application of the Sandelowski and Barroso Technique in Identifying the Components of a Comprehensive Integrated Enterprise Risk Management Model in New Business Development

Identifying and Determining Causal Relationships Between Challenges and Strategies for Fintech Market Development Based on a Hybrid Approach of Thematic Analysis and DEMATEL

About the Journal

Current Issue

Articles

The Educational Management Model at the Medical Education Development Center of the Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch

Developing a Qualitative Model of Factors Affecting Organizational Silence and Its Impact on Managerial Decision-Making

Validation of the Conceptual Model of Blended Learning Among Nursing Students

Developing an Optimal Governance Model with a Resistance Economy Approach (Case Study: National Water Organization)

Modeling Human Resource Excellence in Accordance with Identified Crises (Case Study: Medical Universities of the Country)

The Effect of Psychological Empowerment on Teachers’ Job Performance: The Mediating Role of Professional Identity and Psychological Well-being

Discovering the Process of Corruption Formation in Iraqi Public Organizations

A Model for Cultivating Managerial Traits in Secondary School Students: A Grounded Theory Approach

Identifying Praise Management Factors Using a Textual Content Analysis Approach

Identifying the Antecedents and Consequences of Pluralistic Ignorance in Public Organizations

Analyzing the Role of Human Resource Capabilities in Organizational Value Creation: A Hybrid Approach in Iran’s Gas Industry

Identifying the Causal Conditions Influencing Faculty Professional Growth with a Reflective Faculty Development Approach at Islamic Azad University, Sari Branch

The Role of Human Resource Empowerment Mechanisms in Fostering Innovation in Technology-Based Businesses

The Role of Human Resource Empowerment Mechanisms in Fostering Innovation in Technology-Based Businesses

Analyzing the Impact of Knowledge-Based Companies on Advancing Organizational Goals

Identifying the Factors Influencing Professional Identity through the Hidden Curriculum Approach in University Students

Designing a Model of Sustainable Human Resource Empowerment Indicators with Emphasis on the Fourth Industrial Generation in the Banking Industry

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