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

- Abedalzzeiz, A. (2021). The financial and cash stability and its role in financial sustainability in Iraq. Journal Port Science Research, 4(4), 252–263-252–263. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.36371/port.2021.4.2
- ahmed, P. D. s. M. G., Farzan, A. P. F., & Dousti, F. P. M. (2025). The Model of Sports Talent Management in the Field of Track and Fields in the Schools of Iraq. Journal of Studies and Researches of Sport Education, 35(1), 127 - 146. https://doi.org/10.55998/jsrse.v35i1.838
- Al-Gassar, M. A. M., Shirkhodaie, M., & Hoseini, A. (2024). Institutional Analysis of Digital Marketing in Iraq. Journal of Management World, 2024(3), 120-127.  10.53935/jomw.v2024i4.1053
- Barraclough, S., Till, K., Kerr, A., & Emmonds, S. (2022). Methodological Approaches to Talent Identification in Team Sports: A Narrative Review. Sports (Basel), 10(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10060081
- Bolckmans, S., Starkes, J. L., Towlson, C., Barnes, C., Parkin, G., & Helsen, W. F. (2022). Leveling the Playing Field: A New Proposed Method to Address Relative Age- and Maturity-Related Bias in UK Male Academy Soccer Players. Front Sports Act Living, 4, 847438. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2022.847438
- Buekers, M., Borry, P., & Rowe, P. (2015a). Talent in sports. Some reflections about the search for future champions. Movement & Sport Sciences-Science & Motricité, 88(2), 3-12. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1051/SM/2014002
- Buekers, M., Borry, P., & Rowe, P. (2015b). Talent in sports. Some reflections about the search for future champions. Mov Sport Sci/Sci Mot(88), 3-12.  10.1051/sm/2014002
- Chaniago, H. (2022). Measurement of Anthropometry, Biomotor and Fundamental Skills for Identification of Future Athletes’ Talents at the Age of 11-15 Years. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 10(2), 179-186. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.13189/saj.2022.100207
- Cope, D. G. (2014). Methods and meanings: credibility and trustworthiness of qualitative research. Oncol Nurs Forum, 41(1), 89-91. https://doi.org/10.1188/14.onf.89-91
- Čular, D., Babić, M., Zubac, D., Kezić, A., Macan, I., Peyré-Tartaruga, L. A.,…Padulo, J. (2023). Tensiomyography: from muscle assessment to talent identification tool. Front Physiol, 14, 1163078. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1163078  
- Gagné, F. (2004). Transforming gifts into talents: the DMGT as a developmental theory1. High Ability Studies, 15(2), 119-147. https://doi.org/10.1080/1359813042000314682
- Gagné, F. (2008). Building gifts into talents: Brief overview of the DMGT 2. Most, December, 2-6.  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285946236_The_DMGT_Changes_Within_Beneath_and_Beyond
- Gagné, F. (2013). The DMGT: Changes within, beneath, and beyond. Talent Development & Excellence, 5(1), 5-19.  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285946236_The_DMGT_Changes_Within_Beneath_and_Beyond
- Goodway, J. D., & Robinson, L. E. (2015). Developmental trajectories in early sport specialization: a case for early sampling from a physical growth and motor development perspective. Kinesiology review, 4(3), 267-278. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1123/kr.2015-0028
- Guardian, S. t. (2024). Once upon a time in the West Country: the origin story of Ollie Watkins. https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/jul/11/once-upon-a-time-in-the-west-country-the-origin-story-of-ollie-watkins
- Johnston, K., Wattie, N., Schorer, J., & Baker, J. (2018). Talent Identification in Sport: A Systematic Review. Sports Med, 48(1), 97-109. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0803-2
- Juriana Juriana , Muhamad Syarif Sumantri , Dede Rahmat Hidayat (2023). A Multidimensional Conceptual Framework for Sport Talent Identification and Development in Early Childhood: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 11(5), 1060 - 1069. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2023.110514.
- Kadhim, H., Hussain, M., & Fathi, M. (2024). The Effect of Competitive Exercises Using Physical Performance Tracking Technology (GPS Playertek Plus and Polar H9) on Developing Speed in Iraqi Premier League Football Players. Journal of Physical Education, 36(4), 961-979. https://doi.org/10.37359/JOPE.V36(4)2024.2225
- Leite, N., Calvo, A. L., Cumming, S., Gonçalves, B., & Calleja-Gonzalez, J. (2021). Editorial: Talent Identification and Development in Sports Performance. Front Sports Act Living, 3, 729167. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2021.729167
- Lutkewitte, C. (2019). Technology Is a System. In Writing in a Technological World (pp. 211-232). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429507014-16
- Naureen, Z., Perrone, M., Paolacci, S., Maltese, P. E., Dhuli, K., Kurti, D.,…Bertelli, M. (2020). Genetic test for the personalization of sport training. Acta Biomed, 91(13-s), e2020012. https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v91i13-S.10593
- poidata. (2025a). List of Sports clubs in Iraq.
- poidata. (2025b). List of Sports complexes in Iraq.
- Reynoso-Sanchez, L. F. (2023). Tech-Driven Talent Identification in Sports: Advancements and Implications. Health Nexus, 1(3), 77-82. https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.hn.1.3.11.
- Schmidt, H. C. (2016). Women’s sports coverage remains largely marginalized. Newspaper Research Journal, 37(3), 275-298. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/0739532916663211
- Sedeaud, A., Difernand, A., De Larochelambert, Q., Irid, Y., Fouillot, C., du Sel, N. P., & Toussaint, J. F. (2025). Talent Identification: Time to Move Forward on Estimation of Potentials? Proposed Explanations and Promising Methods. Sports Med, 55(3), 551-568. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-024-02171-5
- Shahgholian,M. , Baghery,A. and Banitalebi,S. (2025). Optimization of the Student Admission Process in Universities Using Recommender Systems (A Case Study of Imam Hossein Comprehensive University). Intelligent Management of Human Capital, 1(3), 28-1. doi: 10.22034/imhr.2025.510754.1022
- Sohrshi,F. , samiee,R. and mazidi,A. (2025). Identifying and Leveling the Dimensions of the Smart Intellectual Capital Model (Case Study: Region One Medical Sciences Universities). Intelligent Management of Human Capital, 2(6), 61-33. doi: 10.22034/imhr.2026.565395.1051
- Sun, H. (2024). Improving the Accuracy of Recognition and Evaluation of Technical Movements of Basketball Players Using Deep Learning Algorithms. Journal of Electrical Systems, 20(6s), 1959-1969. https://doi.org/10.52783/jes.3111
- Till, K., & Baker, J. (2020). Challenges and [Possible] Solutions to Optimizing Talent Identification and Development in Sport. Front Psychol, 11, 664. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00664
- Wikipedia. (2025). Sport in Iraq.
- Xue, Y., Du, E., & Hou, Z. (2025). Sports training injuries and prevention measures using big data analysis. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, 22(2), 539-539. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.62617/mcb539
Zargham, H. I., Abdavi, F., Khodadadi, M. R., & Hamidi Mohisan, Abdulzahra. (2023). Identifying Factors Affecting the Quality of the Volleyball Talent Search System in Iraq. Research in Sport Management and Marketing, 4(4), 14-27. https://doi.org/10.22098/rsmm.2023.13395.1259
Intelligent Management of Human Capital
Volume 2, Issue 6 - Serial Number 6
Autumn 2025
Pages 145-119