Designing an Innovative Business Conceptual Model with an Internationalization Approach (Case Study: Afghanistan’s Dried Fruit Industry)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Business Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Prof., Department of Business Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22059/jibm.2025.397808.5002

Abstract

Objective
Considering the critical role of internationalization in the growth and success of firms in Afghanistan’s dried fruit industry, this study aims to develop a conceptual business model that identifies, analyzes, and structures the key components influencing the international performance of actors in this sector. The presented model, by providing a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the complex relationships among the components, can offer a clear conceptual framework for understanding the internationalization process and organizational interactions of industry actors; therefore, activities and roles in the internationalization process are clearly and scientifically defined.
 
Methodology
The present study adopts an exploratory qualitative approach and employs content analysis to examine the perspectives and experiences of university professors and entrepreneurs active in the dried fruit industry. The statistical population consisted of experts from both academia and the dried fruit industry, and through purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 of them. After the 15th interview, no new concepts emerged, and theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was performed using MAXQDA software. In the initial coding phase, more than 92 codes were identified, which, after refinement, merging, and conceptual reorganization, were distilled and abstracted into 28 subcategories, 11 main categories, and 7 core categories, and prepared for analysis and the extraction of key concepts.
 
Findings
Data analysis indicated that internationalization, as the central phenomenon of the study, is influenced by seven key factors. These factors include technological and innovative capabilities, international infrastructures, business model innovation, human resources and organizational learning, penetration into international markets, financial resources and investment, and the institutional environment and international regulations. Technological and innovative capabilities encompass technology development and process digitalization, while international infrastructure focuses on logistics and the supply chain. Business model innovation involves redefining the value proposition and strengthening the brand, and human resources and organizational learning include the development of digital skills and the recruitment of specialized personnel. Penetration into international markets emphasizes customer understanding and competitive market analysis, financial resources and investment provide the necessary means, and the institutional environment and international regulations define the framework for cross-border activities.
 
Conclusion
The presented conceptual model serves as an innovative and practical tool for strategic analysis and planning with a focus on internationalization in the dried fruit industry, providing a more precise understanding of the relationships among the key components of international success. The study's findings indicate that simultaneous attention to factors such as technology, infrastructure, business model innovation, human resources, markets, capital, and the institutional environment is essential for achieving international success and maintaining sustainable competitive advantage. By focusing on internationalization as the central phenomenon, this study not only reduces existing theoretical gaps but also offers an analytical and strategic framework for designing and implementing effective policies and strategies, providing managers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers with the means to utilize practical insights in strategic decision-making at both national and organizational levels.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Business Management
Volume 18, Issue 1
2026
Pages 1-23

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