Analysis of retirees' knowledge return in the supply chain of Isfahan Refinery with a combined approach of interpretive structural modeling and structural equation modeling

Despite the importance of retirees' knowledge in resolving various complexities and challenges in the refinery supply chain, including risks arising from oil price and market fluctuations, lack of cooperation and coordination among supply chain members, oil challenges such as leaks and fires, etc., in recent years, a significant amount of knowledge has been lost with the retirement of employees. The purpose of this study is to analyze the return of retirees' knowledge in the Isfahan Refinery supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach: 

The present study is applied in terms of its purpose, descriptive-causal in terms of its nature and method, and a cross-sectional survey-type non-experimental study in terms of data collection. Initially, 12 factors affecting the return of retirees' knowledge were identified based on a literature review and research background and were approved by academic and industrial experts (Isfahan Refinery). In order to present the conceptual model of the research, the interpretive structural modeling approach was used. In this section, a paired comparison questionnaire was designed among the factors affecting the return of retirees' knowledge in the Isfahan Refinery supply chain. Then, using the judgmental sampling method and opinion polls from 15 academic and industrial experts, the relationship between the factors affecting the return of knowledge of retirees was identified and a conceptual model was presented. In order to confirm or reject the conceptual model, the structural equation modeling approach and Smart PLS3 software were used. Using the convenience sampling method, 300 questionnaires were distributed among the employees and managers of Isfahan Refinery, of which 243 questionnaires were returned. The validity of the research questionnaire was confirmed using convergent validity (factor loading coefficients and AVE criterion) and divergent validity (Fornell-Larker table). Also, the reliability of the research questionnaire was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability criteria.

The results of this study showed that government support with a path coefficient of 0.495 and knowledge and experience of retirees with a path coefficient of 0.416 have an effect on top management support, top management support with a path coefficient of 0.789 on financial incentives, and with a path coefficient of 0.854 on non-financial incentives. In addition, the results of the study showed that financial incentives with a path coefficient of 0.383 and non-financial incentives with a path coefficient of 0.522 have an effect on the culture of maintaining and promoting organizational knowledge, the culture of maintaining and promoting organizational knowledge with a path coefficient of 0.817 on the use of advanced technologies, the use of advanced technologies on the desirability of working environment with a path coefficient of 0.787, the desirability of the work environment with a path coefficient of 0.805 on employee participation and collaboration, and employee participation and collaboration with a path coefficient of 0.774 on organizational coherence and stability. Other results of this study include the effect of organizational cohesion and stability with a path coefficient of 0.797 on facilitating communication and the effect of communication facilitation on the quality of products and services with a path coefficient of 0.804. In addition, the results of the study showed that the return of knowledge of retirees plays a decisive role in resolving challenges in the supply chain of Isfahan Refinery. In addition, based on the conceptual model presented from the interpretive decision-making modeling approach, government support and the knowledge and experience of retirees have been identified as key factors in the return of knowledge of retirees in the supply chain of Isfahan Refinery.

Research limitations/implications: 

The present study, like many studies, has limitations in the field of conducting research processes. Among these limitations, we can mention the lack of examination of different cycles between stimuli, which has always existed as a structural limitation in the structural equation technique, and it is suggested that in future research, the return paths between the relationships formed in this study be examined. Also, considering the use of a questionnaire as a data collection tool and its distribution among Isfahan Refinery employees and managers and academic experts, their mindset and attitude in completing the questionnaire may have affected the results of the present study. In addition, the present study was related to the Isfahan Refinery supply chain, and its results should be generalized with caution to other similar organizations and industries.

Practical implications: 

This research has various implications for the refinery supply chain. Using retirees' knowledge can reduce various problems in the refinery supply chain, including oil field exploration, oil price fluctuations, lack of coordination and cooperation between supply chain members, high repair and maintenance costs, transportation costs, etc. In addition, the results shown in this research based on the use of retirees' knowledge in solving various supply chain problems and challenges can encourage other industries to use their retirees' knowledge. Also, the return of retirees’ knowledge can lead to improved crisis management and reduced risks in the supply chain, as these individuals usually have experience in critical situations and can help design and implement successful strategies. This process can lead to increased productivity and reduced costs in the supply chain, which is of particular importance for the refinery’s competitiveness. Furthermore, fostering collaboration between active employees and retirees can promote a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing that is critical to adapting to industry change. This engagement not only helps to facilitate the onboarding process for new employees, but also helps to preserve organizational knowledge that might otherwise be lost. Involving retirees in advisory roles can also help to strengthen organizational resilience, as their guidance can be invaluable during times of crisis or transition. Ultimately, these outcomes lead to increased productivity, reduced operating costs, and improved competitiveness, better positioning the refinery for sustained success in a dynamic marketplace.

Originality/value:

 Using the experiences and knowledge of retirees in the Isfahan Refinery supply chain can bring various benefits such as reducing costs and time wasted due to trial and error, reducing rework, improving performance, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to identify key factors in the return of retirees' knowledge, given the large amount of knowledge that is lost when people retire from the Isfahan Refinery.