Network Prioritization of Factors Shaping Knowledge Acquisition Using a Hybrid DEMATEL-ANP Approach: Expert Judgments from Iran’s Marine Sector

Zahedi, Mohammadreza; Hosseini Sarkhosh, Seyed Mahdi

doi:10.22034/kps.2026.597608.1302

Network Prioritization of Factors Shaping Knowledge Acquisition Using a Hybrid DEMATEL-ANP Approach: Expert Judgments from Iran’s Marine Sector

Document Type : Original Research Manuscripts

Authors

Mohammadreza Zahedi ¹

Seyed Mahdi Hosseini Sarkhosh ²

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Management and Industrial Engineering, Malek-Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

² Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Garmsar, Garmsar, Iran

10.22034/kps.2026.597608.1302

Abstract

This study maps expert-perceived interdependencies and priorities among factors associated with knowledge acquisition in Iran’s marine sector, where distributed operations, personnel mobility, and safety-critical tasks make systematic knowledge capture strategically important. Using a hybrid DEMATEL-based analytic network process (DANP), the analysis draws on 20 individual direct-influence matrices supplied by experts in marine operations, safety management, ship operations, and academia. The criterion framework links organizational capabilities as opportunity conditions, the theory of planned behavior as a motivational gateway, and SECI as a knowledge-conversion lens across six clusters and 20 sub-criteria. Behavioral factors receive the highest cluster priority, closely followed by organizational culture, information technology, and learning conditions. In the aggregated expert-judgment network, perceived behavioral control, attitude, subjective norms, recognition of knowledge value, management practices, strategic alignment, and IT infrastructure occupy cause-side positions, whereas supportive culture is high-priority but effect-side. Reward priorities are close: personal growth and reputation have near-identical point estimates and both rank above cash rewards within this expert panel, but the small gaps do not establish a universal reward hierarchy. Priority rankings remain highly consistent under median and 10% trimmed-mean aggregation; median aggregation changes the cause-side/effect-side classification of only three sub-criteria with near-neutral directional positions, whereas all directional classifications remain unchanged under leave-one-expert-out analysis. Experts show stronger concordance for outgoing than incoming influence rankings. The study distinguishes theoretical relevance, network priority, and directional position, and supports context-sensitive pilot interventions rather than universal causal prescriptions.

Keywords

Knowledge acquisition

Marine organizations

Theory of planned behavior

SECI

DANP

Subjects

Knowledge management

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