Research Paper
Agricultural education
َAli Asadollahpour Kotenai
Abstract
The new agricultural extension system in Iran was designed to enhance the efficiency of knowledge transfer and to establish effective linkages among research, education, and farmers. However, existing evidence indicates that this system still faces structural and functional challenges in systematically ...
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The new agricultural extension system in Iran was designed to enhance the efficiency of knowledge transfer and to establish effective linkages among research, education, and farmers. However, existing evidence indicates that this system still faces structural and functional challenges in systematically utilizing knowledge management mechanisms to achieve these goals.This study aimed to structurally analyze the role of knowledge management in improving the efficiency of Iran’s new agricultural extension system. This research was applied in purpose and quantitative in nature, employing a causal–relational design based on structural equation modeling. The statistical population included experts, extension agents, and managers involved in the agricultural extension system of Mazandaran Province, Iran. A sample of 305 participants was selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire consisting of 36 items. The validity and reliability of the instrument were confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis, composite reliability, and average variance extracted. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and AMOS software. The bootstrap method was employed to examine both direct and indirect effects of the independent variable and the mediating variables. The findings indicated that knowledge management had a positive and significant direct effect on extension system efficiency. However, a larger portion of its effect was transmitted through research–extension interaction (β = 0.440) and knowledge management infrastructure and support (β = 0.553), highlighting the importance of strengthening knowledge-based interactions and organizational support structures.
Research Paper
Agricultural education
seyed davood hajimirrahimi; Maryam Golbaz
Abstract
Rapid technological advancements and the growing needs of the agricultural sector have highlighted the necessity of revising the educational system in this field. The lack of a coherent innovation ecosystem is a major obstacle to the formation and growth of startups in agricultural educational technologies. ...
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Rapid technological advancements and the growing needs of the agricultural sector have highlighted the necessity of revising the educational system in this field. The lack of a coherent innovation ecosystem is a major obstacle to the formation and growth of startups in agricultural educational technologies. This study aimed to design an innovation ecosystem model for this field and identify and weight the key components influencing it. This research was conducted using a mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) approach. In the qualitative phase, initial components were extracted through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 12 academic and industry experts (professors, managers of knowledge-based companies, and startup founders), selected via purposive sampling. Qualitative data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. In the quantitative phase, a researcher-made questionnaire was designed based on qualitative findings. The questionnaire’s validity was confirmed by a panel of experts, and its reliability was verified using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (above 0.7 for all constructs). The questionnaire was distributed and collected among232 managers and active members of knowledge-based and technology-driven companies in the agricultural sector of Alborz Province. Quantitative data were analyzed using Smart-PLS software and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The measurement model (convergent and discriminant validity) and the structural model (path coefficients and significance) were evaluated. Data analysis led to the identification and confirmation of nine key components of the innovation ecosystem in agricultural educational technologies: Market, Support (institutional and infrastructural), Jihadi Management (attitude and approach), Policymaking, Human Capital, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurial Culture, Ethics in Technology Application, and Financing. Based on Factor Loading, the components of "Market"(0.832), "Support"(0.808), and "Jihadi Management"(0.787) had the highest direct impact on improving and developing the innovation ecosystem, respectively. The final model also showed a good fit. Based on qualitative and quantitative findings, a conceptual network model of stakeholder interaction (university, government, industry, investors, startups) and a five-stage operational framework for ecosystem implementation were proposed. This study demonstrated that focusing solely on technology or financial capital is insufficient; rather, simultaneously strengthening soft components such as culture, management, and policymaking, along with creating effective demand in the "Market" and providing "comprehensive support," is crucial.
Research Paper
Agricultural education
Ali Akbar damavandi
Abstract
Intense competition and technological changes have put great pressure on methods of increasing job productivity, in such a way that higher expectations are placed on human labor to have a greater impact on the process of producing goods and providing services. In these circumstances, the competency characteristic ...
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Intense competition and technological changes have put great pressure on methods of increasing job productivity, in such a way that higher expectations are placed on human labor to have a greater impact on the process of producing goods and providing services. In these circumstances, the competency characteristic of the workforce becomes more important than ever. The main issue and objective of this research is to present a model for designing and compiling an educational competency standard code 2132 based on the DACUM method. The research methodology included collecting and analyzing qualitative data using content analysis based on cognitive mapping, as well as holding DACUM workshops with experts, collecting and analyzing qualitative data to validate competencies. The snowball method was used to select a focus group of 12 people. Data were collected using brainstorming and document review methods. Having technical knowledge, knowledge of the natural resources job market, mastery of curriculum planning, relevant work experience, as well as knowledge of policies related to natural resources jobs and new career approaches were the main indicators for selecting the focus group to design and develop the standard for the natural resources consultant field. The findings of this study indicate that documenting and determining the necessary standards to recognize the competencies required for the natural resources consultant profession has a high priority. Accordingly, for the natural resources consultant profession, three jobs (collecting and analyzing data and information from watersheds - designing, planning and providing advice on quantitative and qualitative field img
Research Paper
Agricultural education
Hesamedni Gholami; Javad Ghasemi; Mohammadreza Akbari
Abstract
Pistachio is a strategic crop in Iran; however, lower yield per area compared to the global average is a crucial challenge. This problem is partly related to farmers' limited technical competencies. To address this, the “Pistachio Orchards Timely Management Project” (POTMP) was designed and ...
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Pistachio is a strategic crop in Iran; however, lower yield per area compared to the global average is a crucial challenge. This problem is partly related to farmers' limited technical competencies. To address this, the “Pistachio Orchards Timely Management Project” (POTMP) was designed and implemented across 13 pistachio-intensive provinces. This study aimed to evaluate the project's effectiveness by applying the CIPP evaluation model. The study's population consisted of 51 extension agents engaged in the project, of whom 42 completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire demonstrated adequate face and construct validity, which were respectively examined by a panel of experts and by computing the average variance extracted. Questionnaire reliability was examined by computing ordinal theta (≥ 0.70) and composite reliability (CR ≥ 0.70). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 27.0 and SmartPLS 3. Findings indicated that, within the context dimension, the item “appropriateness of project objectives to the conditions of Iranian pistachio orchards” received the highest rating. In the product dimension, “training professional pistachio extension agents” ranked highest. Regarding input and process dimensions, the “main project trainer” and “training courses for extension agents” scored highest, respectively. The ranking of the CIPP dimensions showed that “input” had the highest and “process” the lowest mean scores. Results suggest that empowering extension agents, enhancing the instructional competencies of researchers and extension agents, improving extension mechanisms, strengthening monitoring, supervision and incentive systems, and providing logistical support are crucial for the success of similar projects. Recommendations are provided to improve the POTMP.
Research Paper
Agricultural education
Fatemeh Rahimi; Iraj Beyranvand
Abstract
Agricultural extension, playing a pivotal role in realizing agricultural development plans, encompasses a broad spectrum of educational services. In this regard, extension training courses hold a special position in achieving agricultural extension objectives. However, the effectiveness of these courses ...
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Agricultural extension, playing a pivotal role in realizing agricultural development plans, encompasses a broad spectrum of educational services. In this regard, extension training courses hold a special position in achieving agricultural extension objectives. However, the effectiveness of these courses is contingent upon beneficiary satisfaction. This study aimed to analyze factors influencing the satisfaction of beneficiaries in Khorramabad County with extension training courses by applying the extended ACSI model. The statistical population of this study comprised 15,000 farmers from Khorramabad County who 375 individuals were selected using stratified multi-stage sampling proportional to the population size. A questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. Construct validity was established based on AVE (0.545-0.751),. Furthermore, the reliability of the questionnaire was verified using ordinal theta coefficient (ranging from 0.727 to 0.924) and CR values (ranging from 0.847 to 0.935) across different sections of the questionnaire. The questionnaire items were measured using a five-point Likert scale. SEM results revealed that perceived expectations (β = 0.333, Sig. = 0.0001), perceived value (β = 0.181, Sig. = 0.0001), and trust (β = 0.283, Sig. = 0.0001) had a significant positive direct impact on beneficiary satisfaction with extension training courses. Conversely, the impact of perceived service quality on satisfaction was found to be insignificant (β = 0.112, Sig. = 0.119). Furthermore, Structural Equation Modeling analysis revealed that satisfaction (β = 0.503, Sig. = 0.0001), complaint (β = 0.137, Sig. = 0.0001), and trust (β = 0.227, Sig. = 0.0001) had a significant positive effect on loyalty.
Research Paper
Agricultural education
Neda Alizadeh; Mehrnoush Mirzaei; Ebrahim Zare; Shojaat Zare; Homayun Hosseinzadeh; Ali Ahmadi Firouzjaei; Fatemeh Asgari
Abstract
Improving agricultural productivity is essential for achieving food security, sustainable development, and national development goals. This study aimed to develop educational management strategies for knowledge development and productivity enhancement in Iran's agricultural sector. A qualitative approach ...
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Improving agricultural productivity is essential for achieving food security, sustainable development, and national development goals. This study aimed to develop educational management strategies for knowledge development and productivity enhancement in Iran's agricultural sector. A qualitative approach was employed using expert cognitive mapping, focus group discussions, SWOT analysis, the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM), and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The study involved 190 purposively selected experts from the agronomy, horticulture, livestock and poultry, and fisheries sectors. The findings identified deficiencies in resource management, knowledge transfer, technology adoption, and farmer training as the major constraints to productivity improvement. Strategic analysis showed that competitive and conservative strategies were most suitable for agronomy, conservative strategies for horticulture and livestock, and competitive and aggressive strategies for fisheries. The results indicate that a targeted educational management system can strengthen knowledge transfer, improve total factor productivity, enhance resource-use efficiency, and increase the competitiveness and sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Research Paper
Agricultural education
zohre sharei; Mohammad Esmaeil Kordi
Abstract
In the contemporary business landscape, organizations face dynamic challenges that have made achieving organizational excellence a necessity. This study aims to assess the impact of the EFQM Knowledge-Related Indicators on knowledge management processes and organizational outcomes in the agricultural ...
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In the contemporary business landscape, organizations face dynamic challenges that have made achieving organizational excellence a necessity. This study aims to assess the impact of the EFQM Knowledge-Related Indicators on knowledge management processes and organizational outcomes in the agricultural and livestock holding companies of the Mostazafan Foundation in northern Iran. The present research is applied in nature and employs a descriptive-analytical approach. The statistical population consists of the employees of the agricultural and livestock companies of Ran and Zarai Dasht-e Naz. Sampling was carried out using the census method, and 170 complete questionnaires were obtained and analyzed. The data collection instruments were the standard EFQM Knowledge-Related Indicators and knowledge management questionnaires, whose content validity was confirmed by experts and whose reliability was calculated using Cronbach's alpha. Data analysis was performed using the partial least squares method in SmartPLS3 software. The results of the analysis showed that the EFQM Knowledge-Related Indicators has a positive and significant effect on the knowledge management process with a path coefficient of 0.826. Furthermore, knowledge management exerts a positive and significant effect on organizational outcomes (customer outcomes, employee outcomes, society outcomes, and key outcomes) with path coefficients of 0.798, 0.849, 0.802, and 0.737, respectively. The validity and reliability indicators, as well as the model fit indices, indicate a favorable suitability of the model. The integration of the EFQM Knowledge-Related Indicators and knowledge management provides a sustainable framework for achieving organizational excellence and significantly contributes to improving strategic and operational performance in the agricultural sector.
