Productivity

As a simple explanation, Internet literacy is a capability constitutive to utilizing the advantages of the Internet. But, due to the constant changes of digital technologies, what kinds of necessary capabilities are required to gain the advantages? In fact, more than focusing on the essential capabilities to benefit users from the Internet advantages, existing perceptions of Internet literacy have caused the misuse of large digital companies from users’ abilities. Due to the increasing importance of data economics, privacy, and cybersecurity, a critical review of Internet literacy has become a necessity. Based on the emerging of such new critical features of internet environment, this paper proposes a new articulation of Internet literacy. Following a review and analysis of the existing notions and classifications of Internet literacy and using grounded theory method, the article concludes by suggesting a rearticulated version of Internet literacy. The new classification is established based on the 3 main components including responsibility, productivity, and interactivity; 9 main categories, and 43 subcategories. The four critical, analytical, operational, and informational crossover components are also taken into account.

Nowadays, using appropriate technologies in order to increase productivity of production factors can be resulted in optimal factors employment and production enhancement in factories. Technological change is considered as one of the main sources of productivity growth. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the various aspects of technological change and their relationship with total factor productivity in Iran’s petroleum refineries. In order to achieve this goal, we used the econometric method to estimate the cost function. This method seems useful to estimate the structure of factors demand, considering changes in factors prices and technology status. We estimated a translog cost function as well as equations system of cost share, using Seemingly Unrelated Regressions (SUR) approach from 1982 to 2012. The results show that the average rate of technological change was -0.482 percent over the study period. It means that over time, the cost growth rate of production units was decreased mainly due to technological change. Furthermore, the results indicate that technological change was biased towards the use of more labor and material, while it saved more capital and energy. Also, based on the estimation results, we decomposed total factor productivity growth rate into the contributions of technological change and economies of scale. Decomposition results show that the share of technological change in the productivity growth is greater than that of scale economies.

In 2010, the World Bank categorized countries by GDP (at Purchasing Power Parity) per capita (at constant 1990 prices) in three categories: low, middle (low and high), and high. If a country falls in a trap at least 28 years in the low middle income and at least 14 years in the high middle income group, then it is included in low and middle income groups, respectively .In this paper, using the experience of successful countries in avoiding the trap, we investigated the impact of investment, human capital, high-tech exports, total factor productivity, exports of goods and services, and the value added of service sectors on per capita GDP growth during 1991-2014, using panel data. Research findings in the literature indicated that in selected Asian countries, human capital and total factor productivity growth with positive and significant effects have the greatest impact on avoiding the trap. In the case of Iran, human capital and the total factor productivity growth have positive and significant effects on the economic growth, but such effects have not been so great to help escaping Iran’s economy from the middle- income trap. Therefore, Iran has remained in the middle- income trap over the past 58 years. JEL Classification: J24, D24, E22, C33.

Structural change plays an important role in developing any economy, so understanding it is critical to make policies that increase total factor productivity. The structural change that leads to an efficient resource allocation after trade reforms is desirable; the key factor that can affect the relation of "structural change and trade liberalization" with productivity is the quality of institutions. In this study, we first use the principal component method to propose a multidimensional index for structural change and then apply the ARDL econometrics model to evaluate the effect of trade liberalization and structural changes on total factor productivity in Iran during 1991- 2018. The results show that structural changes increase the total factor productivity, and trade liberalization has a positive and significant effect on total factor productivity in the short term. Our results also indicate that there is no long-run relationship in this period.

The current study aims to explain a communication model for quantum leadership, productivity and empowerment of personnel in the Ministry of Sport and Youth using Interpretive-Structural Modeling approach. The research population included all of the personnel in the Ministry of Sport and Youth, and 269 persons were selected randomly as the research sample. The research tool was questionnaires adopted from the literature for collecting the research data. Twelve sport management experts and Cronbach’s alpha method, respectively confirmed the validity and reliability of the questionnaires. SPSS software and interpretive-structural modeling (ISM) approach were applied to analyze the research data. The results indicated the optimal level in the quantum leadership, as well as personnel productivity, and empowerment. Based on the results, an increase in the level of quantum leadership in the Ministry of Sport and Youth raises the level of personnel productivity, and empowerment. In addition, an increase in the personnel empowerment level in the Ministry of Sport and Youth increases the level of personnel productivity.

This study aims to explore the use of gamification in enhancing employee engagement within entrepreneurial firms, examining employees' perceptions, effective gamification strategies, the impact on engagement, and implementation challenges. This qualitative research employed semi-structured interviews with 20 participants from various entrepreneurial firms. Purposive sampling ensured that participants had relevant experience with gamification. Interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved, each lasting between 45 and 60 minutes. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVivo software, following a systematic coding process to identify themes, categories, and concepts. The analysis revealed four main themes: Perceptions of Gamification, Gamification Strategies, Impact on Employee Engagement, and Challenges in Implementation. Positive attitudes included enjoyment and increased productivity, while negative attitudes encompassed frustration and stress. Effective strategies included goal setting and rewards, interactive elements, and social engagement. Gamification positively impacted motivation, behavior, social dynamics, job satisfaction, retention, work-life balance, and innovation. Challenges identified were technical issues, employee resistance, resource constraints, and difficulties in measuring effectiveness and sustaining engagement. Gamification significantly enhances employee engagement in entrepreneurial firms by making work more enjoyable and motivating. However, successful implementation requires addressing technical issues, employee resistance, and resource constraints while ensuring continuous innovation. The study provides practical recommendations for leveraging gamification to foster a more engaged and productive workforce.