Study Identifies 62 Knowledge-Based Sports Jobs in Tehran

Dr. Mohammad Hossein Ghorbani, principal investigator of a research project at the Sports Science Research Institute of Iran (SSRI), has provided insights into a study aimed at identifying and categorizing knowledge-based sports jobs in Tehran.

Speaking to the institute’s Public Relations Office, Dr. Ghorbani explained that the research employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The study utilized Grounded Theory for data collection and analysis.

Research Methodology

In the qualitative phase, the study focused on sports industry experts, executive managers, university professors, and specialists in economics, employment, and sports entrepreneurship. The snowball sampling technique was used, with interviews conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved after discussions with 19 participants.

For the quantitative phase, the study assessed the knowledge-based nature and employment potential of sports-related occupations using a structured questionnaire distributed to 32 experts in sports economics and human resources. Data collection tools included semi-structured interviews and researcher-developed questionnaires.

Data analysis was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The qualitative analysis followed Strauss and Corbin’s (1990) Grounded Theory model, utilizing coding techniques to identify causal conditions, contextual factors, intervening conditions, strategies, and outcomes. The quantitative analysis applied descriptive statistics and calculated mean responses using Excel software.

Identification and Classification of Knowledge-Based Sports Jobs

Dr. Ghorbani noted that the study identified 62 knowledge-based sports jobs in Tehran, which were classified into 10 categories:
    1.    Coaching
    2.    Sports Growth & Talent Development Consulting
    3.    Sports Education
    4.    Sports Events
    5.    Sports Engineering
    6.    Sports Medicine
    7.    Sports Software & Technology
    8.    Sports Management
    9.    Sports Media
    10.    Sports Recreation

Following this classification, the study assessed the employment potential and knowledge-based nature of each job category.

Key Findings and Implications

Dr. Ghorbani highlighted that after interviews and data coding, a total of 108 initial independent codes were extracted. The most frequently recurring theme was the development of knowledge-based sports businesses, which served as the core axis for analyzing causal factors, contextual conditions, intervening factors, strategies, and outcomes.

The extracted codes were grouped as follows:
    •    23 causal factors
    •    20 contextual conditions
    •    17 intervening factors
    •    28 strategic approaches
    •    20 outcomes related to the development of knowledge-based sports businesses

He emphasized that the study not only identified and classified knowledge-based jobs in Tehran but also outlined the employment opportunities within each sector. Furthermore, the research developed a comprehensive framework for optimizing the utilization of knowledge-based human resources in the sports industry, which can serve as a practical model for policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs.

For more information, interested individuals can contact Dr. Mohammad Hossein Ghorbani via email at ghorbani.moho@gmail.com.