Innovation Management in Defensive Organizations

Innovation Management in Defensive Organizations

Designing a Policymaking Model for the Talent Development of Student Pilots: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mohsen Gheysari 1
Dariush Mehri 2
Hassan Mahjoub 3
Esmaeil Asadi 4
1 Ph.D. in Higher Education Development Planning, Shahid Sattari University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
2 4. Assistant Professor of Higher Education Management, Shahid Sattari University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
3 Associate Prof., Higher Education Management, Shahid Sattari Aeronautical University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
4 Associate Prof., Public Management, Shahid Sattari Aeronautical University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/qjimdo.2025.536359.1758
Abstract
Background & Purpose: Given the complexity and sensitivity of the piloting profession and the critical role of competent human resources in operational success, a revision of educational policies is deemed essential. Hence,This study aimed to design a policy framework for talent development in pilot training at Shahid Sattari University of Aeronautical Sciences and Technology.
Methodology: This research employed a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach. In the qualitative phase, through a systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews with 12 experts in pilot training, the dimensions and components of talent development policy were identified. The qualitative data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. In the quantitative phase, a questionnaire was developed based on the qualitative findings and distributed among 167 Air Force instructors, trainers, and pilots. The quantitative data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) via Smart PLS software.
Findings: The results indicated that talent development policy in pilot training comprises four key dimensions: (1) formulation of strategic documents, (2) macro-level policymaking, (3) adaptive and innovative strategies, and (4) strategic talent development planning. The final research model showed a good fit and all path coefficients were statistically significant. The reliability and validity of the research instrument were confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability and model indices.
Conclusion: Talent development policymaking, with an emphasis on purposeful planning, institutional coordination, and the integration of modern technologies, plays a vital role in the identification, cultivation, and optimal utilization of pilot talents. These policies, by aligning with global developments, designing professional growth paths, and strengthening soft skills, enhance the quality of pilot training and increase the preparedness of specialized personnel.
Keywords
Educational policymaking
talent development
pilot training
strategic planning
strategic documents
Subjects
Achmad, L. I., Noermijati, Rofiaty, & Irawanto, D. W. (2023). Job satisfaction and employee engagement as mediators of the relationship between talent development and intention to stay in Generation Z workers. International Journal of Professional Business Review, 8(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.26668/businessreview/2023.v8i1.814
Akhavan dorbash, R., zakaryaei, M., & entesar fomeni, G. (2021). Designing the optimal model of talent management and development components. Journal of New Approaches in Educational Administration, 12 (1), 150-132. (in Persian).
Aljughaiman, A., & Grigorenko, E. L. (2013). Excellence in education policies: Catering to the needs of gifted and talented students. UNESCO-IBE. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000222110
Armstrong, M. (2006). Human resource management practice (10th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Barney, J. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120. https://doi.org/10.1177/014920639101700108
Barlow, L. (2006). Talent development: The new imperative? Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, 20(3), 6–9. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777280610656325
Broach, D., Schroeder, D., & Gildea, K. (2019). Best practices in pilot selection (No. DOT/FAA/AM-19/06). U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Civil Aerospace Medical Institute. http://www.faa.gov/go/oamtechreports
Cappelli, P., & Keller, J. (2014). Talent Management: Conceptual Approaches and Practical Challenges. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 1(1), 305–331. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-031413-091314
Da Silva, A. B., Castelló-Sirvent, F., & Canós-Darós, L. (2022). Sensible leaders and hybrid working: Challenges for talent management. Sustainability, 14(24), Article 16883. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416883
Datta, S., Budhwar, P., Agarwal, U. A., & Bhargava, S. (2023). Impact of HRM practices on innovative behaviour: Mediating role of talent development climate in Indian firms. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 34(6), 1071–1096. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2021.1973063
Gagné, F. (2000). Understanding the Complex Choreography of Talent Development Through DMGT-Based Analysis. In International Handbook of Giftedness and Talent (pp. 67–79). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-008043796-5/50005-X
Gandz, J. (2006). Talent development: The architecture of talent management. In The Talent Management Handbook: Creating Organizational Excellence by Identifying, Developing, and Promoting Your Best People. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Garavan, T. N. Carbery, R. and Rock, A. (2012). Mapping talent development: definition, scope and architecture. European journal of Training and Development, 36, (1), 5-24.
Garcia, K. C. (2024). Why pilot assessment is more important today. AAG Aviation Insights. https://www.aag.aero
Gholipour, A., & Eftekhar, N. (2016). Presenting a talent management model using the grounded theory approach. Journal of Public Management Research, 9(34), 55–84. (in Persian).
Hakro, A. N., & Mathew, P. (2020). Coaching and mentoring in higher education institutions: A case study in Oman. International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, 9(3), 307–322. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMCE-05-2019-0060
Henseler, J., Dijkstra, T. K., Sarstedt, M., Ringle, C. M., Diamantopoulos, A., Straub, D. W., ... & Calantone, R. J. (2014). Common beliefs and reality about PLS: Comments on Rönkkö and Evermann (2013). Organizational research methods, 17(2), 182-209.‏
ICAO. (2014). ICAO training report – number 2: News and features on civil aviation-related training developments (Vol. 4, No. 2). Retrieved from https://www.icao.int
ICAO. (2017). Aviation training and capacity-building roadmap for states: A practical guide. Retrieved from https://www.icao.int
Kelliher, F. (2014). Just do it: Action Learning as a Catalyst for Reflective Practice on a MBA Programme. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 141, 1275–1280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.05.220
Kelly, A. L., Williams, C. A., Jackson, D. T., Turnnidge, J., Reeves, M. J., Dugdale, J. H., & Wilson, M. R. (2023). Exploring the role of socioeconomic status and psychological characteristics on talent development in an English soccer academy. Science and Medicine in Football, 8(3), 251–259. https://doi.org/10.1080/24733938.2023.2213191
Khalid, F. (2018). The Choreography of Talent Development in Higher Education. Higher Education Studies, 9(1), 40. https://doi.org/10.5539/hes.v9n1p40
Khanifar, H., Ebrahimi, S., & Gholami, B. (2021). Designing a talent development and retention model in the education system: A qualitative study. School Management Quarterly, 8 (4), 268–296. (in Persian).
Kloudová, G., & Stehlík, M. (2017). The enhancement of training of military pilots using psychophysiological methods. International Journal of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, 11(11), 4–8.
Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic Inquiry. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Larson, D. A. (2017). Multi-dimensional assessment of professional competence during initial pilot training (Doctoral dissertation, University of Colorado at Denver). ProQuest LLC.
McCauley, C. D., & Van Velsor, E. (Eds.). (2004). The Center for Creative Leadership Handbook of Leadership Development (2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
McCormack, J., Propper, C., & Smith, S. (2014). Herding Cats? Management and University Performance. The Economic Journal, 124(578), F534–F564. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecoj.12105
Mehri, D., & Abolghasemi, M. (2019). Presenting a talent development model for graduates of the Aerospace Engineering program at Shahid Sattari University of Aeronautical Sciences and Technology (Doctoral dissertation). Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University. (in Persian).
Mizrak, F. (2023). Evaluation of non-type rated pilot selection criteria in the civil aviation industry with AHP and TOPSIS methods. Pressacademia, 10, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.17261/pressacademia.2023.1713
Mostarac, N., Reščić, A., Mihetec, T., & Novak, D. (2022). Flight training syllabus structure impact on proactive planning of high-performance military aircraft pilot training operations in flexible airspace structures. Promet - Traffic and Transportation, 34(6), 839–848. https://doi.org/10.7307/ptt.v34i6.4158
Nyongesa Wesonga, J., & Van Der Westhuizen, J. (2024). Effect of talent development on organizational performance. EUREKA: Social and Humanities, (2), 25–37. https://doi.org/10.21303/2504-5571.2024.003374
Shakouri Shaldehi, A., Tourani, H., Kordestani, F., & Delgoshaei, Y.   (2021). Presenting a model for the development of human resources in the education system with emphasis on the Fundamental Reform Document of Education. Educational Leadership and Management Quarterly, 14(1), 29–60. (in Persian).
Stahl, G. K., Björkman, I., Farndale, E., Morris, S. S., Paauwe, J., Stiles, P., Trevor, J., & Wright, P. (2012). Six principles of effective global talent management. MIT Sloan Management Review, 53(2), 25–32. http://mitsmr.com/1qZ0Ydh
Stewart, Greg L. & Brown, Kenneth G. (2011). Human Resource Management: Linking Strategy to Practice. Second edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Taamneh, A., Taamneh, M., Alsaad, A., & Al-Okaily, M. (2021). Talent management and academic context: A comparative study of public and private universities. EuroMed Journal of Business. https://doi.org/10.1108/EMJB-08-2020-0088
Turner, P & Kalman, D. (2014). Make Your PeoPle Before You Make
Your Products: using talent ManageMent to achieve coMPetitive advantage
in gloBal organizations, Wiley.
Vetvitskaya, S. M., & Malchinsky, F. V. (2023). Moral values of a future military pilot as the reliability of predicted professional psychological selection. Dependability, 23(1), 24–29. https://doi.org/10.21683/1729-2646-2023-23-1-24-29
Yousof, S. M., Almohamadi, M. M., Alsouri, M. T., & Salem, I. M. (2022). Highlights about Talents Development: The Future of Improving Higher Education Quality. Arab Journal for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, 15(52). https://doi.org/10.20428/ajqahe.v15i52.2065.
Yllner, E. B. (2013). Talent management: Retaining and managing technical specialists in a technical career (Master’s thesis, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden).