Export Performance Improvement Model of Iranian Farmed Shrimp with Grounded Theory Approach

Document Type : Research Paper

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to present a model of export performance development of ‎farmed shrimp in Iran. The research method is qualitative and is based on ‎Grounded Theory. Theoretical sampling was performed using snowball technique based on ‎which, 16 interviews were conducted with the scientific and practical experts of the Iranian ‎shrimp industry (Fisheries Organization managers, Iran's Aquaculture Production and Trade Union and the top ‎companies in the field of shrimp export). Results of data analysis of the interviews through open, ‎axial and selective coding process using Atlas ti. software has led to the surface of the export ‎performance model of Iranian farmed shrimp, based on which, Causal Conditions, ‎Core ‎Phenomenon, Strategies, Contextual Factors, Intervening Conditions, and ‎Consequences ‎were identified. In total, 17 main categories, 56 sub-categories, and 138 concepts fall into six ‎axial categories. The researcher has reached a theoretical saturation in regard to all the concepts in ‎question. Also, in later stages, by reviewing the concepts and presenting the model to the experts ‎for the second and third times, the acceptability of the model was assured. As a result, components, ‎indicators, and areas influencing the central phenomenon of "export performance of farmed ‎shrimp" are identified and strategies are proposed to reach the expected results and outcomes. ‎

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