Collective success depends on collective action and wisdom

The Vice-Presidency for Research and Technology News Desk of the University of Tehran:

Introduction

I am Amirhossein Bagherieh Mashhadi, a graduate with a Master's degree in Entrepreneurship and currently a Ph.D. student in Entrepreneurship at the University of Tehran. Under the supervision of my professor, Dr. Mohammad Azizi, I successfully defended my master's thesis. I hope to achieve this honor again at the doctoral level through redoubled effort.

Topic Selection and Research Motivation

The selection of the topic "Developing a framework for team coaching for Iran air transport industry" which was chosen as the outstanding master’s thesis award at the 34th Research and Technology Festival of the University of Tehran, primarily relates to my research interest in air transport management. Over more than 15 years of research activity, I have published over 20 scientific-research, conference, and analytical papers solely in this field, without any financial or institutional support. Accordingly, I endeavored to conduct my master's thesis with the aim of addressing a specific issue within the industry. After numerous reviews, this topic was selected based on my supervisor's guidance.

Team Coaching Model

All activities in the air transport industry are inherently team-based, not individual. This means that teamwork is always required to perform a given task, and it is teamwork that determines the quality of performance, particularly concerning safety. On the other hand, team coaching is a new concept and approach in the field of team development. Therefore, by combining these two areas, we closely examined team coaching in air transport. For this purpose, and to improve team performance, we first identified and categorized the indicators. Subsequently, we determined their significance and Developed a framework based on experts' opinions using the fuzzy method.

Unique Features of the Research

Leveraging several years of research background in data analysis and mastery of quantitative and qualitative methods in the field of management, I endeavored, in collaboration with my supervisor, to make this thesis distinct in terms of methodology and content from conventional theses, exceeding the expectations for a master's level. Consequently, having achieved an excellent grade and with the publication and acceptance of three distinguished articles derived from the thesis in reputable scientific journals of the Ministry of Science, it was recognized as the top thesis. It is worth mentioning that extracting one more article and a book is currently in the final stages.

Practical Application and Foreseen Challenges

Unfortunately, the advancement of this thesis was not based on organizational support, but on personal interest and connections with industry professionals and experts. I even faced inappropriate treatment from a government official but continued my efforts. Therefore, the achievements have remained neglected in terms of implementation. I consider it necessary to mention that research in Iran's air transport lacks a designated authority, and actions taken are often symbolic and superficial. According to the esteemed Minister of Science, decisions made without scientific and research backing are mere conjecture. I hope that the government's call for universities to help resolve crises and societal problems will also be heeded in this industry. If I were to summarize this model in one sentence to recommend to industry managers, I would say:

"Just as flight is impossible with only one wing, collective success is impossible through individual work and intellect alone."

The Connection Between Mountaineering and Team Coaching

Mountaineering, in its truest sense, is impossible without teamwork, a theme I have repeatedly encountered in stories of climbers' successes and failures. When a team reaches the summit, every single team member, along with the team leader, has performed their role correctly. This highlights the importance of selecting the right members, considering each member's potential, and managing the team successfully. This experience in mountaineering has directly influenced my perspective on teamwork and the concept of coaching within organizational teams.

Concluding Remarks

Decision-making without scientific and research backing is a chain of errors. The connection between industry and academia, and consequently the resolution of many of the country's problems, will not be realized as long as incompetent managers remain in industries. Despite having the opportunity to immigrate and pursue a Ph.D. in Aviation Management at UNSW Australia, I have prioritized staying and serving this industry and my country.

PARS MEDEQ company and the Mossalanejad Cultural Foundation are the sponsors of Vice-Presidency for Research and Technology News Desk