Designing a process model for developing a strategy for project-oriented companies in order to increase competitiveness

Subject Areas :

Fariborz Noralahpour ¹ , Masoumeh Danesh Shakib ^{2 *} , Soheila Khishtandar ³

1 - . PhD student, Department of Industrial Management, Qa .C., Isalamic Azad university, Qazvin, Iran.
2 - Department of Industrial Management, Qa.C., Isalamic Azad university, Qazvin, Iran. (Corresponding author)
3 - Department of Industrial Management, Qa .C., Isalamic Azad university, Qazvin , Iran.

Received: 2024-12-31 Accepted : 2025-07-02 Published : 2025-08-20

Keywords: Strategy development, Process model design, Project-based organizations, Competitiveness, Interpretive structural modeling (ISM),

Abstract :

Objectives: This research aims to design a process model for strategy development in project-based companies. The main goal is to increase the competitiveness of these companies by identifying and analyzing key factors affecting strategy development. Also, this study seeks to provide a native and operational model that can manage environmental uncertainties and provide more effective solutions for competition in dynamic markets.

Method: The present research is of an applied type and uses a combined fuzzy Delphi method and structural-interpretive modeling (ISM). First, 38 key indicators were identified through a review of the literature and expert opinions. Then, using the fuzzy Delphi method, 10 final indicators were selected. These indicators were analyzed and ranked using the ISM technique, and the relationships between them were examined using MICMAC software. The statistical population of the study included 12 experts with at least 15 years of experience in the field of project management, who were selected through judgmental sampling.

Results: The analyses showed that five key factors, including “effective project management, organizational culture and leadership, innovation and adaptability, performance measurement and evaluation, and team collaboration and dynamics,” have the greatest impact on the competitiveness of project-oriented companies. These factors were ranked at the highest level of importance in the ISM model and play a fundamental role in formulating the strategy of these companies.

Research innovation: The innovation of this research lies in combining the Delphi and ISM multi-criteria decision-making methods and using fuzzy analysis to reduce uncertainty in decision-making. Also, presenting a process model specifically designed for project-oriented companies is another innovative aspect of this research. This research fills the gap in the literature on strategy development in project-based companies and presents a model that can be used as a practical guide for managers of these companies.

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