Presenting a Model for Using the Internet of Things in Iranian Knowledge-Based Companies to Promote Productivity

The present study aimed at presenting a model for the use of the Internet of Things in Iranian knowledge-based companies. In terms of exploration and data collection, this applied research is a qualitative and quantitative one. The main approach for achieving the model of using the Internet of Things is the grounded theory methodology which is based on a paradigmatic model. In the qualitative part, 25 executives and practitioners of knowledge-based companies who were somehow specialized and experienced in the Internet of Things were interviewed. They were selected through snowball method. For the quantitative part, all managers and technology experts working in knowledge-based companies were considered as the research population. Cochran's formula for finite communities was used to select the sample. After careful analysis of the interviews, 59 extracted concepts were identified in 5 main categories and 13 subcategories. It was found that management requirements, customer requirements, and resistance economics give rise to the Internet of Things in the knowledge-based companies.  The characteristics of the company, the human resources and the managers can provide a suitable ground for using the Internet of Things. Moreover, it was revealed that and the conditions in the country, international pressure and international cooperation can be among the intermediary factors influencing the use of the Internet of Things. Raw materials and infrastructure can also be effective for using the Internet of Things. Finally, using Internet of Things, customer-related factors, international collaborations, and expected results can be anticipated in knowledge-based companies.