System Engineering and Productivity

System Engineering and Productivity

Identifying Methods to Enhance Productivity of Supervisors in Gas Supply Projects Using an Integrated Approach of TRIZ and Grounded Theory (Case Study: Khorasan Razavi Gas Company)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Mohammad Imanifar 1
Hamideh Sheikhani 2
1 Corresponding author: M.Sc., Head of Project Execution, Department of Engineering and Project Execution, Khorasan Razavi Gas Company, Mashhad, Iran
2 Ph.D., Gas Network Project Execution Engineer, Department of Engineering and Project Execution, Khorasan Razavi Gas Company, Mashhad, Iran
10.22034/sep.2025.2076610.1422
Abstract
This study systematically identifies and organizes the antecedents, consequences, and methods for improving the productivity of supervisors in gas distribution projects at the Khorasan Razavi Gas Company. Employing an interpretivist-constructivist approach, the research integrates two methodologies: grounded theory and TRIZ (specifically, Alʹtshuller’s Contradiction Matrix and the 40 inventive principles). Data were collected through semi-structured, event-based interviews with 19 supervisors. Using constructivist grounded theory within MAXQDA software, the analysis identified five primary categories influencing supervisor productivity: (1) training and empowerment, (2) motivation and job satisfaction, (3) effective organizational communication, (4) work-life balance, and (5) psychological well-being. Initiatives to enhance these factors, however, often entail significant costs, time, and energy. To resolve these inherent contradictions, the study applied the TRIZ Ideal Final Result concept and Contradiction Matrix via CREAX software, deriving nine suitable inventive principles: Merging, Prior Action, Continuity of Useful Action, Blessing in Disguise, Skipping, Feedback, Mechanical Substitution, Fluid System, and Changing Properties. The strategic application of these principles demonstrates that it is possible to enhance core productivity while simultaneously mitigating the associated resource constraints.

Highlights

  • Identification of strategies for enhancing productivity and reducing contradictions by utilizing TRIZ inventive principles
  • Presentation of the paradigmatic model architecture combining Grounded Theory and TRIZ creative problem solving
  • Development of an integrated model for methods to increase the productivity of supervisors in gas supply projects

Keywords
TRIZ
Grounded Theory
Employee Productivity
Contradiction Matrix
Inventive Principles
Subjects

Copyright © Mohammad Imanifar, Hamideh Sheikhani

 

License

This article is released under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone is free to copy, share, translate, and adapt this article for any purpose, whether commercial or non-commercial, as long as proper citation is given to the authors and original publication.

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System Engineering and Productivity

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 23 December 2025

  • Receive Date 04 November 2025
  • Revise Date 18 December 2025
  • Accept Date 23 December 2025
  • First Publish Date 23 December 2025
  • Publish Date 23 December 2025