Intelligent Management of Human Capital

Intelligent Management of Human Capital

Explaining the Role of Technology in Sports Talent Identification in Iraq Based on Gagné's Model

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Vajiheh Javani 1
Ahmed Riyadh Saeed Al-Ogaili 2
Fateme abdavi 2
1 Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
2 Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences,University of Tabriz , Tabriz, IRAN
10.22034/imhr.2026.570467.1062
Abstract
Background and Objective: This research was conducted with the aim of explaining the role of technology in sports talent identification in Iraq based on the five components of talent identification in Gagné's model.
Methodology: The present research was conducted using a qualitative approach and thematic analysis method. The research sample included 15 sports talent identification specialists from three leading cities in the field of sports in Iraq, namely Baghdad, Erbil, and Basra, who were selected through purposive convenience sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews based on Gagné's model and analyzed according to Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework. Research credibility was established through member checking, and dependability was ensured through independent coding with an inter-rater agreement coefficient exceeding 75%.
Findings: Data analysis resulted in the extraction of 110 basic themes, 12 organizing themes, and 4 global themes. The global themes included initial assessment tools, development systems, psychological-motivational catalysts, and institutional infrastructure. The findings revealed that in the Iraqi context, technology plays a complementary role to coaches' judgment, and coaches employ simple tools systematically through creativity within constraints.
Conclusion: The present research proposed a four-layer interactive framework for understanding the role of technology in talent identification, which demonstrated that in resource-constrained contexts, success lies not in technological complexity but in the systematic and creative application of technology. This framework extends Gagné's model by adding interactive and contextual dimensions.
Keywords
Sports Talent Search؛ Technology؛ Gagné
؛ ؛ Model؛ Iraq
Subjects
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Intelligent Management of Human Capital
Volume 2, Issue 6 - Serial Number 6
Autumn 2025
Pages 145-119