Ranking Optimal Strategies for E-Book Businesses in Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Allameh Tabatabai’ University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22059/jlib.2026.405722.1802

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to rank optimal strategies for e-book businesses in Iran using David’s Strategic Management Model.
Method: This study employed a mixed-methods approach based on David’s strategy formulation framework. The research population consisted of all e-book businesses in Iran possessing a formal business structure (N=26), utilizing a census method. Interviews and qualitative content analysis were used to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT), as well as to categorize and prioritize optimal strategies for each strategic position. To score the components of the Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE), External Factor Evaluation (EFE), SWOT Matrix, and Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM), data files were distributed to participants, and scores were collected via telephone consultations.
Results: The results indicate that publishers’ mistrust regarding the potential misuse of book files by e-book platforms constitutes the most significant threat, carrying substantially more weight than other strengths, weaknesses, or threats. Additionally, lack of capital, the absence of facilities for content production and development, and small business scale were identified as the major weaknesses. Suitable software infrastructure was recognized as the primary strength, while the continuous rise in production, design, printing, and distribution costs of physical books was identified as the greatest opportunity. Furthermore, the Product/Service Development strategy (8.16) and Business-to-Business (B2B) marketing strategy (8.12) jointly held the top rank, followed by Quality-Oriented Operational Excellence (7.74) in second place, Business-to-Consumer (B2C) marketing (7.69) in third, and Diversification or Social Marketing strategy (6.13) in fourth.
Conclusion: The study concludes that success in this sector requires addressing publishers' security concerns, improving application user experience (UX), and diversifying services and support. The prevailing concern pertains to file security, stemming largely from mistrust, fear of unauthorized publication or content alteration, and the absence of cohesive frameworks for legal recourse. The reported lack of capital suggests a lack of professional entry into the field, evidenced by the reliance on external funding for content production and the businesses remaining small-scale. Conversely, strengths are generally anchored in network value and the high penetration rate of the internet and social media. Finally, any increase in print production costs driven by currency fluctuation or stagflation appears to present a viable opportunity for publishers to expand into the e-book business.

Keywords

References

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Academic Librarianship and Information Research
Volume 59, Issue 3
September 2025
Pages 1-22

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