National Iranian Oil Company Research Articles

The thorny intersection of personal opinion and arbitrator impartiality: lessons from Crescent Petroleum and other cases

Abstract With the rising use of social and other media as a means of self-expression, arbitrators have been facing an increased risk of disqualification due to a perceived lack of impartiality based on their public pronouncements on controversial topics. This particular scenario crystallized for renowned international arbitrator Charles Poncet in late 2023, when the ICC Court of Arbitration (ICC Court) disqualified him in a multi-billion-dollar case involving Crescent Petroleum against the National Iranian Oil Company, due to comments that were perceived to display an anti-Muslim bias made during a television broadcast in August of the same year. The same issue has arisen in other cases with varying outcomes, depending on context and the strength of the arbitrator’s expression. While requirements for the public conduct of national judges are comparatively strict, the same cannot be said for those applying to arbitrators, whose standard for impartiality is based primarily on the need to avoid conflicts of interest, whereas the impact of apparent biases, perceivable through their public statements, seems to have been largely overlooked.

Explaining the Structural Model of Factors Influencing the Retention and Maintenance of Human Capital Based on Organizational Productivity

Objective: An organization demands its employees to possess the maximum potential benefits and expects them to meet organizational needs. Therefore, in a new perspective, the creation of an appropriate environment for the retention and maintenance of human capital and its connection to increased organizational productivity has been introduced as an important step towards the realization and achievement of objectives, including organizational productivity. The aim of this paper is to explain the structural model of factors effective in retaining and maintaining human capital based on organizational productivity in the National Iranian Oil Company. Methodology: The research method was descriptive-survey, and the statistical population consisted of senior managers and deputies in the human resources domain from the National Iranian Oil Company in headquarters and field staff (582 individuals), of whom 235 were selected as the sample using Cochran's formula. Interviews and questionnaires were used as data collection tools, validated through content and construct validity, and reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. For data analysis, statistical methods and tests such as Pearson correlation coefficient, single variable t-test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were used, employing SPSS and LISREL software. Findings: The results indicate that the investigation into creating an appropriate environment for retaining and maintaining human capital and increasing organizational productivity involves individual factors, organizational factors, and group factors, each including components that significantly impact the productivity of the organization at the National Iranian Oil Company. The research also showed that retaining and maintaining human capital is key to improving and increasing organizational productivity, with the most influential components on productivity in the National Iranian Oil Company being organizational factors—performance management (efficiency and effectiveness) with an impact of 0.85, merit selection with an impact of 0.83, intellectual capital smartization with an impact of 0.80, talent management with an impact of 0.80, and individual factors—ability and knowledge with an impact of 0.79. Conclusion: A comprehensive human resource retention program can play a vital role both in attracting and retaining key employees and in financial turnover and other human resource costs. These factors significantly aid organizational productivity and overall business performance. It is far more efficient to retain a competent employee than to hire, train, and guide a replacement with similar capabilities.

Identifying and Analyzing Individual Factors in Creating a Conducive Environment for Retaining Human Capital and Enhancing Organizational Productivity

Objective: This study aims to identify and analyze individual factors among employees that contribute to creating a conducive environment for retaining human capital and enhancing organizational productivity within the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC). Methodology: A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 15 participants selected through purposive sampling. The participants included NIOC elites, consultants, and external advisors. Data were collected until theoretical saturation was achieved and analyzed using NVivo software. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes and subthemes. Findings: Four main themes were identified: equal job opportunities, creating a creative environment, communication and participation, and leadership and trust. Subcategories within these themes included fair recruitment, career advancement, diversity and inclusion, innovation encouragement, flexible workspaces, professional development, transparent communication, feedback mechanisms, trustworthy leadership, and empowerment. Participants emphasized the importance of transparent hiring processes, diversity policies, innovation support, effective communication, and ethical leadership in enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity. Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of both individual and organizational factors in creating a supportive environment for employee retention and productivity. Implementing fair recruitment practices, promoting diversity and inclusion, fostering innovation, ensuring effective communication, and ethical leadership are essential strategies for organizations.

Explaining the effect of artificial intelligence on the technology acceptance model in media: a cloud computing approach

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the effect of the technology acceptance model in the media environment by using the mediating role of artificial intelligence and the cloud computing approach.Design/methodology/approachAfter reviewing the theoretical foundations, a conceptual model framework and research hypotheses were formed. The statistical population of the study included managers, deputies and experts from the National Iranian Oil Company, and a statistical sample of 368 people was selected by simple random sampling.FindingsThe results of structural equation modelling with PLS 2.0 software show a positive and significant effect on the artificial intelligence variable in the technology acceptance model with the cloud approach. Artificial intelligence has opened a new space in the digital world, especially in the media, so that its profound impact is quite evident and has affected people’s lives.Originality/valueThe acceleration of various technologies has severely challenged the approach of organizations, especially the media. The media environment with word of the technologies of the Industry 4.0, especially cloud computing technology, has changed the ways of accessing and using products and services.

Moman's Secret Agenda

Moman's Secret Agenda

Opinions and Experiences of National Iranian Oil Company Retirees on Psychological Wellbeing: A Grounded Theory Approach

Objective: Mental health refers to emotional balance and social adjustment, feeling comfortable, the absence of mental illness, the integration of personality, and the knowledge of self and the environment. This study aimed to investigate the opinions and experiences of Iranian Oil Company retirees about psychological wellbeing. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using the grounded theory approach. The participants in this study were 15 retired senior managers of the National Iranian Oil Company in Tehran who were selected through purposive sampling based on the theoretical saturation criterion in 2021. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using Corbin and Strauss method (1998). Results: Data analysis revealed three selective codes, 11 axial codes, and 67 open codes. The selective codes include self-coherence and the balance between life needs and satisfaction with the current situation, contextual factors promoting psychological health in older adults, and the process of achieving psychological health and wellbeing in older adults. Conclusion: The insights from present research can be used for developing and implementing therapeutic and educational models for elders and recognizing retirement concerns. In addition, understanding the opinions and experiences of the psychological wellbeing of elders helps the healthcare system and social welfare professionals to realize the retirees’ psychological needs.

Modelling the Iranian Petroleum Contract fiscal regime using bargaining game theory to guide contract negotiators

Based on Iran's sixth development plan, the country's oil and gas industry requires an investment of about $200bn in the next five years to increase production. The Iranian government, to attract and motivate international oil company investment in their oil and gas fields, has presented a new type of risk service contract: the Iranian Petroleum Contract (IPC). This paper summarizes the features of the IPC and presents mathematical models of its fiscal regime for the benefit and guidance of both the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and the contractors. Next, adopting bargaining game theory provides a mathematical model for reaching a win-win situation between the NIOC and the contractor. Finally, a numerical example is given and a sensitivity analysis performed to illustrate the implementation of the proposed models. The contractor and the NIOC may use these models when preparing their proposal and in the course of actual negotiations to calculate their internal rate of return, remuneration fee, and net present value for developing the fields at different conditions of their bargaining power, and derive a logical bargain to protect their best possible interests.

Does naringenin supplementation improve lipid profile, severity of hepatic steatosis and probability of liver fibrosis in overweight/obese patients with NAFLD? A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.

Naringenin has been reported to have some promising pharmacological effects on the management of obesity and related metabolic complications including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, the present clinical trial study was done to assess the effects of naringenin supplementation on lipid profile, aminotransferase levels, severity of steatosis, as well as probability of fibrosis in overweight/obese patients with NAFLD. This placebo-controlled, parallel randomised, double-blind clinical trial study was conducted on 44 eligible overweight/obese patients with NAFLD (naringenin-treated group (n=22), control group (n=22)) referred to the national Iranian oil company (NIOC) Central Hospital, Tehran City, Tehran Province, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to receive naringenin capsules (100mg) and identical placebo capsules twice a day, before lunch and dinner, for 4weeks. The primary outcomes were improvement of liver steatosis and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), and secondary outcomes included changes in levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lipid profile. Naringenin consumption significantly reduced percentages of NAFLD grades (P<.001), as well as, serum levels of triglyceride (TG) (P<.001), total cholesterol (TC) (P=.01), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P=.02) and increased serum level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P=.02) compared with the control group. Even after adjusting for the confounders, the results were significant. However, there were no significant changes in AST, ALT and NFS. Our findings revealed that daily intake of 200mg of naringenin for 4weeks had beneficial effects on lipid profile and percentages of NAFLD grades as an indicator for the severity of hepatic steatosis. Although, NFS values and serum levels of aminotransferase enzymes including AST and ALT did not remarkably change.

Developing a Model to Recognize, Classify, and Analyz the Uncertainties Affecting the Selection of Strategic Partners in Resilient Economy (Case Study: National Iranian Oil Company)

هدف: دیدگاه‌های متفاوت، متضاد و اختلاف نظرها در خصوص توسعه کشور از جمله پیاده‌سازی اقتصاد مقاومتی، رابطه با غرب و تامین منافع غرب و یا قطع روابط با غرب، برقراری روابط با کشورهای عربی و تقویت روابط با کشورهای همسایه و یا قطع روابط با آن‌ها، تحریم‌ها، عدم قطعیت قیمت جهانی نفت، نوسانات نرخ ارز، نرخ تورم و ... مانع یک تصمیم منسجم و استراتژیک و منجر به ایجاد عدم اطمینان‌های متعدد در انتخاب شریک یا شرکاء استراتژیک بین‌المللی در صنعت نفت شده است. با توجه به ضرورت‌های مطروحه فوق، هدف از انجام پژوهش، فراهم نمودن چارچوبی جامع جهت شناخت و تحلیل عدم اطمینان‌های موثر بر انتخاب شرکاء استراتژیک در بستر اقتصاد مقاومتی در شرکت ملی نفت ایران است.روش: در این پژوهش، با استفاده از تکنیک تحلیل تم و مصاحبه با 15 متخصص مهم‌ترین عدم اطمینان‌های پروژه‌های نفتی با در نظر گرفتن اقتصاد مقاومتی شناسایی و دسته‌بندی گردید و در ادامه به منظور تائید دسته بندی فوق از تکنیک تحلیل عاملی استفاده شد.یافته‌ها:: مهم‌ترین عدم اطمینان‌های پروژه‌های نفتی در بستر اقتصاد مقاومتی در سه دسته کلی عدم اطمینان در مورد محیط کار، عدم اطمینان در باره ارزش‌های راهنما و عدم ‌اطمینان در مورد گزینه‌های طرح‌های مرتبط دسته بندی شد. نتیجه­‌گیری: بعد از طراحی مدل با استفاده از تکنیک تحلیل تم، خروجی لیزرل نشان داد چون مقدار کای دو محاسبه شده برابر با 1058.77 است و همچنین به دلیل اینکه نسبت کای دو به درجه ازادی از 3 کمتر باشد (در این پژوهش این نسبت در حدود 63/2 است) و میزان میانگین مربعات خطاهای تخمین کمتر از 08/0 است (در این پژوهش برابر با 012/0 است)، مدل پژوهش از برازش مناسبی برخوردار است.

Expounding the knowledge conversion processes within the occupational safety and health management system (OSH-MS) using concept mapping

Objectives. Given the efforts made to incorporate knowledge management into the occupational safety and health management system (OSH-MS), this research attempts to illustrate how the knowledge conversion processes are accomplished within key elements of the OSH-MS. Methods. This study uses concept mapping (CM) as an integrated approach for mirroring participants’ viewpoints about the interaction between tacit and explicit knowledge in the OSH-MS. OSH and knowledge management experts of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and its subdivisions were invited to complete the CM process. Results. Interpretation of the maps and graphical representations generated indicates that the concepts within the key elements of the OSH-MS are sorted into different clusters, including Knowledge Application, Knowledge Dissemination, Knowledge Socialization and Knowledge Presentation. Regarding the participants’ ratings, the Knowledge Application cluster is rated as the most important, and Knowledge Socialization is rated as the most prevalent. Conversely, Knowledge Presentation is rated the least important and prevalent. Conclusions. The results simulated in MATLAB version R2018a and JMP version 13.2 help in better understanding the interplay between tacit and explicit knowledge in the key elements of the OSH-MS and clarify the potential programmable areas to improve organizational performance.

Designing an Integrated Model of Oil and Gas Management with a SWOT Approach

In the recent years, the growing demand for energy on the one hand and the reduction of conventional hydrocarbon reserves on the other hand have made the proper extraction of oil and gas reserves, i.e. reservoir management issues, more important and hence proper management of these reserves is inevitable. Although renewable energies currently provide the bulk of the world’s energy needs, hydrocarbon fuels remain the main source of energy until 2035.Despite the growing importance of the Integrated Reservoir Management Model (IRMI), as a rational solution to maximize economic production from oil and gas reservoirs, a comprehensive model that can cover all reservoir management modules has not yet been proposed. In this paper, by examining the current condition of reservoir management in one of the subsidiaries of the National Iranian Oil company and analyzing the obtained results, we offer some solutions to improve the condition and finally, we present a comprehensive model for reservoir management in this company.

Root Cause Analysis of Construction Oil and Gas Project Delays from Engineering and Construction Management Point of View Using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP): A Case Study for National Iranian Oil Company Projects

The delays in construction projects affect a very large volume of the countries’ resources, therefore making the right decisions at managerial levels prevents the loss of national resources. There are several tools available to project managers for appropriate resource planning, each of which is used at managerial levels to improve the schedule of projects. In fact, delays can be largely prevented if there is an appropriate decision-making model in place to control the projects. This study is aimed at investigating the causes of delays in construction projects through the case study of the National Iranian Oil Company's construction projects by using a hierarchical analysis method and prioritizing the most important delay factors as well as providing a solution. After the background studies, the raw data of the research was collected using 64 questionnaires. This includes valuable experiences of experienced administrators and executives. Then, the preliminary data were analyzed by Expert Choice software, and a model was presented for optimizing the problem in order to prioritize and determine the importance of the causes of project delays. Given the software output, the results showed that the factors affecting the increase of the duration and cost of the projects include the following: 1) Existence of sanctions and restrictions on imports of essential goods and commodities, 2) Governmental policymaking problems in prioritizing the construction projects, 3) Social and environmental effects and conflicts, 4) Financial insolvency of the contractor, 5) Lack of financial resources of the employer, 6) Inconsistencies between consultant and employer, 7) Study and design problems, 8) Lack of specialist and skilled manpower by the contractor, 9) Higher workshop supervision problems, 10) Contractor’s technical and equipment problems, 11) The type of contract and contractual issues, and 12) Managerial and technical inability of the employer, the impact of which are 1) 17.3%, 2) 13%, 3) 9.6%, 4) 8.9%, 5) 8.3%, 6) 8.3%, 7) 7.3%, 8) 6.6%, 9) 6.3%, 10) 5.6%, 11) 5.1% and 12) 3.7%, respectively. The results of the study suggests that the sanctions and restrictions on the import of essential goods and commodities, and problems of governmental policymaking in prioritizing the construction projects are superior to other factors in most cases in terms of the studied criteria (time and cost), as well as the case study. Also, other specific project conditions can change these priorities. As a result, project managers should consider the analyses carried out in this research with specific conditions of each project simultaneously and make decisions.

Exploration, development and production of Iran's fields and reservoirs through the Iran Petroleum Contract (IPC)

After nearly four decades, the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) introduced a new upstream contractual framework in 2016. The Iran Petroleum Contract was introduced in response to deficiencies in the previous risk service contract – called the Buyback contract – and in order to attract foreign investment into the country's petroleum industry. The general terms and conditions of this type of upstream contract were approved by the Board of Ministers in 2016, based on which a 20-year contract for the development and production of Phase 11 of the South Pars gas field in the Persian Gulf was concluded in 2017 between NIOC and a consortium consisting of Total, CNPCI and Petropars as contractor. The main objective of this article is to assess the new upstream contract through a detailed examination of its regulatory aspirations and its underlying legislative presumptions.

Formulating an organizational pride model for the National Iranian Oil Company

The present study addresses the formulation of organizational pride model in the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC). Exploratory mixed method was used in this study, of which the first phase was conducted using grounded theory. Participants of the qualitative phase of the study constituted 19 managers, directors, supervisors, and experts of the NIOC, whose interviews were analyzed to extract and formulate the desired model in the form of causative relations. Then, the findings of the qualitative phase were formulated in the form of statements, which were put to test in the quantitative phase. In line with this, a researcher-made questionnaire was administered to 381 employees of the NIOC. Upon ensuring the validity and reliability of the instrument, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to calculate the results of the fit indicators. This model constitutes causative conditions (intrinsic motivation, sense of national pride, successful background of the organization, organizational image, and importance of the organization’s output), central phenomenon (emotional organizational pride and attitudinal organizational pride), Context (Political-legal factors, Sociocultural factors, Economic-technological factors), intervening conditions (supervisor consideration, perceived organizational justice, welfare and financial facilities, and transparency of career path), strategies (positive views about the entirety of the organization, extra-organizational positive views, job enthusiasm, employees and their families’ prejudice to the organization, and commitment to the organization’s values) and consequences (organizational identity, retention in the organization, organizational citizenship behavior, and employees’ performance enhancement). In addition, the results of the quantitative phase confirm the hypotheses and support the findings of the qualitative phase.

Medical Risk Factors for Dementia; A Case-Control Study

ObjectivesDementia is the fifth cause of death in older adults with the most significant financial, social, and caring burden on health systems across the world. The aim of this study was to determine the most common medical risk factors for dementia in the retired population.MethodsA case-control methodology was used for this study, within which 180 patients with dementia were compared to 371 controls for medical risk factors in the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) in 2017. Participants in the case and control groups were matched in terms of age, educational level, and sex. The logistic regression was employed to estimate Odds Ratios (OR), using SPSS software.ResultsThe majority of the participants were male (55%) and married (69%) with a mean age of 73.14 (SD=9.11) and high school education (38%). The results of the adjusted logistic regression showed a significant association among dementia and chronic and acute vitamin D3 deficiency (more and less than 1 year) (OR=4.73, P<0.001, OR=7.50, P<0.001, respectively), cancer history (OR=15.31, P<0.001), and chronic anemia (OR=5.95, P<0.001).DiscussionThe results of this study suggest vitamin D3 deficiency, cancer, and anemia history as probable risk factors for dementia. Thus, managing or controlling these risk factors may effectively delay or prevent the onset of dementia for the individuals.

Designing an organizational engagement model using structural equation modeling: case study of National Iranian Oil Company

Today’s organizations need energetic and engaged employees, those who are interested in their jobs. Generally, the engaged ones love their job and do their job tasks well. If there is no engagement in the organizations, the organization is encountered with serious problems in this ground. This study aims to design engagement assessment model in the organizations and its applied purpose is creating new theoretical basics in the maturity of engagement in the organization and this helps the organizations for better perception and consistency of organizational goals with the goals of employees. The employees of the National Iranian Oil Company constituted the population for this research. The National Iranian Oil Company was selected as the context, because employee engagement has emerged as a critical problem confronting this sector. 356 employees of this company were selected by simple random sampling method and data were collected using a questionnaire. The researcher attempts to answer the question how we can design an engagement assessment model in the organizations. The different dimensions of engagement are identified at individual and organizational levels and then based on the findings, the employees are classified based on the individual and organizational engagement and the results of this study can help the researchers for better recognition of this internal variable and this helps the better understanding of researchers to use it.

Green cardamom supplementation improves serum irisin, glucose indices, and lipid profiles in overweight or obese non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

BackgroundDespite the reported health effects of cardamom on dyslipidemia, hepatomegaly, and fasting hyperglycemia, no human research has studied its potency in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as the hepatic part of metabolic syndrome. Our aim was determining the effects of green cardamom (GC) on serum glucose indices, lipids, and irisin level among overweight or obese NAFLD patients.MethodsThe place of participant recruitment was the polyclinic of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) central hospital in Tehran. Based on the ultrasonography and eligibility criteria, 87 participants were randomly divided into two groups as cardamom (n = 43) or placebo (n = 44). The supplementation was two 500 mg capsules 3 times/day with meals for 3 months. Serum irisin, fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin (FBI), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) were measured. Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were also calculated.ResultsIn comparison with placebo, GC significantly increased irisin, HDL-c, and QUICKI and decreased FBI, TG, LDL-c, HOMA-IR, and the grade of fatty liver (P < 0.05). After adjustment for confounders, the changes were similar (P < 0.05) with an exception for LDL-c which had a trend (P = 0.07). The differences in FBS, TC, and body mass index (BMI) were not significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionGC supplement improved the grade of fatty liver, serum glucose indices, lipids, and irisin level among overweight or obese NAFLD patients. The changes in these biomarkers may yield beneficial effects on NAFLD. Further trials on the efficacy of GC for clinical practice are suggested.Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT2015121317254N4. Registered 27/12/2015,

‘A pretty kettle of fish’: United Nations assistance in the mass dismissal of labor in the Iranian oil industry, 1959–1960

ABSTRACTThis article examines the assignment of John Alexander-Sinclair, a British United Nations (UN) development expert, in Iran. In the late 1960s, Alexander-Sinclair was invited to arrange the ‘redeployment’ of 20,000 allegedly redundant oil workers and mediate between the consortium of European and American companies, which was in de facto control of the country’s oil industry, and the state-led National Iranian Oil Company, which was nominally in charge. His UN mission enabled the cooperation between Iranian officials and foreign companies, which eventually led to the severance of workers on a massive scale. Much of the existing scholarly work on the history of international organizations and labor has focused on the role of the former in advocating international norms to improve the lives of workers across the globe. This article, by contrast, examines the use of UN assistance as a means to circumvent workers’ existing protections and benefits. Second, the notion of a ‘rule of experts,’ which suggests that development practitioners gained unprecedented powers after World War II, dominates much of the secondary literature. By showing how the UN representative in Iran appeared as a rather impotent pawn in the politics of local interest groups, the article demonstrates the limits of this argument.

Green cardamom increases Sirtuin-1 and reduces inflammation in overweight or obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic component of metabolic syndrome. Despite the beneficial health effects of cardamom on dyslipidemia, hepatomegaly, and fasting hyperglycemia, no previous human study has been conducted on the efficacy of cardamom in NAFLD. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of green cardamom (GC) on serum Sirtuin-1 (Sirt1), inflammatory factors, and liver enzymes in overweight or obese NAFLD patients.MethodsThe recruitment of subjects was conducted at the polyclinic of the central hospital of National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), Tehran. Eighty-seven patients who participated were divided randomly into two groups according to the ultrasonography and eligibility criteria as cardamom (n = 43) or placebo (n = 44). The intervention involves taking two 500 mg capsules three times per day with meals for 3 months. General characteristics, dietary intake and physical activity status, weight and height were determined. In addition, serum Sirt1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), high sensitive c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) were measured. The degree of fatty liver was determined at beginning and end of the study.ResultsIn comparison with placebo, GC significantly increased Sirt1 and decreased hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, ALT, and the degree of fatty liver (P < 0.05). The differences in weight, BMI, and AST were not significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionGC supplementation could improve some biomarkers related to fatty liver including inflammation, ALT, and Sirt1 in overweight/obese NAFLD patients. Further trials on cardamom’s potential are suggested.Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT2015121317254N4. Registered 27/12/2015.

Developing Value Proposition for Business Models of National Iranian Oil Companies

Abstract The Value proposition is one of the key aspects of a business model and plays a significant role in any business model. Nowadays, firms could be successful and even could be initiated, only when a value proposition of their business model is clarified precisely. There is a necessity for new studies in order to see whether National Oil Companies(NOCs) are promoting the proper business models that make them competitive. This research analyzes the value proposition and its influence on the NOC’s competitiveness and it supports to deliver the required products and services to their specific market segment and customers. The main objective of this research is to develop a value proposition for the business model of National Oil Companies(NOCs). This could enable firms to be more competitive in the oil industry, especially in the oil supply glut circumstance. In order to achieve this objective, the research methodology is based on the semi-structured interview with the main stakeholders in the oil industry which is NOCs. First, value propositions in the history of oil and gas industry are addressed in almost every decade, then five current or previous managers of National Iranian Oil Company are selected for the semi-structured interview to clarify the current market situation and eventually propose the desired value propositions for the business model of NOCs.