International Journal of Innovation in Management, Economics and Social Sciences

Assessing E-Commerce Service Quality: A Hierarchical Evaluation Model for Online Sales Firms

Rasoul Jamshidi — 2024-04-20

Purpose: This study proposes a model for evaluating online stores by consumers using the hierarchical analysis method and fuzzy theory as a multi-criteria decision-making method.

Methodology: The study used the survey method to collect information, which was then analyzed using multi-criteria decision models.

Findings: The results show that user privacy is most important in online shopping. After that, Accessibility has a crucial role in assessing service quality.

Originality/Value: This study provides a model for decision-makers to help them improve key areas in e-commerce service design.

A Modeling for Enhancing Consumer Trust in Organic Food through Authentic Content in Social Networks

Ehsan Tashakkori — 2023-12-26

Purpose: This research aims to identify factors that improve consumers' trust in organic food in social networks by providing authentic content, prioritizing these factors, and presenting a model for them.

Methodology: In the phases of this research, first, the research literature in this field was examined. Then, with the theoretical saturation approach and through interviews with primary samples of the target audience and organic food consumers, a questionnaire was designed to measure the impact of 20 factors on consumer trust. Four hundred twenty-five organic food consumers confirmed this questionnaire and its factors

Findings: The results led to the discovery of 20 effective factors, which were categorized and modeled with the help of exploratory factor analysis in 4 categories of hidden variables with the names of emphasis on standards, description of product validity, credible recommenders, and valid supply. In the final step, with the help of a random forest algorithm in the artificial neural network, 20 identified factors were prioritized.

Originality/value: For the first time, this study seeks to increase consumers' trust in organic food in social networks by improving the presentation of appropriate advertising content in messages. So far, no research has been done in this field, specifically in improving consumption and, as a result, the sale and acquisition of the organic food market.

The Fight Against Boko Haram Uprising and Effect on National Security: Implications for Socioeconomic Development

Joseph Olanrewaju Ilugbami — 2024-03-17

Purpose: Boko Haram (BH) originated around 2002 as a local Islamic movement primarily for preaching and charity to locals in Maiduguri, Borno State. Their operations were altered in 2009 following a crackdown on its adherents by the Nigerian government, as a result of which spiritual and political head Muhammad Yusuf was assassinated. More than 38,000 individuals were killed by the Boko Haram conflict between 2009 and 2023. This study aims to assess the dangers posed by the BH uprisings on Nigeria’s security, which is affecting other socioeconomic dynamics, to suggest potential solutions to the uprising in Nigeria.

Methodology: This study used a qualitative research approach. A structured questionnaire was utilized for data collection. Nigerian security personnel make up the study’s target group. The participants were contacted based on convenience sampling. Data analysis was achieved using theme analysis.

Findings: The BH has increased its attacks against security forces and their formations, key government and private institutions, schools, worship centers (such as Churches and Mosques), and the general public, which includes girl-children and mothers. Their menace is eroding Nigeria’s existence as a single sovereign political territory. The survey indicated that poverty and religious misunderstanding were the main reasons for establishing Boko Haram. It was suggested that the Nigerian government should address the cause by reducing poverty, creating jobs, and strengthening security operations.

Originality/value: Poverty and religious misunderstanding were the main reasons for establishing Boko Haram. Cities, towns, villages, and human settlements in northeast Nigeria are not safe, not inclusive, not resilient, and a challenge to sustainability.

Investigating the impact of empowerment on entrepreneurship with emphasis on social innovation in informal settlements in Tabriz

Saeideh Samadzad — 2024-03-20

Purpose: The current research aims to investigate the impact of empowerment on entrepreneurship with an emphasis on social innovation in informal settlements.

Methodology: This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-survey in terms of method. The primary tool for collecting information is interview and questionnaire. The statistical population of the research is the Khalilabad neighborhood of Tabriz city. Thus, in the exploratory interview phase, ten experts in the field of entrepreneurship and human resources were used to design the conceptual model and to analyze the statistical model from among the statistical population (the number of active population of 10 years and older in Khalilabad neighborhood) 352 people were used according to Cochran's calculation formula. In order to analyze the findings of the research, structural equations technique, partial least squares approach has been used.

Findings: Based on the information analysis findings, empowerment's impact on social innovation is positive and significant, with a path coefficient of 0.962. The effect of empowerment on entrepreneurship with a path coefficient of 0.251 and the effect of social innovation on entrepreneurship with a path coefficient of 0.166 is positive and significant. Also, the results show that economic factors (path coefficient 0.449), technical (path coefficient 0.116), socio-cultural (path coefficient 0.156), and managerial factors (path coefficient 0.10) also have a positive and significant effect on entrepreneurship.

Originality/Value: an informal settlement is a housing that does not comply with legal and regulatory frameworks and is established in cities, which can be informal at several levels.

Presenting the smart- sustainable supply chain model based on artificial intelligence

Mojdeh Ghanbari — 2023-05-01

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform many aspects of business operations. This technology can be used in various fields such as data analysis and demand forecasting, improving logistics and transportation routes, and identifying inefficient points in the supply chain. This will ultimately lead to improved response to changes in demand, reduced delivery times, and lower costs, and will lead to sustainable development. The integration of environmental, social, and economic aspects is continuously influencing general management decisions and especially supply chain management and operations management. Therefore, organizations are rethinking and redefining the concept of operations management using the supply chain approach based on smart technologies. In this paper, the application of artificial intelligence in sustainable supply chain management has been investigated and the effects of this technology on this field have been investigated. In this paper, the issue of artificial intelligence in the supply chain and the need to use it by businesses is also discussed. In addition, the potential applications of artificial intelligence in the sustainable supply chain are also investigated and a conceptual framework is also presented for it.

The supply and demand challenges of medicines at Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana

Nkaelang Modutlwa — 2023-08-15

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate medicines' supply and demand challenges at Princess Marina Hospital in light of the prevalent shortage and unavailability of medicines in both the public and private sectors globally. Despite this, medicines remain essential commodities to healthcare systems. For Botswana, the unavailability of medicines situation has worsened over the past years due to complications from HIV, and AIDS. There was a need to investigate the supply and demand challenges of medicines at Princess Marina Hospital, Botswana's largest hospital.

Methodology: A quantitative methodology using a close-ended questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 41 pharmacy personnel at Princess Marina Hospital. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel.

Findings: The supply and demand challenges identified are low manufacturing capacity by manufacturers, shortage of raw materials, poor supply chain management by local suppliers, Botswana’s uneconomical small market, inefficient logistic supply system, irrational use of medicines, Just-In-Time- Inventory, tendering system of awarding the lowest bidder, unexpected increased marketing strategies, long regulatory timelines, limited registered medicines, inadequate supply chain management skills, insufficient personnel, and poor collaboration between Princess Marina Hospital and Central Medical Stores.

Originality/Value: This paper identifies the supply and demand challenges of medicines specifically in Princess Marina Hospital. To attain the purposes of the study, an inquiry was created containing two components related to investment decisions, including financial literacy and economic factors. The inquiry was delivered to a sample of 85 people. Descriptive data were used to expound on study samples in the way that frequency, mean, and standard deviation. In addition, of highest quality-sample t-test and a natural linear regression reasoning were used to test the study theory at a consequence level of 0.05. The main findings of this study include (I) the impact of financial knowledge and literacy on investment decisions and (II) the impact of economic factors on investment decisions. The focus was on investment and savings-related decisions and preferences. Banks, financial institutions, and investors can benefit from understanding the impact of financial literacy, behavioral, and individual factors, thus inviting investors to other financial options. The study provided many recommendations, the most important of which, is by communicating financial factors and knowledge of finance to financial literacy, allowing decision-makers to anticipate economic events and plan for the future.

Presenting a combined econometric model to optimize the stock portfolio in the stock exchange

Azam Hajiaghajani — 2023-08-15

Purpose: Portfolio optimization is one of the important issues in the field of financial sciences and investment, which has many applications in financial planners and decisions. By choosing a suitable stock portfolio, it is possible to greatly increase the efficiency of investment (in terms of increasing returns and reducing risk).

Methodology: In this paper, by presenting a model of liquidity risk, using the concept of diversification in the form of Shannon's entropy and econometric approach, an optimal portfolio of investment with the lowest risk and the highest return has been presented in the form of a portfolio. To calculate the liquidity risk, using multivariable methods, the variance-covariance matrix of price index returns and price gap was calculated and used in the presented model, and finally, the optimal weight was used using the optimization method and meta-heuristic algorithm of non-dominant ranking of the second version., calculated for selected industries.

Findings: The output results of the model show that the optimal weight of the groups that have less variance in the optimal portfolio is higher.

Originality/Value: Besides, the effect of removing the concept of liquidity from the model leads to an increase in the weight of industries that have less liquidity, and along with the increase in risk, the return of the optimal portfolio also increases in this case.

The Smart Contracts in the Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Industry

Reza Mohammadi — 2023-08-15

Purpose: A smart contract represents an agreement between parties that exploits a blockchain as the enforcing medium, limiting or avoiding the need of a legal enforcement (e.g., a court). The purpose of this paper is the review advantage and challenges of smart contracts on Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Industry.

Methodology: This paper does a systematic review to discuss the application prospects of blockchain technology in the oil, gas & Petrochemical industry.

Findings: The results show that the smart contract would be effective in Oil, Gas & Petrochemical industry.

Originality/Value: Finally, we note that, despite its significant potential, smart contracting is still a developing technology and has several open challenges associated with its implementation, such as privacy concerns, risk of cyber-attacks (such as hacking) and the energy required for computation and blockchain deployment of the contracts. So far, smart contract applications in energy systems have been mostly focused on research, proof-of-concept and demonstration projects (such as P2P demonstration projects run in a local community or microgrid).

The effect of green leaders' Emotional Intelligence on the behavior of employees in organizations with the mediating role of environmental concerns and sustainable organizational culture.

Dalia Sonino — 2023-06-03

This paper examines the relationship between the emotional intelligence of green transformational leadership and the organizational behavior of employees. Since previous studies that green motivations affect green creativity have not been conducted, this study aims to fill this research gap and considers the following. For this purpose, in this research, an analysis-based survey approach has been used to gain insight. In order to investigate, experts active in fast-moving industries in Iran have been used. The Partial Least Squares regression method (based on variance) has been used in this research. For this purpose, 120 experts were surveyed and the survey results were evaluated and analyzed. The findings showed that green transformational leadership has a significant effect on Green behavior with the mediating role of green organizational culture, and this is needed for employees to produce clean and green products and services. Therefore, leaders in organizations should increase the green motivation of employees so that they can innovate in the production of sustainable products and services that are compatible with the environment and sustainability.

Proposing a Pure Binary Linear Programming(PBLP) Model to Discover Eulerian Circuits in Complete Graphs

Hossein Jafari — 2023-06-03

Known as a branch of Discrete Mathematics (DM), Graph Theory (GT) describes and solves problems of discrete nature through nodes (i.e., vertices) and arcs (i.e., edges). In this regard, a prominent problem is to find the Eulerian circuits. This paper indicates that the problem can be analyzed through operations research methods. In more general terms, finding the Eulerian circuits could be considered a pathfinding problem. Hence, this paper proposes a pure binary mathematical model to describe the relationship between the variables employed to find the Eulerian circuits. All the analyses in this paper were performed in MATLAB. The proposed model can be solved by many optimization software applications. Finally, several numerical examples are presented and solved through the proposed method. All the analyses in this paper were performed in MATLAB. This paper indicated that the problem(Eulerian Circuits in Complete Graphs) could be studied and solved from the perspective of operations research.

Identifying and ranking key performance indicators in football clubs

Kianoush Rahmati — 2023-06-03

Key performance indicators are actually measurable variables based on which we can measure the success rate of an organization in reaching defined key goals. In order to create key performance indicators, steps, and standards must be passed, each of which is of great importance. Based on how the key performance indicator (KPI) is defined and determined, it is possible to measure the performance of a person, department, process, campaign, or strategic goals of a brand. In fact, KPIs can be considered for different industries and for different levels of each business. Considering the importance of football clubs and their high social impact, the purpose of this research is to investigate these key performance indicators in order to grow and improve their comprehensive performance. In order to extract data, a literature review was used. Data refinement and prioritization were done using the fuzzy decision-making method, and the opinions of active experts in clubs and football players were used. The results show that indicators based on infrastructure development are among the most important indicators and should be given special attention.

Designing a combined Markov-bayesian model in order to predict stock prices in the stock exchange

Azam hajiaghajani — 2023-06-03

Investing in shares offered on the stock exchange is one of the most profitable options in the capital market. The stock market has a non-linear and chaotic system that is influenced by political, economic, and psychological conditions. Forecasting time series, such as stock price forecasting, is one of the most important problems in the field of economics and finance because the data is unstable and has many variables that are influenced by many factors. There are many ways to predict stock prices. Non-linear intelligent systems such as artificial neural networks, fuzzy neural networks, and genetic algorithms can be used to predict stock prices. In this research, a hybrid system based on Bayesian networks and the Markov model is proposed to predict the daily trend of the stock market. Bayesian networks are used to specify relationships between variables in forecasting. Finally, the Markov model is used to predict the market trend in the sets extracted from the Bayesian network. The evaluation criteria in the proposed system show the high efficiency of this method.

Optimization under Uncertainty: Machine Learning Approach

Reza Mohammadi — 2023-06-03

Data is the new oil. From the beginning of the 21^st century, data is similar to what oil was in the 18^th century, an immensely untapped valuable asset. This paper reviews recent advances in the field of optimization under uncertainty via a modern data lens and highlights key research challenges and the promise of data-driven optimization that organically integrates machine learning and mathematical programming for decision-making under uncertainty. A brief review of classical mathematical programming techniques for hedging against uncertainty is first presented, along with their wide spectrum of applications in Process Systems Engineering. we provide an introduction to the topic of uncertainty in machine learning as well as an overview of attempts so far at handling uncertainty in general and formalizing this distinction in particular. In line with the statistical tradition, uncertainty has long been perceived as almost synonymous with standard probability and probabilistic predictions. Yet, due to the steadily increasing relevance of machine learning for practical applications and related issues such as safety requirements, new problems, and challenges have recently been identified by machine learning scholars, and these problems may call for new methodological developments.

ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR AND PERFORMANCE OF NURSES IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH SECTOR IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF TERTIARY HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN BENUE STATE

James Tersoo TSETIM — 2023-04-06

This study is an investigation into the effect of organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) on performance of nurses in the public health sector in Benue State, Nigeria with particular focus on nurse in the tertiary healthcare facilities in Benue State. The specific objectives of this study were to examine, evaluate, ascertain, determine and establish the effect of altruism, civic virtue, conscientiousness, courtesy and sportsmanship on task and contextual performance of nurses in tertiary healthcare facilities in Benue State, Nigeria. A descriptive research design using survey method is adopted and used in this study. The population of study the comprised 587 nurses from Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi (BSUTH) and Federal Medical Centre Makurdi (FMC). The study made use of taro Yamene’s formula to arrive at a sample size of 238 nurses 238 questionnaires were issued out to nurses out of which 221 usable ones were returned for analysis. Data were statistically analyzed after being collected from the field using Multiple Regression Analysis as the main statistical tool with the aid of SPSS to explain the relationship between variables under study. The findings from this study indicated that there was actually an established effect of all the dimensions of organizational citizenship behaviour on task and contextual performance of nurses working in tertiary healthcare facilities in Benue State, Nigeria. The study revealed that all the OCB constructs examined have significant positive effect on task and contextual performance of nurses working in tertiary healthcare facilities in Benue State, Nigeria. Part of the recommendations made is that management of tertiary healthcare facilities in Benue State should do everything possible to create a working environment that will motivate nurses to engage in citizenship behaviours since it has been scholarly proven that citizenship behaviors positively affect task and contextual performance of nurses working in tertiary healthcare facilities.

Development of a framework for the growth of technological entrepreneurship in FMCG companies

Mohammad javad khodabandeh avili — 2023-06-03

Technological entrepreneurship is an underlying and fundamental approach that enables the transformation of a creative idea into an entrepreneurial opportunity. The entrepreneur needs tools to be able to transform his ideas into operational innovation for hunting environmental opportunities. The growth of information and communication technology, as well as the wideness and ubiquity of the Internet, have provided these people with the right opportunity and tools. Entrepreneurial dreams can be turned into reality by using information technology facilities. According to the development of knowledge-based economies and the importance of using new technologies in economic growth, the field of technological entrepreneurship is expanding every day and includes wider dimensions. Technological entrepreneurship plays an important role in the process of creating a regional economy and sustainable development in the country. The need for technological entrepreneurship is because technology-based industries are rapidly expanding and replacing traditional industries. In this regard, the present research aims to identify the factors affecting the development of technological entrepreneurship capabilities in FMCG companies in order to develop and grow the culture of technological entrepreneurship. In this research, a conceptual framework is presented for the development of technological entrepreneurship, which can be a valuable guide for improving processes in knowledge-based organizations.

Security and privacy analysis based on Internet of Things in the fourth industrial generation (Industry 4.0)

Mahmonir Bayanati — 2023-06-03

The connection of smart devices using the Internet has dramatically changed the way people live, and this concept has also been extended to the industrial sector. This practice not only provides more stable, faster, and safer communications but also makes it possible to realize the concept of the smart factory in the fourth industrial revolution. The Internet of Things uses a unique Internet Protocol to identify, control, and transmit data to individuals as well as databases. Data is collected through the Internet of Things, stored in cloud storage, and managed and calculated through analytical tools. Internet of Things security is a field of technology that focuses on protecting connected devices and networks in the Internet of Things (IoT). Ensuring the safety of networks with connected IoT devices is critical. Security in the Internet of Things includes a wide range of techniques, strategies, protocols, and measures aimed at mitigating the ever-increasing vulnerabilities of the Internet of Things in modern businesses. The simultaneous connection of objects also brings privacy concerns. For this reason, in this research, an effort has been made to examine and analyze the most important privacy requirements in the Internet of Things in digital businesses in Industry 4.0. In this regard, by using experts' opinions and literature review, privacy requirements were extracted and evaluated using fuzzy non-linear decision-making methodology. The results showed that acquired and intrinsic information has the highest importance.

Divided in Diversity: Cultural Insensitivity as a Factor Leading to Faculty Leaving a Nursing Education Institution in Johannesburg, South Africa

Vhothusa Edward Matahela — 2023-02-16

Purpose: Nurse faculty retention continues to be a global concern especially in the face of worldwide nurse shortage. The nursing workforce shortage is further intensified by nurse faculty resignations from nursing education institutions. Although various factors have been attributed to nurse faculty resignations, few studies have reported cultural insensitivity as a factor that could lead to faculty leaving academia. The purpose of this study is to explore and describe cultural insensitivity as a factor that led to nurse faculty resigning from a nursing education institution in Johannesburg and to describe strategies for their retention.

Methodology: A total of 15 purposively selected nurse faculty participated in individual semi-structured interviews of a broader exploratory-descriptive, and contextual qualitative study. Data were analyzed using Tesch’s iterative thematic analysis protocol.

Findings: The study revealed that factors related to cultural diversity, specifically cultural insensitivity, also contributed to nurse faculty resigning from the nursing education institution.

Originality/Value: Although the institution has a reputable history of having culturally diverse nurse faculty, some of its faculty resigned due to the cultural insensitivity of their colleagues and institutional management. Based on findings and conceptualization of literature, the study makes various recommendations on how nurse faculty could be retained through promoting cultural sensitivity amongst diverse faculty.

Tourism and Economic Development of the Village (Farsian Qanchi and Tilabad villages, Azadshahr, Iran)

Mohammad Mirzaali — 2023-02-16

Purpose: Tourism as a process in rural development can provide the basis for diversification of financial resources, increase of income and job creation in the village. The situation of the rural society of Iran shows that the villages, like the cities, are full of opportunities and natural and human resources, that the correct and optimal use of these opportunities and the creation of new businesses can bring significant economic benefits. The rural tourism industry is one of the activities and fields that have a great capacity for the economic development of the country's villages. Therefore, this article seeks to investigate and analyze the effects and consequences of tourism in the economic development process of Farsian Qanchi and Tilabad villages of Azadshahr county in Iran.

Methodology: This research is applied studies in terms of its purpose and descriptive and analytical research in terms of methodology. The validity of the research tool (questionnaire) was confirmed by Delphi method and its reliability was proved using Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α = 0.853). The statistical population includes all heads of households in the villages of Farsian Qanchi and Tilabad, among which 140 people were selected as the sample size by simple random sampling.

Findings: The general results of the research show that Farsian Qanchi village has a much better and higher capacity than Til Abad village for the development of tourism and economic growth of the village. So that the native residents of Farsian Qanchi village have a higher level of entrepreneurship, more diverse financial resources and more income compared to the native residents of Tilabad village.

Originality/Value: In this paper, we will examine Tourism and Economic Development of the Village (Farsian Qanchi and Tilabad villages, Azadshahr, Iran).

Harmonization of Tri Hita Karana Local Value in Tourism Development in Sidetapa Village

Ni Made Ary Widiastini — 2023-08-15

Purpose: This paper describes the form of implementing the value of Tri Hita Karana (THK) in the development of a tourist village in Sidetapa Village, Buleleng Regency.

Methodology: In this study, data were collected through observations and interviews with the community in Sidetapa Village, especially those who are actively involved in tourism development and their tourism-supporting products.

Findings: In this study, it was found that the implementation of the THK value in the village included the persistence of the ngayah system (voluntary) in carrying out religious ceremonies, the prohibition of cutting bamboo on Sundays, and the persistence of women's weavers who work together to produce products ordered by consumers.

Originality/Value: Through this research the value of local wisdom in the form of harmonization of three things namely to God, nature and fellow human beings, is well implemented by the people in Sidetapa Village, even though they have experienced development from a village that initially tended to be closed to become open. The presence of tourism in Sidetapa Village has not only changed the way of behaving in a more open manner, but has made them more protective of nature, maintaining their traditions as well as strengthening social bonds with others.

Gender disparity and Digital Financial inclusion in Advancing the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals in Developing Countries

Favourate Y Mpofu — 2023-08-15

Purpose: Digital financial services delivered through fintech have grown substantially in developing countries to address the issues of access, affordability, and usage that cripple financial inclusion in these countries. Despite the growth of digital financial services researchers continue to lament the problem of financial inclusion for women. Researchers continue to allude to most women being digitally financially excluded in developing countries. Through a systematic literature review, this study sought to establish the challenges explaining the digital financial exclusion of women or the continued low levels of financial inclusion in developing countries. In addition, the paper sought to unpack how the digital financial inclusion or exclusion of women could impact the realization of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Methodology: The paper adopted a systematic review approach. Literature on the subject was gathered from Scopus indexed journals, reviewed and synthesized

Findings: The research established that factors such as digital, social, and financial inclusion, taxation of DFS, socioeconomic and sociocultural challenges as well literacy challenges, and regulatory and legal factors were responsible for the financial and digital financial exclusion of women, thus expanding the gender gap. Digital financial inclusion was found to be critical for economic development and the fruition of SDGs because women spend more on family, and development and generally save better than men.

Originality/Value: Digital financial inclusion and financial inclusion are very fundamental to sustainable development and the accomplishment of the SDGs globally and more so in developing countries. Developing countries face an array of challenges toward achieving sustainable development and economic growth. These challenges include poverty and extreme poverty, corruption, resources shortages, lower levels of development, unemployment, and inequality as well as the financial exclusion of vulnerable groups of the population. While several studies have explored challenges of financial inclusion in developing countries, there is a dearth in literature that explores the intersection between digital financial inclusion or exclusion of women in developing countries and the realization of the SDGs. This paper sought to address this void by imploring the intersection between gender disparity and digital financial inclusion as these concern the realization of SDGs in developing economies.

The Impact of E-Commerce on Business Strategy in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of Iran

Faramarz Chiani — 2023-02-16

Purpose: The growth, development and survival of economic enterprises depend on the formulation, implementation and correct evaluation of organizational strategic decisions. Therefore, using new methods, changing methods and continuously evaluating structural decisions is one of the main duties of senior managers of organizations. In this article, the impact of choosing e-commerce on business strategy has been studied.

Methodology: The statistical data was collected using a questionnaire and the collected data was processed by SPSS software and used for analysis and conclusions. The purpose of this research is applied and the method of data collection is descriptive. The statistical population in this research is all the employees, managers and senior managers of small and medium-sized Iranian companies in Tehran, Iran. The statistical sample in this study includes 384 people who were selected based on the Morgan table and by a simple random method. Step wise regression model was used to analyze the statistical data in this research.

Findings: The results obtained by analyzing the data obtained from the software have shown that the choice of e-commerce effectively affects the business strategy.

Originality/Value: In this paper, we will examine the impact of e-commerce on business strategy in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of Iran.

The Role of Strategic Foresight on Dynamic Capabilities

Reza Mohammadi — 2023-02-16

Purpose: Strategic Foresight (SF) is required for an organization in facing Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity environment to maintain relevant in future. Recently, researchers have argued that strategic planning (SP) can be considered a dynamic capability (DC) in organizations. Thus the purpose of this Paper is investigate the role of Strategic Foresight on Dynamic Capabilities of firms.

Methodology: This theoretical effort presents a brief review and argues that Strategic Foresight is one of the micro-foundations of Dynamic Capabilities because it supports the seizing and continuous alignment of assets and resources. Under this perspective, SF has a role in the development and implementation of all organizational DCs and is not restricted to a DC specifically.

Findings: The results show that strategic foresight is effective in creating dynamic capabilities.

Originality/Value: Although scholars generally agree that companies require dynamic capabilities to flexibly respond to and shape uncertain environments, only little empirical research has been conducted on the factors that facilitate the development of these capabilities. This study addresses this gap and introduces strategic foresight as an important antecedent of firms’ dynamic capabilities.

Revolutionising Public Private Partnerships: A Transition to the Fifth Industrial Revolution

Danielle Nel-Sanders — 2023-02-16

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to examine Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR). Government does not have the capacity to deliver services by itself. As a result, PPP have played an important role to assist government in delivering services in an efficient and reliable manner. Amongst the benefits of PPPs are value for money, risk transfer and affordability. Partnerships are increasingly important to assist government in achieving development goals. The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) presents a number of implications in terms of government service delivery. PPPs are necessary to navigate these changes. This article aims to determine how PPPs can be improved to transition to the 5IR. The 5IR entails a supersmart society where humans are the pivotal link in overseeing technology.

Methodology: This article is descriptive and conceptual in nature. Unobtrusive methods are used to synthesise and integrate extant research.

Findings: A conceptual model is developed to illustrate the necessary elements in forming a PPP ecosystem that is relevant to the 5IR and human-centric.

Originality/Value: Very little research has been done on the 5IR, particularly no research has been done on the purpose, scope and nature of public private collaboration for improving PPPs in the 5IR.

The Effectiveness of Puppet Play Therapy On Increasing Communication Skills Through Social Stories for Children with Autism in Rasht

Maryam Moosapoor — 2023-02-16

Purpose: Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder that appears in the first three years of life and its main characteristic is a defect in communication and social interactions. Autism affects people's understanding of the world and their interactions with people. Communication skills are one of the most important issues for patients with this disorder, which itself requires therapeutic intervention. The purpose of this research is to determine the effectiveness of puppet play therapy on increasing communication skills through social stories for children with autism in Rasht.

Methodology: The current research is practical in terms of its purpose and semi-experimental in terms of data collection. The statistical population of the present study is children from autism schools in Rasht, all of whom were diagnosed with autism by a psychiatrist. A certain number of them were selected as the study sample. 15 of them were randomly selected for the experimental and control groups. Communication skills questionnaires were administered simultaneously for both groups. Then, 16 sessions of training program were implemented in a 45-minute class period for the experimental group, and the control group did not receive any training. Then the mentioned questionnaire was implemented again for the both groups. Multivariate covariance analysis was used to analyze the research findings and test the research hypotheses.

Findings: The obtained results show that according to the evaluation of parents' and teachers' opinions regarding the comparison of the communication skills scores of these children, the level of communication skills scores is much higher than the control group, which means that the mentioned training course was effective. According the findings, it can be said that the puppet play therapy is effective and useful in increasing the communication skills of autistic children with the help of social stories. It is also effective in improving cooperation, assertiveness and self-control, so this approach can be used to support the communication skills of autistic children.

Originality/Value: This study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of puppet play therapy on increasing the communication skills of children with autism, through the use of social stories in autism schools of Rasht city, and the results indicate the improvement of their communication skills and the acceptable effectiveness of this method.

Financial Literacy, Economics Factors and Investing Decisions: A Study of Individual Investors in Iran

Nastaran Shahvari — 2023-08-15

Purpose: This study sought to investigate the relationship between financial literacy and investment decisions in the Iranian stock exchange and investigated the financial literacy of investors in the Iranian stock market.

Methodology: To attain the purposes of the study, an inquiry was created containing two components related to investment decisions, including financial literacy and economic factors. The inquiry was delivered to a sample of 85 people. Descriptive data were used to expound on study samples in the way that frequency, mean, and standard deviation. In addition, of highest quality-sample t-test and a natural linear regression reasoning were used to test the study theory at a consequence level of 0.05.

Findings: The main findings of this study include (I) the impact of financial knowledge and literacy on investment decisions and (II) the impact of economic factors on investment decisions. The focus was on investment and savings-related decisions and preferences.

Originality/Value: Banks, financial institutions, and investors can benefit from understanding the impact of financial literacy, behavioral, and individual factors, thus inviting investors to other financial options. The study provided many recommendations, the most important of which, is by communicating financial factors and knowledge of finance to financial literacy, allowing decision-makers to anticipate economic events and plan for the future.

The Roles of Campus Protection Services for Students’Safety: A Case of a Higher Education Institution in South Africa

Anisaa Moosa — 2023-02-16

Purpose: Students’ safety and security problem have been reported as a regular problem across institutions of higher learning in South Africa. This paper departs from regularly reported cases of theft in student belongings in a South African university. The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles and involvement of the Campus Protection Services (CPS) in ensuring students’ safety in an identified institution of learning.
Methodology: The paper report findings obtained through the mixed methods approach which used questionnaires – with 265 cases returned and analyzed with document analysis to support the quantitative results.
Findings: The main findings reveal in descending order, that the main forms of campus crimes are theft, mugging, damage to property, robbery, assault, and stalking. Ascribed reasons to these crimes were administrative shortfalls, broken equipment, frequent substance abuse and students’ negligence and lifestyle. This paper recommends that campus management and security departments reach a holistic solution that brings together all stakeholder of the learning environment, thus establishing baseline policies for keeping students and their belongings safe in a typical learning environment.
Originality/Value: This research assesses The Roles of Campus Protection Services for Students ‘Safety in South Africa.

Predatory Publication in Science and Ethical Principles: Features and Solutions

Kenneth Nwanua Ohei — 2022-09-09

Purpose: The scientific endeavor necessitates publication and assessment of research output with peer-review at its core. Conventional academic publication models, research appraisal, and peer-review procedures, on the other hand, have always been open to abuse and malpractice, putting the integrity of research at risk and exposing the scholarly communication system to overt economic predation. Predatory journals are a well-known problem in scientific publication, and they serve as repository for fabricated research. The volume of predatory journals has increased in recent years, and thus it is vital to propose a resolution to this problem. A well-known problem in scientific publishing is predatory journals, and they are repositories for phony research. The volume of predatory journals has risen in recent years, and it is imperative to present a solution for this academic fraud.

Methodology: In this review, the researchers conducted a systematic literature search of the following databases that included Web of Science (all databases), online library repositories. All processes of the review stages included access to the search results and full articles for review and consequent analysis. Articles were added after screening full text articles by meeting the inclusion criteria and meeting none of the exclusion criteria. As there were a high number of articles reporting findings on predatory journals, they were further screened re-evaluated for relevance and for any deviation from the theme of this study.

Findings: This paper illustrates and examines predatory publishing regarding academic journals, as well as offering a list of features to use in identifying predatory publications. The report concludes with a discussion of proposed solutions on what should be done to eliminate or mitigate the challenges of this development.

Originality/Value: In this paper, we will discuss predatory journals, and basic characteristic in identifying them.

Do Migrant's Remittance Inflow Affects the Dutch Disease: Evidence from Indonesia

Nastaran Shahvari — 2022-09-09

Purpose: Remittances have grown in measurement and importance. While such inflows can improve economic growth, they may additionally also reason domestic foreign money to respect and hurt exports – an aspect of impact generally referred to as the Dutch disease. Statistics exhibit that remittances influx to Indonesia grew from 1% of GDP in 1984 to over 9% of GDP in 2020. Theoretically, such a massive influx of overseas foreign money into an economy may lead to Dutch diseases.

Methodology: For this purpose, they learn about employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL) to observe the impact of migrant remittances on the actual fantastic exchange charge spanning the duration from 1984 to 2020.

Findings: In the long run, they find out about finds an effective relationship between migrants’ remittances and the real high-quality change rate, which means that evidence of Dutch Disease risk in Indonesia. This grasp of the Indonesia rupiah relative to different competing countries encourages import and discourages export, leading to the Dutch disease effect.

Originality/Value: This study, therefore, investigated whether the large inflow of remittances into the economic system reasons Dutch disease.

Examining Dimensions and Components and Application of Supply Chain Financing (In Chain Stores)

Hadeel S. Obaid — 2022-09-09

Purpose: Supply Chain Finance (SCF) is a new approach in financing the working capital of economic enterprises, which can ultimately lead to economic growth and financial stability through efficient and smooth allocation of financial resources, improving financial risk management and increasing financial inclusion. Supply chain financing which runs parallel to the flow of goods and information, is common to all financing networks, and therefore it is important to understand its dimensions. The financing chain provides the cash flow needed to ensure the doors are kept open, the lights are on, employees are paid, and products are produced and shipped.

Methodology: To achieve this goal, SCF uses principles that have been effective in supply chain management (SCM) for decades. The core of this financing chain is to create an optimization plan that can simultaneously control all supply chain financial processes.

Findings: According to these cases, in this paper, considering the importance of managing the financial flow along the chain and using the principles and basics of research in the method of fact-finding and case study, an effort was made by examining the characteristics, dimensions and components of financing in the supply chain. As well as practical experiences in this field, a conceptual framework for the effective use of the financial flow management system as well as its principles and foundations should be provided.

Originality/Value: In this paper, we will examine dimensions and components and application of supply chain financing (in chain stores).

The Existence of Imported Fruit in Contemporary Rituals in Pandemic

I Ketut Sida Arsa — 2022-09-09

Purpose: This paper aims to describe the existence of imported fruit used by the Balinese Hindu community as a ritual tool during the pandemic. There is an assumption that imported fruit is more expensive, meaning that everyone who uses these fruits in their offerings (banten) is a person who is at a certain economic level and social status. Although the government recommends using local fruit, because it has an impact on the welfare of local farmers, this does not make people switch to consuming local fruit. Even during the pandemic, this phenomenon can still be seen in various ritual activities, in cities and villages. With the argument that imported fruit is easier to find than local fruit, imported fruit is the people's choice. In addition, many Hindu religious ceremonial activities in Bali from small to large scale require the community to buy fruit in a certain amount and at a certain time. Thus, it can be understood that the high consumption of imported fruit is due to the high demand for fruit and the lifestyle of the people who want to look classy.

Methodology: This research was conducted using an ethnographic approach as a variant of the qualitative approach. Data collection is done through observation and interviews with the perpetrators, namely people who carry out ritual activities. Respondents were met randomly at the location of the ceremony. The results of data analysis are presented informally in descriptive – narrative form.

Findings: Religious ceremonies in Bali are carried out in contemplative life, manifested by the totality of their people in giving offerings to God. The spiritual totality of the Balinese Hindu community not only has an impact on the preservation of tradition, but also on the economy of the Balinese people. The high demand of imported fruit for offerings, in addition to having an impact on the occurrence of contestation, also provides economic benefits for the Balinese people who work as fruit sellers, both in the market and in supermarkets.

Originality/Value: By this research, an understanding of the making of ceremonial facilities is still often found to fulfill desires rather than spiritual needs, namely to show socioeconomic status. One can be shown by the use of ceremonial facilities that look classy.

Opportunities and Challenges of Applying Artificial Intelligence in the Financial Sectors and Startups during the Coronavirus Outbreak

Milad Shahvaroughi Farahani — 2022-09-09

Purpose: The main goal of this article is the comprehensive study of the applications of artificial intelligence in financial sectors in addition to startups and its impacts on such cases along with Covid19.

Methodology: we have tried to study the applications of artificial intelligence in different areas especially financial fields such as accounting, auditing, management, capital market, banking etc. On the other hand, we have studied the impacts of artificial intelligence on startups during Covid-19 too.

Findings: The results showed that AI can be a powerful tool in financial fields such as investment advice, asset allocation, fraud detection, portfolio management and etc. and startups such as increasing production and productivity, time management, data management and analysis and etc. during the Covid-19 outbreaks and it can decrease the harmful effects of Coronavirus. Thus, timely actions can be taken.

Originality/Value: The main contribution of this paper is a comprehensive and specialized look at the discussion of the applications of artificial intelligence in the field of finance as well as startups during Covid19. We have tried to consider subjects and contents which cover most of the papers

Human Capital Externalities and Productivity in Cities

Saeideh Samadzad — 2022-09-09

Purpose: Human Capital Theory states that individuals invest in their human capital in order to enhance own productivity which is in turn rewarded by higher wages. The theory asserts that investments in human capital are undertaken by individuals until the point where the marginal productivity gained equals the marginal opportunity cost (from the individual’s viewpoint). Benefits of human capital accumulation by a person need not pertain to that person solely. An individual’s investment in her own human capital may also increase productivity of the other factors of production, i.e. physical capital or human capital of others. Importantly, the channels of such influence – the most prominent of which is sharing of knowledge and skills through formal and informal interaction between people in the same industry, city, region or economy – may not be internalized within firms or families. This gives rise to human capital externalities.

Methodology: The technique used is DEMATEL method. A questionnaire was constructed and answered by eleven experts. Then the DEMATEL method was applied to analyze the importance of criteria and the casual relations among the criteria were constructed. The study period is 2021-2022.

Findings: Factors affecting productivity in cities can be divided into several categories:

Factors related to human resources, Factors related to management, Factors related to the government, Equipment and facilities, Technology, Environmental factors, Materials and energy.

Originality/Value: Human capital can be defined as those skills, abilities, and knowledge embodied in an individual which contribute to a productive process by creating value, whether it be economic or social.

Assessing the effect of the lack of pharmaceutical manufacturing on healthcare provision in Botswana

Bathusi Kgosietsile — 2022-09-09

Purpose: The lack of pharmaceutical products in Botswana has been a serious concern as citizens experience adverse health outcomes due to poor access to effective treatments. This study investigated the effect of the lack of pharmaceutical manufacturing on healthcare provision in Botswana. Systems Theory underpinned this study. This theory specifies the importance of component parts to work in unison to achieve a specific objective. An interpretivist research paradigm was adopted, which enhanced gaining knowledge on the fundamental reasons for the dearth of drugs/medicine in the Botswana healthcare system.

Methodology: A qualitative research approach and an exploratory research design were selected for this study. These two methods enhanced the interviewing thirty-four participants such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, inventory employees, and the public on the reasons for the shortage of drugs and how this affects citizens. Data were collected using open-ended interviews and responses were gathered from participants from a historical point of view. After the collection of data, an analysis was conducted using Atlas-ti Software (version 8.2). Themes and categories were generated and were discussed by corroborating them with the literature review findings.

Findings: Findings from the study indicate that the reasons for medical stockout include poor planning by medical authorities, the emergence of new diseases, the lack of public private partnerships, logistic issues such as organizational red tape during tender decisions, ordering less than national demand by medical procurement officials, delays in import permits, delays by suppliers, and transportation challenges. The effects of medicine stockout include the healthcare system’s inability to cure diseases, an increase of deaths, failure to control disease, continued stockouts, worsening of sicknesses, non-compliance of patients, failure to meet treatment outcomes, and an increased cost of medicines. The study recommends among others, that the government should support local pharmaceutical manufacturing, allow private companies to participate, and discourage sole distributorship.

Originality/Value: This research Assessing the effect of the lack of pharmaceutical manufacturing on healthcare provision in Botswana

Supply Chain Resilience in the Tobacco Industry in Honduras

Ramón Armando Varela Zuniga — 2022-07-10

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to show the factors associated with the resilience of the supply chain in the tobacco industry and their influence on its performance.

Methodology: The methodology used was an exploratory, descriptive, correlational and explanatory type of study.

Findings: Through a path analysis, the integrated link between the theoretical model and the sample data was evaluated, and it was demonstrated how these data are anchored in the theoretical framework.

Originality/Value: The characterization of disruptions (positive or negative) in the performance of the supply chain, shows how they dynamically influence the ecosystem, the investments of the supply chain, interacting with each other and having effects to a greater or lesser extent; as is the case of the pandemic and the war between Russia and Ukraine in the Tobacco Industry and how it responds to such disruption, generating to what extent they affect these components and the strategies developed to address the risks.

China Real Estate Price and Stock Market Volatility during COVID-19

Nastaran Shahvari — 2022-07-10

Purpose: This study examined the response of stock prices on the China Stock Exchange (SSE) and Real Estate prices to COVID-19 using an event study approach and the GARCH model.

Methodology: In this study, the dimensions and key components of the use of large data obtained from the Internet of Things (IoT) in an industry's supply chain are investigated as a case study. Finally, a model for implementing an agile and lean supply chain based on IoT data analysis to improve the supply chain performance of these industries during emergency drug distribution during critical conditions is presented.

Findings: We measure volatility spillovers by defining the volatility of each sector in the SSE index. In this study, we investigate the volatility of China stock market. Furthermore, we analyze the dynamic connectedness during COVID-19 pandemic periods to identify the changes in their relationship following the two categories. These empirical findings have several important implications for portfolio managers, policymakers, and investors.

Originality/Value: This paper focuses on investigating the impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on the China stock market volatility from a GHARCH and VAR model point of view. The GHARCH model used proves that during the COVID-19 pandemic, stock price volatility and real estate price volatility increases and lead to a decrease in abnormal returns. The empirical findings also validate the efficient market hypothesis theory related to the study of events and the theory of financial behavior related to uncertainty.

The Impact of Fintech and Artificial Intelligence on COVID 19 and Sustainable Development Goals

Milad Shahvaroughi Farahani — 2022-07-10

Purpose: The main goal of this article is reviewing the importance of Fintech and AI in achieving sustainable development goals such as education, health, equality and etc. and reducing the negative effects of COVID19. Generally, it is necessary to pay special attention to the environment, poverty, education and welfare, and artificial intelligence and finance can complement each other in this regard.

Methodology: In this article, we have addressed issues such as digitalization, green finance, climate change, big data, sustainable development parameters, and issues related to artificial intelligence and its potential impact on sustainable development. Finally, we have studied the effects of COVID-19 on Fintech and AI and vice versa.

Findings: The results show that Fintech and AI can be effective in achieving the sustainable development goals and they can play an important role in mitigating the harmful effects of COVID-19 in different dimensions such as economic, social health, environment and etc.

Originality/Value: The main contribution of the article is that we have focus on the impact of Fintech and AI on SDGs and COVID19 simultaneously which are often examined separately. On the other hand, the author has tried to look at the issue of sustainable development and its challenges from a financial perspective and have a special and comprehensive look.

The Relationship between Regulation and Consumer Protection in the Non-Banking Financial Sector: A South African Perspective

Pumelele Dawedi — 2022-07-10

Purpose: Since the 2008/09 global financial crisis, financial regulation has become topical. As a result, governments of various economies have since implemented various regulatory reforms with the aim to avoid future crises and strengthen consumer protection. Academic literature indicates that scholars have divided opinions on the role of regulation to improve consumer protection. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between financial regulation and consumer protection. The study was narrowed down to focus on the South African non-banking financial sector.

Methodology: The study formulated one overall research question, which was supported by three sub-questions raised. A quantitative research methodology was employed and survey questionnaire administered to collect data.

Findings: The relationship between the two variables was tested statistically and finding depicted a negative correlation between the two variables and that strict financial regulation is not a predictor of improved consumer protection.

Originality/Value: This paper has been investigate the relationship between regulation and consumer protection in the non-banking financial sector in South African perspective.

The Moderating Role of Good Corporate Governance on Corporate Social Responsibility and Firm Performance: Evidence from Indonesian Banking Industry

Ruth Samantha Hamzah — 2022-07-10

Purpose: This study examines the role of Good Corporate Governance (GCG) in moderating the influence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on firm performance as proxied by ROE, ROA and Tobin's Q.

Methodology: The samples were 9 banking firms hence we obtained 90 firm-year observations in 10 years period. Simple regression and moderated regression were used as the methods.

Findings: The results prove that CSR has a significant effect on ROA and Tobin's Q. Furthermore, managerial ownership alleviates the influence of CSR on ROA and Tobin's Q. Meanwhile, institutional ownership is able to strengthen the influence of CSR on ROA and alleviates the influence of CSR on ROE.

Originality/Value: This research is the first study in examining the role of GCG in moderating the influence of CSR on firm performance, particularly in banking industry in Indonesia as an emerging country.

The impact of education and training on the success of small and medium-sized enterprises

Paul Saah — 2022-07-10

Purpose Many business management researchers regard the small and medium-sized enterprise sector as the pillar and primary impetus of economic growth, particularly in developing countries. As a result, most governments throughout the world now place a strong emphasis on small business development in order to spur economic growth. The purpose of this study was to see how education and training affected the success of small businesses.

Methodology: This study uses a qualitative research approach to collect and analyses data. The study’s 20 small business owners and managers in South Africa were selected using a non-probability sampling approach. Data was collected through interviews, and the results were analyzed using subject analysis.

Findings: This study’s findings reveal that a lack of human capital education and training is one of the primary causes of SMEs’ high failure rate, which also explains why these enterprises fail so frequently in most countries. It is clear that small business owners and managers, particularly in most developing nations such as South Africa, should consider spending more on business education and training in order to gather information that would help them establish unique business strategies.

Originality/Value: The impact of education and training on the success of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Big Data IoT-based Agile-Lean Logistic in Pharmaceutical Industries

Alireza Aliahmadi — 2022-07-10

Purpose: In today’s world, with the presence of huge volumes of data, although organizations have faced many problems, using big data analysis has been able to significantly improve their efficiency and integrate information in the supply chain through the topic of computing. Cloud and big data achieve coordination between components and improve communication. On the other hand, Internet of Things (IoT) technology tools are one of the most important sources of big data production, and understanding and correct use of this data and their timely analysis using big data analysis techniques and technologies based on artificial intelligence can be effective steps to improve supply chain processes. Also, the use of these technologies can play an important role in process agility and, as a result, supply chain resilience.

Findings: This study shows that these technologies can be used as a powerful enabler, especially in the distribution of fast-acting pharmaceutical products.

Originality/Value: In this paper a model for implementing an agile and lean supply chain based on IoT data analysis to improve the supply chain performance of these industries during emergency drug distribution during critical conditions is presented.

Analysis of the competitiveness of the tobacco industry in Honduras

Ramón Armando Varela Zuniga — 2022-04-23

Purpose: The purspose of this study was to develop a model to measure the factors that influence the competitiveness of the tobacco industry in Honduras

Methodology: An exploratory, descriptive and correlational methodology and a non-experimental design were used. A confirmatory factor analysis was applied to the scale of the model for the analysis of the variables.

Findings: According to the model fit measure for a maximum likelihood estimation method, the congruence between a priori observation (hypothesis) and theoretical model is verified.

Originality/Value: Competitiveness allows the tobacco company to enter the international market, offering products with the highest quality standards. A strategy based on quality, prices, training, distribution channels and technology translates into competitive advantage and allows companies to achieve market positioning.

Factors that Determine Customer Experience: The Case of Digital Banking Services in Honduras

Gracia Maria Andino — 2022-04-23

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to analyze the determinants of customer experience of digital banking services and its impact on customer satisfaction, loyalty and net promoter score.

Methodology: A measurement scale with 37 items was applied to a sample of 734 customers. For the analysis of the results, multivariate techniques such as: correlation analysis, structural equation modeling and 1-factor ANOVA were used to test the research hypotheses

Findings: There is a positive relationship between customer experience, satisfaction and loyalty, but these relationships do not support the net promoter score.

Originality/Value: Customer experience is critical for companies to extend their life cycle and thereby maximize their revenue and competitiveness in the marketplace. A poor customer experience leads to negative organizational outcomes and sometimes to eminent bankruptcy.

The Role of Monetary Instruments to Financial Market in the Pandemic Covid Era

Azwardi Azwardi — 2022-04-23

Purpose: This paper aimed to analyze the financial market reaction towards monetary instruments during the pandemic covid era. We employ Malaysian data.

Methodology: We develop the financial market into three models, namely the interbank money market, bond market, and stock market. We used ordinary least squares as the research methodology. The type of data used is a monthly time series from January 31, 2019, to June 30, 2021.

Findings: The study found that the dynamics of monetary policy through policy interest rates and reserve requirements have a significant effect on financial markets in Malaysia, particularly on the interbank money market and bond market. Meanwhile, when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic, government bond yields are influenced by the implementation of the minimum reserve policy.

Originality/Value: We focus on dynamic monetary instruments in Malaysia. The main instruments are the overnight policy rate and reserve requirement ratio. We employ the linkage of covid and monetary instruments as an independent variable to capture the effect of monetary policy in the pandemic covid era.

AIoT-based Sustainable Smart Supply Chain Framework

Alireza Aliahmadi — 2022-04-23

Purpose: Supply chains in today's global environment operate in a market that is increasingly complex and dynamic in nature. In such an environment, a stable supply chain to respond to drastic changes in customer needs becomes inevitable. Based on these studies, it is obvious that organizations operating in the field of supply chain should accelerate their focus on sustainability and use technologies such as "Internet of Things" (IoT) and artificial intelligence to achieve the organization's goal of creating sustainable processes.

Methodology: The presence of the Internet of Things, along with artificial intelligence technology, has created Artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) technology, which gives the big data from the Internet of Things great power. In this research, an attempt has been made to study and analyze the key dimensions, components and indicators of the AIoT-based sustainable supply chain. Also, a conceptual framework for Padidar intelligent supply chain based on these evolving technologies is presented, which can help to understand the elements of this intelligent supply chain in order to optimize.

Findings: A study of the literature shows that investing in this technology to achieve sustainable benefits is inevitable. In addition, the use of this technology due to networking and the presence of the Internet requires appropriate security solutions for information technology, a workforce with the required set of skills, sharing information in an integrated environment with business partners.

Originality/Value: The generalities of AIoT-based sustainable supply chain components in general, and things can be added to different industries and behaviors. Understanding the dimensions of this framework can always help to implement it effectively.

Investigating the Impact of Stock Price Index on Credit Risk of Banks Listed in the Stock Exchange Market

Seyyed Kamal Sadeghi — 2022-04-23

Purpose: Full employment has a mysterious meaning, full employment certainly does not mean employment of any member of the active population of the society who is of working age.one reason is that there are probably always people who find themselves unemployed due to various disabilities. Another reason is that at any time you can find workers who want to change jobs and remain unemployed during the job change period.

Methodology: The method of descriptive correlation research was used and in terms of purpose, type of research It is applied and the library method is used to complete the literature and research background and the field data is collected through the archives and documents of the Central Bank website and the data of the Stock Exchange and Securities Organization to facilitate the analysis of data from Excel spreadsheet and regression method and Eviews statistical software are used to test research.

Findings: The results show that the effect of stock index on variable risk and software use and comprehensive statistics of our research includes all banks and credit institutions listed on the stock exchange.

Originality/Value: The available statistics show that the developed stock exchanges are located in developed countries and in these countries, more than anything, investment security is provided for the entry of domestic and foreign investors in the stock exchange. Market security is affected by various factors such as political, economic, and social and others. But in this study we intend to analyze macroeconomic variables.

Fuzzy Robust Optimization in Closed-Loop Supply Chain Network Model for Hazardous Products (Lead-Acid Battery)

Danial Rashidi Meybodi — 2022-04-23

Purpose: This paper models a closed-loop supply chain network problem for hazardous products in the face of demand uncertainty and variable costs. The designed model includes a set of suppliers, production centers, distribution, recycling, disposal, collection and end customers in which strategic and tactical decisions are made simultaneously. Among the decisions made in this paper is the location of production, distribution and collection centers and determining the optimal amount of product flow between the levels of the supply chain network.

Methodology: In this paper, the Epsilon constraint method is used to solve a multi-objective model in GMAS software. This article also uses uniform data to solve the problem.

Findings: The results of solving the model with fuzzy robust optimization method show that with increasing the uncertainty rate and also reducing the transfer time of hazardous products, the total network costs as well as the amount of greenhouse gas emissions have increased. Also, the study of Pareto front to optimize the total design costs and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions shows that by reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the network, the costs related to location and routing increase.

Originality/Value: In this paper a fuzzy robust optimization is used in closed-loop supply chain network model for hazardous products (Lead-Acid Battery).

Community Leaders and Their Influence on Tourism Development in Bali

Ni Made Ary Widiastini — 2022-04-23

Purpose: This paper aims to identify and explain the role of community leaders in the development of tourism in Bali. Bali, which is known as a world tourism destination, is able to develop well and cannot be separated from the participation of the community and the figures in it. The role of community leaders in tourism development in their respective areas is interesting to observe, with the aim of understanding how the capital used by the figures synergizes with the community in developing a destination.

Methodology: The data collection was done by observation and interviews and was analyzed using the cultural studies approach, especially the deconstruction method. Deconstruction is aimed at causing a hierarchical order that organizes the text.

Findings: The results of the data analysis were presented in a descriptive and narrative form Social capital and cultural capital play an important role in the development of a region into a tourism destination area. Based on direct observations, it was found that some areas like Sanur, Ubud, Pemuteran, and Munduk could develop tourism with a sustainable and community-based concept. In four areas, based on observations and in-depth interviews, tourism in the four places could develop thanks to pioneers who were at the same time community leaders admired by the communities. This phenomenon is interesting to be examined, that is, from the community perspective the role of social and cultural capital in practice has a higher value than economic capital. Thus, this needs to be understood and important to be investigated, especially in the effort of developing sustainable tourism at the village level.

Originality/Value: Based on the capital needed in tourism development, cultural capital is the very crucial one that functions to influence people to participate in and support the tourism activities developed in an area

The Effectiveness of Private-Public Partnerships in Land Delivery for Low-Income Housing Development for the City of Windhoek Namibia

Bernardus Maseke — 2022-02-15

Purpose: This study sought to assess the effectiveness of the City of Windhoek Public Private Partnership model for land delivery and low-income housing initiatives. To gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the topic, the research adopted a mixed method approach.

Methodology: A sample size of 80 respondents was statically determined and randomly selected from a target population of 120 employees and beneficiaries of PPPs using probability sampling.

Findings: The study findings revealed that the City of Windhoek’s PPPs model and housing initiatives for low-income earners fell-short in meeting its objectives against the ever widening housing shortage, notably due to bureaucratic statutory approval processes, a lack and high cost of serviced land as well as high material costs.

To date, only a handful of those from the grassroots have benefited. The drawn conclusions were that, although the Triple-P model and housing initiatives was adopted to bridge the ever-widening gap of housing shortage, the houses being built are not affordable to low-income earners. Henceforth, the study recommends that government should provide extended support to the grassroots groups, case in point through subsidized grants or arranged part-payments at financial institutions whereby government could cover part of home-loan costs. Finally, effective program execution, monitoring, feedback and evaluation of the project milestones should be enhanced.

Originality/Value: In this study we attempted to the effectiveness of private-public partnerships in land delivery for low-Income housing development for the city of Windhoek Namibia.

Spending Allocation, Capacity and Village-Owned Enterprises: Does it Matter to Village Income in Indonesia?

Mardalena — 2022-02-15

Purpose: This paper aims to analyze the influence of village spending, village device capacity, and village-owned enterprise on village income. The data source is The Village Potential Statistics 2018, testing was conducted on 5,791 villages in Indonesia.

Methodology: The methodology used in this study is ordinary least square regression analysis by comparing two regression models both Java Island and outside Java Island.

Findings: The results of the study found that either Javanese models or outside Javanese models showed spending on government administration, development, empowerment, and development had a positive and significant effect on village income levels. The number of village apparatus and village-owned enterprises units has a positive and significant effect on the village income level while in outside Java does not. Meanwhile, the education level of head of village, the education level of secretary had no influence on the village's income level in Java Island. Whereas in Outside Java, the level of education of the village head, the number of village apparatus also positively affects the village income level. Then, the education level of the village secretary, and the village-owned enterprises outside Java Island did not have a significant influence on the village income level.

Originality/Value: This paper have a depth analyze to village income level in Indonesia with compared between Java Island and Outside Java Island.

Tax Compliance Behavior of Micro-Multinational Enterprises (mMNEs)

Damith Gangodawilage — 2022-02-15

Purpose: Digitalization transforms business processes and benefits enterprises to operate across borders. As a result of digitalization, the business operates internationally through micro firms. These micro firms are smaller entrepreneurial firms identified as micro-multinational (mMNEs) presence in different countries used as a vehicle to artificially reduce taxable income or shift their profits to low or no-tax jurisdiction.

Methodology: Although the growing number of research to understand the compliance behavior of taxpayers, there is a lack of research to understand the tax compliance behavior of micro multinationals. Under the phenomenological approach, we uncover the factors that influence on tax compliance behavior of the entrepreneurs in the digital economy.

Findings: Broadly, the tax compliance behavior of micro multinational enterprises is influenced by the taxing capability of the authority and taxpayer confidence and Technology adoption in tax compliance increase taxpayer interaction.

Originality/Value: In this study we attempted to understand the tax compliance behavior of Micro-Multinational Enterprises.

Analyzing Success Factors of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): A Study in Iranian Context

Saeideh Samadzad — 2022-02-15

Purpose: This study aims to identify and analyze the success factors of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) following the lines of dynamic capabilities and resources-based views.

Methodology: To achieve this objective, the multiple case study method was followed, where 20 SMEs/cases in Iran were selected. For this purpose, the statistical population of the research is the managers, experts and experts of small and medium-sized enterprises. For determining the sample size, a targeted sampling method has been used. The reliability of the questionnaire was also confirmed by Cronbach's Alpha (α = 0.971) and its validity was confirmed by experts and experts. Finally, ISM technique used to analyze information.

Findings: From a content analysis of the interviews conducted to the owner-managers of these SMEs, the most important success factors identified were: 1) Business environment, 2) Capital availability, 3) Business support, 4) Leadership and Management, 5) Business characteristics, 6) Individual factors, 7) Government Support, 8) Infrastructure, 9) Human Resource Management and 10) Networks/Partnerships.

The Role of Social Media Platforms in Facilitating COVID-19 Pandemic Protocols

Joshua Ebere Chukwuere — 2022-02-15

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic led to pain and panic across the globe and social media became the base for information sharing and communication. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of social media platforms in facilitating COVID-19 pandemic protocol in society.

Methodology: The study looks at the role of social media facilitating COVID-19 pandemic healthcare protocols. The study deployed desktop research methodology to address the research objective.

Findings: Through the study, the research established that social media assist people to understand different protocols to protect themselves, keep social or physical distance, stay at home and many more.

Originality/Value: The role of social media in society is no longer new, research on the impact in observing COVID-19 pandemic protocols is missing in the literature.

Social media provides a decentralized platform for bidirectional communication, information sharing, and the flow of content from different sources. The platforms allow users (individuals) and organizations to generate content and distribute it among the audience in real-time during a crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis that exposed the world’s weak health systems and brought about national lockdowns in different parts of the world. The lockdown measures saw an increased dependence and application of social media platforms to distribute information, communication and content among users. This article looks at the role of social media platforms in facilitating COVID-19 pandemic protocols across the globe

Assessment of Cyber Risks in an IoT-based Supply Chain using a Fuzzy Decision-Making Method

Hamed Nozari — 2022-02-15

Purpose: The Internet of Things (IoT) is a relatively new paradigm that is growing rapidly in modern wireless communication scenarios. The main idea of this concept is the pervasive presence of all kinds of objects around us. This technology is the basis of today's intelligent life and is known as one of the most important sources of big data. Meanwhile, businesses are no exception to this rule and try to use the Internet of Things to make their business smarter. Supply chain management is a goal-based goal of linking business operations to provide a common view of market opportunity.

Methodology: Using IoT technology, all major parts of the supply chain, including supply, production, distribution and sales, can be affected. Because this evolutionary technology is intertwined with Internet technology, the use of network-based tools can always create risks for business owners who use these technologies. Therefore, understanding and investigating a variety of cyber risks in this area can It is very important and by understanding their hands, we can prevent many future risks. Linear analysis based on hierarchical analysis is used.

Findings: The results show that privacy is very important in interaction with suppliers as well as customers, and therefore those effective measures to deal with these risks can reduce many of the problems caused by this technology.

Originality/Value: This paper attend to assessment of cyber risks in an IoT-based supply chain using a fuzzy decision-making method.

Investigating the Mediating Role of Organizational Culture in the Relationship between Transformational Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness

Naser Shirini — 2022-02-15

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of transformational leadership dimensions on organizational effectiveness with respect to the mediating role of organizational culture.

Methodology: The statistical population of this research is Iranian knowledge-based companies, which at the time of collecting research data, their number is 4551 companies. Data collection method was based on three questionnaires: MLQ leadership styles, Hofstede organizational culture and Parsons organizational effectiveness. The analysis of research data was done through structural equation modeling and using Smart PLS software in two parts: measurement model and structural model. The sampling method used in this study is stratified random sampling method and the sample studied in this study using Cochran's formula, 354 companies were obtained, of which 354 questionnaires were distributed online among these companies and 175 The completed questionnaire was collected for analysis.

Findings: The findings of the present study show that the effect of ideal influence and motivational motivation variables on organizational culture and also the effect of organizational culture on organizational effectiveness is positive and significant and also organizational culture mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational effectiveness.

Originality/Value: Given that traditional methods of management and leadership, in today's changing and dynamic conditions, lack the necessary effectiveness, so a change in the leadership style of managers and the use of transformational leadership is necessary to achieve organizational effectiveness.

A Comparative Study of the Scientific and Technological Organizations of the Countries on Human Resource Productivity

Faramarz Nouri — 2021-12-12

Purpose: Human resources are the most valuable assets of any organization. Considering the importance of employees' productivity, this research aimed at identifying factors affecting human resource productivity using the experience of countries in scientific and technological organizations.

Methodology: For this purpose, using comparative studies approach and using the experience of scientific and technological organizations from Germany, England, Turkey, Taiwan and South Korea, firstly, the most important factors affecting human resource productivity were identified and evaluated.

Findings: The results show that the components of organizational support, education and learning, organizational culture, job satisfaction, staff motivation, organizational structure, effective leadership and management, competitiveness and creativity and innovation have a significant effect on human resource productivity in scientific and technological organizations.

Originality/Value: Since the determination of relations between variables and types of variables can lead to better understanding of the subject and make appropriate decisions, it is suggested to managers of scientific and technological organizations to work in order to promote the components in light of the nature of each variable, Improve and change the productivity of your organization.

Reviewing the Challenges of Big Data Use in Smart Industries

Ehsan Sabet — 2021-12-12

Purpose: In recent years, data has been growing on a large scale, and the development of Internet applications, mobile applications, and network-connected sensors has also increased dramatically. These programs and extensive Internet communications continuously generate large volumes of data that are diverse and structurally different, called big data.

Methodology: This article first reviews big data and defines its features, and then discusses the challenges it faces in the smart industry. Finally, using fuzzy hierarchical analysis, the most important challenges of using big data in smart industries have been prioritized.

Findings: Due to the increasing volume of information transfer in the space of industrial generation, big data problem, import and storage of large volume of data information items and its management, preprocessing and post-processing, speed, accuracy and security of information are very important. It has gained a lot of attention and has attracted the attention of many researchers and experts in the field of information technology and active in the industry.

Originality/Value: This article review the challenges of big data use in smart industries.

Designing and Solving Location-Routing-Allocation Problems in a Sustainable Blood Supply Chain Network of Blood Transport in Uncertainty Conditions

Ramin Eskandari — 2021-12-12

Purpose: In this paper, a location-routing-allocation problem in a multi-objective blood supply chain network was designed to reduce the total cost of the supply chain network, the maximum unmet demand from distribution of goods, and decline greenhouse gas emissions due to the transport of goods among different levels of the network. The network levels considered for modeling include blood donation clusters, permanent and temporary blood transfusion centers, major laboratory centers and blood supply points. Other objectives included determining the optimal number and location of potential facilities, optimal allocation of the flow of goods between the selected facilities and determining the most suitable transport route to distribute the goods to customer areas in uncertainty conditions.

Methodology: Given that the model was NP-hard, the NSGA II and MOPSO algorithms were used to solve the model with a priority-based solution.

Findings: The results of the design of the experiments showed the high efficiency of the NSGA II algorithm in comparison with the MOPSO algorithm in finding efficient solutions.

Originality/Value: This study addresses the issue of blood perishability from blood sampling to distribution to customer demand areas.

The Study of Climatourism Management and the Determination of Climatourism Calendar in Ardabil Province of Iran with emphasis on GIS

Ali Mohammad Khorshiddoust — 2021-12-12

Purpose The Climate is considered as one of the most important factors of tourism industry. Numerical indicators have been widely used in climatic studies that are related to tourism climatology or climate tourism. Among synthetic indicators of climate tourism, temperature-physiology depends on the balance of human body energy. In the current research, Ardabil province has been studied from Climatourism point of view.

Methodology: We used a 26-year climatic data (1987-2013), and specified climatic factors including minimum temperature, the percentage of relative humidity, wind speed, cloudiness and pressure in Ardabil, Meshkin Shahr, Parsabad and Khalkhal Stations. Human individual indicators (age, weight, and height) and activity type factors were used to calculate the temperature-physiology (PET and PMV).

Findings: Ray Man model wasapplied in this regard and results show that in local extent there is not much difference between various stations, and with respect to the space there are different climatic stresses. In the next level the obtained results are imported to Arc GIS software and are used about Climatourism and its analysis. The most comfortable daily periods refer to Meshkin Shahr station (with 60 comfortable climatic days) and the least comfortable daily period belongs to Ardabil station (with 37 comfortable days).

Originality/Value: In this study we attempted to find the most appropriate tourism times and also to determine the local and temporal differences of comfortable region in Ardabil province of Iran in different seasons.

The Safety and Physical Security in Tourism Spaces of the Border Areas

Abolfazl Ghanbari — 2021-12-12

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify and define the physical factors affecting the security of Chichaklu, Gulakhor, Hamamlu, Zarabad Dam and Joushin castle as a tourism destination in Varzaghan border area, as well as the analysis of the relationship between their physical factors in Varzaghan and various aspects of tourism security.

Methodology: According to sample size formula, the sample size of this study is 268 internal and external tourists entering to the three tourism areas discussed. In this research, according to the research indicators, the Promethean Ranking technique was used in the tourists' physical security and for analysis of it, the version 1.4 of Promethee software was used.

Findings: According to the analysis of this technique and the graphs and numbers obtained from these analyzes, and given the positive flow, it can be seen that Zarabad Tourist Camp with the most positive flow is 0.6553. Hamamlu area with a positive flow of 0.2850 has the lowest level of physical security among target areas.

Originality/Value: This article is confirmed by Tarlow, 2014; Santos et al, 2017; Albakutherk²³, & McElroy, 2011; Marcu 2015; Konrad, 2015; Vázquez, 2015 studies.

Investigating the Effect of Dynamics Employment and Institutional Factors with a Focus on Economic Freedom and Ease Doing of Business on GDP per Capita in Iran

Hossein Mehdipour — 2021-12-12

Purpose: Since employment and growth is an important and key issue in the economy, having an efficient environment is very important for proper growth. Therefore, in order to improve the current situation and achieve proper development, it is necessary to study the effect of Dynamics Employment and institutional factors in order to identify the effective channels to improve the current situation, effective factors and appropriate growth.

Methodology: Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Dynamics Employment on GDP per capita in Iran during the period 2004-2021 using the generalized time series torque method.

Findings: The results show that Dynamics Employment have a significant effect on Iran's per capita GDP; Thus, the dependency rate of the elderly, the dependency rate of children and the negative impact and the participation rate, labor productivity rate, employment rate have a positive impact on GDP per capita. The results also show that institutional factors have a significant impact on GDP per capita growth and improving the indicators of economic freedom and ease of doing business, which are the most important institutional factors, accelerate growth and development.

Originality/Value: This paper investigated the effect of Dynamics Employment and institutional factors with a focus on economic freedom and Ease Doing of Business on GDP per capita in Iran.

Examining the Dimensions of Big Data Privacy (Block Chain Solution for Privacy Protection)

Shiva Moslemi — 2021-12-12

Purpose: In the past, big data was the concern of governments and large commercial industries, and so these organizations had infrastructures separate from the public network to store and process their data. But today, big data is easily accessible to everyone through cloud infrastructure. In recent years, with the explosive development of the Internet, data storage and data processing technologies, privacy has been one of the major concerns in data mining

Methodology: In this paper, after examining the dimensions and key components of flax data, privacy in big data; Blockchain solution for privacy protection is examined.

Findings: This topic provides new opportunities for researchers in knowledge processing tasks. However, these opportunities often bring challenges as well.

Originality/Value: Big Data means a very large database that can be structured or unstructured. Big data is a database that is constantly getting bigger with the increase of information. Also with the rapid advancement of the Internet, data storage and data processing technologies, big data privacy has attracted a lot of attention. Before applying big data technology to mass applications and applications, a basic issue called privacy must be explored.

Uncertainty analysis of tourism components in Tabriz

Paria Samadi Parviznejad — 2021-10-07

Purpose: Predicting the profitability of the tourism industry is always faced with uncertainties. Especially in the last two years, when the global pandemic conditions have added to it. The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyze the uncertainties in the components affecting tourism in Tabriz.

Methodology: In addition to library studies, interviews with experts and professors in the field of tourism have been conducted in order to identify the components affecting tourism. Input factors in four areas of strategic planning, tourism potentials, regional conditions and infrastructure facilities and effective consequences on the problem in two economic areas and tourism consequences are categorized. Then, to explain the uncertainty of the obtained components, a fuzzy system is designed in MATLAB software. The system is based on an if-then rule approach with 84 rules that determine the relationship between input and output variables.

Findings: Our findings from the fuzzy system model show that following the current situation, the tourism outcome of Tabriz will be normal and its economic consequences for the city of Tabriz will be inappropriate due to its historical and economic history. Also, changes in regional conditions and urban potentials do not cause much change in the tourism situation. The results of the model show that simply paying attention to the plan and infrastructure without considering other conditions does not create a suitable situation for tourism. That is, plans and infrastructure should serve the better development of urban places and potentials and the proper bedding of regional conditions.

Originality/Value: Despite several years of capital and commercial center of Iran and high capabilities, Tabriz has not been able to achieve a good position in the Iranian tourism industry. Some of these factors are related to the uncertainty in plans and policies, etc. This article with this approach is an innovation in explaining the tourism conditions of Tabriz.

Provide a model for an e-commerce system with the impact of artificial intelligence

Ramez Kian — 2021-10-24

Purpose: In less industrialized today, competition is as fierce as in e-commerce. Not just online and physical stores, but the entire Internet space is competing with online retailers. Today, AI-based platforms are a vital element for e-commerce success. Artificial intelligence in digital marketing plays a constructive role in data-based decisions, because through deep learning (Deep learning) can predict user behavior from beginning to end of the purchase path. In today's world, customer behavior has changed.

Methodology: When a customer feels a need, they first search for it on the Internet. Accordingly, many e-commerce retailers, with artificial intelligence capabilities, try to integrate textual, visual, and audio capabilities; Especially through "conversation business" to attract more customer attention. Retailers because customer needs are growing rapidly; They are always trying to have the best sales. Accordingly, if brands want to be more durable, the principle is to consider the needs of customers who are growing rapidly; One of the important priorities is business strategies.

Findings: Therefore, the role of chat bots, which are actually computer programs designed to simulate conversations with human users on the Internet, is very important in "conversation business”.

Originality/Value: In this study, the effect of artificial intelligence on e-commerce is investigated and the most important functions of this tool are analyzed.

Investigation and identification of social harms in the new city of Sahand, Tabriz (With emphasis on Mehr housing)

Ebrahim Irannejad — 2021-10-07

Purpose: With the increase of Iran's urban population, large cities faced many problems and new cities were located and built to attract population overflow in the area of these cities. The new city of Sahand was built to reduce the demographic, economic, social and physical problems of the metropolis of Tabriz in the sphere of influence of this city. With the creation of Mehr housing in phases 2, 3 and 4 of this city, a new issue was raised. This article seeks to examine and identify the social issues and problems of this city, prioritize them and identify solutions to reduce the impact.

Methodology: The research method used in this research is applied and survey.

Findings: Results show that the most important problems are: drug use, class differences, cultural poverty, distrust of neighbors, distrust of city officials, economic poverty, presence Thugs, the presence of badly supervised women, unusual relationships between girls and boys, harassment of women, quarrels and conflicts, running away from home, begging, unconventional relationships between married men and women, child abuse and white marriage, relationships Poor neighborhood, general dissatisfaction with living conditions, feeling of insecurity in parks and gardens, inadequate lighting and lighting of roads, flooded roads, traffic jams and the problem of parking cars, unsuitable sidewalks, lack of medical centers, lack of playgrounds for children and adolescents, Lack of green space, inadequate garbage collection system, low quality of housing, lack of recreational space for citizens, etc., which are the most important factors in the occurrence and emergence of social harms in this city.

Originality/Value: In this paper, investigation and identification of social harms in the new city of Sahand, Tabriz (With emphasis on Mehr housing) is done.

Review and prioritization of investment projects in the Waste Management organization of Tabriz Municipality with a Rough Sets Theory approach

Vahid Saeid Nahaei — 2021-10-24

Purpose: Prioritization of investment projects is a key step in the process of planning the investment activities of organizations. Choosing the suitable projects has a direct impact on the profitability and other strategic goals of organizations. Factors affecting the prioritization of investment projects are complex and the use of traditional methods alone cannot be useful, so there is a need to use a suitable model for prioritizing projects and investment plans. The purpose of this study is to prioritize projects and investment methods for projects (10 projects) considered by the Waste Management Organization of Tabriz Municipality.

Methodology: The method of analysis used is the theory of rough, so that first the important investment projects in the field of waste management were determined using the research background and opinion of experts and the weight and priority of the projects were obtained using the Rough Sets Theory. Then, the priority of appropriate investment methods (out of 6 methods) of each project was obtained using Rough numbers, the opinion of experts and other aspects.

Findings: The result of the research has been that construction project of a specialized recycling town, plastic recycling project, and recycled tire recycling project are three priority projects of Tabriz Municipality Waste Management Organization, respectively. Three investment methods, civil partnership agreements, BOT, and BOO can be used for them.

Originality/Value: Tabriz Municipality Waste Management is an important and influential organization in the activities of the city, in which the investment methods in its projects are mostly based on common contracts and are performed in the same way for all projects. This research offers new methods for projects and their diversity according to Rough Sets technique.

Investigating the dimensions, components and key indicators of supply chain management based on digital technologies

Mohammad Ebrahim Sadeghi — 2021-10-24

Purpose: Over the past decade, the advent of digital technologies has led to dramatic changes in the nature of business processes, and the introduction of the concept of digital developments has greatly affected various aspects of the business. New digital technologies are being prepared to transform all areas of what we call "traditional business processes." With the help of digital technologies, the speed, accuracy, and precision of processes in various businesses have been dramatically optimized, which has saved time, energy, and resources in organizations and businesses.

Methodology: Supply Chain Management (SCM), as the core business priority of any manufacturing company, has placed itself in the focus of business owners. Suppliers, organizations, and supply chain agencies use the information and share it with others while generating information.

Findings: In this regard, considering the importance and fundamental role of the supply chain in the organization and business, as well as the important effects that digital technologies can have on it, this paper reviews library dimensions, components, and key indicators of a chain by reviewing the library resources. Supply based on digital technologies.

Originality/Value: This study provides a conceptual framework for the digital supply chain that demonstrates the importance of this chain.

Human Resource Productivity and Work - Life Balance in Learning Organizations

Saeideh Samadzad — 2021-10-07

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present main concepts and ideas about Work - Life Balance and Human Resource Productivity in organizational learning. Employee productivity is an assessment of the efficiency of a worker or group of workers. On the other hands, there is a positive relationship between Work life Balance & productivity. Promote work-life flexibility options for all staff.

Methodology: The technique used is a comparative studies approach. Comparative research methods have long been used in cross-cultural studies to identify, analyze and explain similarities and differences across societies. This technique often utilizes multiple disciplines in one study. The study period is 2020-2021.

Findings: The results show that Fundamental Initiatives for Creating Work-life Balance is Change the Organizational Culture, Clarity of Vision, Purpose and Objectives, Training, Workshops or Development Programmers, Job sharing, Part-Time Work, Flexi time, Working Condition and etc., …

Originality/Value: Having a Healthy Work-Life Balance Improves Productivity in Organizations.

Green supply chain network design under uncertainty conditions with the mathematical model and solving it with a NSGA II algorithm

Tobeh Yaser — 2021-10-24

Purpose: In this paper a mathematical model for the green supply chain network problem is designed. In this research, we seek to optimize two inconsistent and conflicting goals of the problem which are as follows: 1.Minimization of costs 2.Minimization of environmental impacts, using of the economic indicator 99 method.

Methodology: In this paper, two methods of Epsilon constraint and NSGA II algorithm are used to solve the two-objective model with the objective functions of minimizing network costs and minimizing emissions.

Findings: The results show that the introduced NSGA II algorithm has a high efficiency in forming efficient solutions in a short time.

Originality/Value: In this paper, a two-objective model for green supply chain network is modeled and solved with the aim of reducing network costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Impact of Income Inequality on the Level of Community Health and Economic Development in Iran

Faezeh Ostadi — 2021-07-06

Purpose Given that health is one of the categories that is directly and indirectly affected by income inequality in the country. In this study, the effect of income inequality and economic development on the level of life expectancy as a health indicator is examined.

Methodology: This article is an analytical and ecological correlation type using the time series data of 2002-2019 to study the variables of Gini coefficient, per capita income, GDP and life expectancy in Iran. For this purpose, the regression test approach has been used. SPSS software was used to analyze the data.

Findings: According to the results, the significant value of regression is less than 0.05, so regression is significant. The standard beta value for the Gini coefficient is negative 0.367 and the significant value is 0.005, so the Gini coefficient at the 95% confidence level has a negative and significant effect on life expectancy. The standard beta coefficient for national per capita income is 0.783 and a significant value is 0.001. Therefore, national per capita income at the 95% confidence level has a positive and significant effect on life expectancy. In the variable Gini coefficient and national per capita income, more than 81% explain the changes in life expectancy.

Originality/Value: The results show that health is more affected by income inequality than any other variable. There is also a significant relationship between income inequality and health indicators and reducing inequality and increasing economic development has a positive relationship with health. In this regard, one of the key ways Achieving this is improving the components of human capital, including health. Therefore, adopting appropriate policies to improve income distribution can be effective in promoting the health of people in society and consequently in developing societies such as Iran, simultaneous attention to economic development and income distribution is the best strategy to ensure and promote health.

The Impact of Entrepreneurial Strategy of the manufacturers on timely providing of parts for super-engine manufacturers (Case study: Saipa Megamotor Company)

Yaser Tobeh — 2021-07-06

Purpose: The research objective is to achieve a solution to improve the method of timely providing of parts through the entrepreneurial strategy for super-engine producers. The main question of this research is this: Is there a significant relationship between the entrepreneurial strategy of super-engine producers and the timely providing of parts? The research hypothesis is this: There is a positive relationship between the entrepreneurial strategy of super-engine producers and timely providing of parts.

Methodology: The Method of this research is survey research with field study. The data collection tool is a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity has been confirmed by experts in the field. The reliability of the questionnaire was found acceptable by calculating the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The statistical population of this research is the entrepreneurs in the parts manufacturing industry who are working in Mega motor Saipa company in the industrial towns of Tehran, Karaj, Golpayeghan, and Tabriz, which a total number of those was 400 people in 2016. The statistical sample size is calculated according to Cochran's table and is equal to 196 people.

Findings: The AHP method has been used for ranking the effective factors. The software of SPSS 22 and Expert Choice have been used for data extraction and analysis. The results showed that the research hypothesis is confirmed and there is a positive relationship between the entrepreneurial strategy of super-engine producers and the timely providing of parts. This result can be useful in similar manufacturing industries and institutions. It is suggested to be conducted similar researches in other related industries to achieve a definitive conclusion.

Originality/Value: In this paper, The Impact of the Entrepreneurial Strategy of the manufacturers on timely providing of parts for super-engine manufacturers is presented.

Fuzzy clustering of investment projects in Tabriz Municipality Waste Management Organization with ecological approach

Vahid Saeid Nahaei — 2021-07-06

Purpose: Clustering of investment projects is an essential step in the process of planning the investment projects of organizations. Choosing the right project portfolio has a direct impact on the profitability and other strategic goals of organizations. Factors affecting the clustering of investment projects are many and the use of traditional methods alone cannot be useful, so it is necessary to use a suitable model for clustering projects and investment plans. The purpose of this research is to analysis investment projects of the Tabriz Municipality Waste Management Organization.

Methodology: This research is a descriptive - survey method in terms of its objectives. The method used is Fuzzy clustering (FCM), in which the first large investment projects in waste management using the background of participants in research and investment clusters(3 clusters) using the FCM clustering approach is determined, then the priority of the appropriate investment methods (from 6 methods) of each project was obtained using expert judgment and other aspects. Due to the need for planning and clustering of investment projects, using the opinion of experts (10 experts), the importance of projects with ecological perspective was examined.

Findings: The result of the research has been that Recycled tire recycling, Glass recycling, Electronic waste recycling, Plastic recycling and Construction project of a specialized recycling town are important projects that located in the first cluster and under normal circumstances, three investment methods, civil partnership agreements, BOT, and partnership contracts (property from the municipality) can be used for them.

Online Shopping Decisions Enhancement with Fuzzy Expert System

Proshat Ghaeini — 2021-07-06

Purpose Nowadays, due to the rapid development of the Internet and the rapid growth of web pages, many electronic websites are using product recommendation systems to guide users to the products that they need. Such systems usually provide a list of suggested items that the user may prefer. These systems are provided as a support tool to help users obtain information that best meets their needs. These systems can actually improve user decisions, resulting in increased sales and mutual customer satisfaction. The purpose of the paper is to improve user decisions in online shopping using fuzzy expert system.

Methodology: The statistical population of this study consists of 30 experts in the field of e-commerce who were selected by combining two methods of deliberate sampling and snowball sampling. To analyze the status of improvement of users' decisions, a fuzzy expert system was created using input variables business reputation status, environmental factors status in e-commerce, online store features; product specifications; user/customer characteristics.

Findings: The final results showed that there is no significant difference between the results of the created expert system and the mean of expert opinions.

Originality/Value: In this paper, a conceptual Model to improve user decisions in online shopping using a fuzzy expert system is designed.

Green supply chain based on artificial intelligence of things (AIoT)

Javid Ghahremani Nahr — 2021-07-06

Purpose: The most important driving force for the IoT is artificial intelligence. The dramatic growth of the Internet of Things in various fields necessitates the use of artificial intelligence capabilities in the optimal use of data. By combining these technologies, it reduces cost, automation and productivity more dynamically. This hybrid technology is called artificial intelligence of things (AIoT).

Methodology: Intelligent solutions in the supply chain, i.e. the use of the Internet of Things with the capability of artificial intelligence, has been able to make various industries great.

Findings: Due to the colorful role of IoT technology in the sustainability of industrial systems, this paper provides a framework for the implementation of an AIoT-based green supply chain. This framework shows a clear path to understanding the impact of this hybrid supply chain technology.

Originality/Value: In his paper, a framework for the implementation of an AIoT-based green supply chain is provided.

Analysis of Spatial Inequalities in Tehran Metropolis

Mohammad Shali — 2021-07-06

Purpose: Nowadays, Spatial and social inequalities are universal and expanding phenomenon. Identification and spatial analysis of social, economic and ecological inequalities in metropolises is one of the essential and basic proceeding for planning and achieving urban sustainable development. Aims to reviews the quality of spatial differentiations between the 374 neighborhoods of Tehran metropolis.

Methodology: The method of the research is descriptive-analytic. To identify regions’ development levels in Tehran, 10 sub-criteria in the form of 3 main criteria were used. With Using of AHP method and EXPERT CHOISE software each criteria and sub-criteria mutually were compared relative to each other, evaluated, and scored. Finally, by the method of hierarchical clustering, Tehran metropolis neighborhoods in terms of ranking of development at five levels of developed, relatively developed, medium developed, less developed, and underdeveloped regions, were clustered and in the Arc GIS settings were displayed as a map.

Findings: The result of the indicators review shows that Tehran metropolis lacks socio-physical unity and spatial differentiations between the north and south of it remain still as the main feature of the spatial structure of Tehran metropolis.

Originality/Value: The present study believes that the continuance of the current procedure, not only in Tehran but also at the national level is the main challenge over the way to achieve urban sustainable development and a good city.

Optimization of manpower allocation by considering customer relationship management criteria and uncertainty conditions in car dealerships

Mehrnaz Bathaee — 2021-07-06

Purpose A mathematical mixed integer model was used in this research in order to optimize manpower allocation in car industry. The objective function of proposed model subjected to minimization of the maximum waiting time for customers in service queue and limitations included manpower allocation and time calculation for each service in each center.

Methodology: Therefore, mathematical optimization methods were employed in this research. To solve the problem at small dimensions, BARON solver was used through GAMS software. Metaheuristic algorithms were used to solve the large dimensions of problem due to NP-hard nature of allocation problem. However, these algorithms have been designed based on the natural elements; hence, a stochastic procedure is applied to generate initial responses and to improve the process to obtained the final response. Therefore, proper comparisons should be done to make sure of accurate performance of such procedure. To this end, three metaheuristic algorithms of Genetic, Harmony Search and Gray Wolf were used to solve the final problem.

Findings: According to the obtained computational results, gray wolf algorithm had the highest performance efficiency compared to other algorithms so it is more practical in solving the real numerical samples.

Originality/Value: The objective function of proposed model subjected to minimization of the maximum waiting time for customers in service queue and limitations included manpower allocation and time calculation for each service in each center. We used three metaheuristic algorithms, Genetic, Harmony Search and Gray Wolf, to solve the final problem.

Impact of the Tourism Industry Scenarios in Urban Economy: (Case Study Tabriz)

Paria Samadi Parviznejad — 2021-04-02

Purpose: The tourism industry, especially in its urban dimension, has a special place in the economies of countries and its effects and consequences are evident in all dimensions. Cities are considered as tourist places due to their structure, texture and identity, and one of the components of economic development of cities and its result in countries is tourism.

Methodology: To do this, in addition to library studies, interviews with experts and professors in the field of tourism and economics have been conducted in order to identify the components affecting tourism. Based on the research findings from statistical analysis based on SPSS and Mini Tab software, different scenarios for the development of tourism in Tabriz have been designed in accordance with Micmac software and based on them, the necessary solutions have been provided. To do this, by designing a questionnaire to collect data, by analyzing the information obtained, input factors in four areas of strategic planning, tourism potentials, regional conditions and infrastructure facilities and effective consequences on the problem in two economic areas. And tourism consequences are categorized.

Findings: Using the results, probable, plausible and possible scenarios are identified and finally suggestions for economic development of tourism in Tabriz based on these scenarios are expressed. The results show that despite the many conditions and capabilities in the city of Tabriz, programs and infrastructure facilities are still not suitable for tourism development and, consequently, the prosperity of the urban economy in this area.

Originality/Value: The main purpose of this study is to explain the impact and importance of the tourism industry in the flourishing of the urban economy and the purpose of its implementation in the metropolis of Tabriz is to study tourism scenarios in the future of Tabriz urban economy.

Cell Production System Design: A Literature Review

Javid Ghahremani Nahr — 2021-04-02

Purpose In a cell production system, a number of machines that differ in function are housed in the same cell. The task of these cells is to complete operations on similar parts that are in the same group. Determining the family of machine parts and cells is one of the major design problems of production cells. Cell production system design methods include clustering, graph theory, artificial intelligence, meta-heuristic, simulation, mathematical programming. This article discusses the operation of methods and research in the field of cell production system design.

Methodology: To examine these methods, from 187 articles published in this field by authoritative scientific sources, based on the year of publication and the number of restrictions considered and close to reality, which are searched using the keywords of these restrictions and among them articles Various aspects of production and design problems, such as considering machine costs and cell size and process routing, have been selected simultaneously.

Findings: Finally, the distribution diagram of the use of these methods and the limitations considered by their researchers, shows the use and efficiency of each of these methods. By examining them, more efficient and efficient design fields of this type of production system can be identified.

Originality/Value: In this article, the literature on cell production system from 1972 to 2021 has been reviewed.

The Problem of Uninterrupted Hybrid Flow Shop Scheduling with Regard to the Fuzzy Processing Time

Ramez Kian — 2021-04-02

Purpose: In this paper, an uninterrupted hybrid flow shop scheduling problem is modeled under uncertainty conditions. Due to the uncertainty of processing time in workshops, which is due to delays in receiving raw materials or machine failure, fuzzy programming method has been used to control the processing time parameter. In the proposed model, there are several jobs that must be processed by machines in sequence. The main purpose of the proposed model is to determine the correct sequence of operations and assign operations to each machine at each stage, so that the total completion time (Cmax) is minimized.

Methodology: In this paper, the fuzzy programming method is used to control the uncertain parameter. Also, The GAMS software and CPLEX solver have also been used to solve the sample problems.

Findings: The results of solving the problem in small and medium size show that with increasing the rate of uncertainty, the amount of processing time increases and therefore the completion time of the whole work increases. On the other hand, with the increase in the number of machines in each stage due to the high efficiency of the machines, the completion time of all works has decreased.

Originality/Value: The most important innovation of this article is the design of uninterrupted hybrid flow shop scheduling with regard to the fuzzy processing time.

Uncertainty analysis of business components in Iran with fuzzy systems: By comparing hypermarkets and Net markets

Vahid Saeid Nahaei — 2021-04-02

Purpose: Today's businesses, especially in Iran, face many factors and challenges, one of which is uncertainty in inputs and laws and regulations. Especially in the current situation and with the development of e-commerce on the one hand and on the other hand despite critical conditions such as COVID-19, the purpose of this article is a comparison between businesses with the study of hypermarkets and net markets.

Methodology: This research is a descriptive-analytical type that after explaining the goals and components of organizational business using library resources and Internet search, interviews and questionnaires, from a multi-criteria decision approach and fuzzy logic for effective analysis The implications of organizational business are exploited. Two areas of physical retail businesses such as hypermarkets and virtual ones such as net markets have been compared and analyzed. The necessary decisions for the activities of these businesses are inferred using the principle-based principles of fuzzy systems.

Findings: The result of the research has been that due to the capabilities of the development of net markets such as the effective use of information technology and experts, their comprehensive development and growth in the future is more realistic that The ability to extend this to other areas of virtual business. Especially in spite of critical conditions such as the spread of pandemics, the popularity of using net markets has increased.

Originality/Value: The virtual and internet business platform has not yet been significantly developed in Iran. The most important approach in this study is to examine the components of business in Iran and a comparative study to change attitudes toward e-business.

Concentration and its Effect on Advertising: Case Study: Iranian Food and Beverage Industries

Saeideh Samadzad — 2021-04-02

Purpose: Todays, advertising intensity is different among various types of market structure. In other words, concentration as an important indicator of market structure plays significant role in the firms’ decision about the amount of advertising expenditures. This study aims at analyzing the relationship between competition index (concentration) and advertising in the Iranian food and beverage industries.

Methodology: Using a panel of 22 four-digit Iranian food and beverage industries, this study analyses the relationship between advertising intensity and concentration over the period 2007– 2019.

Findings: The results show that an inverted U-shaped relationship exists between the advertising intensity and concentration. Also, the profitability has negative and export intensity has positive and significant effects on the advertising intensity.

Originality/Value: The structure-conduct-performance (SCP) paradigm suggests that performance of the industry is affected by the conduct of the participants in the market, which is influenced by the companies’ market structure.

Evaluating Customer Trust in E-Commerce with a Combined Approach to Structural Equations and Artificial Neural Networks

Saeid Salam — 2021-04-02

Purpose: Due to the increasing familiarity of people with the Internet and considering the many benefits of online shopping, the fields of its use have grown rapidly. At such a stage, in case of mistrust among customers, this new phenomenon will fail in the first steps of progress. Organizing and supervising online stores is one of the essential indicators of e-commerce development, so that the electronic receipt and payment system for providing goods must be done in a safe and correct environment.

Methodology: In this paper, various descriptive and inferential methods as well as neural network method for data analysis and PLS intelligent software are used to establish causal relationships of independent variables with dependent variables and MATLAB software is used to measure and predict dependent variables.

Findings: The proposed model showed the priority and importance of key parameters and indicators affecting online trust.

Originality/Value: The most important purpose of this study is to examine the dimensions and components of trust in the context of online shopping. Structural equations, as well as neural networks, have been used for this analysis.

The relationship between management ability and investment opportunities with an emphasis on the role of political connection

Faramarz Nouri — 2021-04-02

Purpose: With the expansion of the quality level of activity as well as the widespread development of economic affairs, financial and investment decisions are among the most complex issues that arise in order to obtain the best return and desirability in the best conditions. In this regard, financial managers, given the primary responsibility for these decisions, seek to establish relationships between the factors of the firms in the firm, including investment opportunities. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between management ability and political connection with investment opportunities. The QT ratio and market to book ratio (MTB) are used to measure corporate investment opportunities.

Methodology: Corporate political connection is defined by Fasio's political cost variables and the use of the TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making models and the Shannon entropy weighting method. In order to test the hypotheses, 116 companies listed in Tehran Stock Exchange during the period 2014-2019 were selected for the sample.

Findings: The results of the analysis using the generalized least squares hybrid regression (GLS) method indicate that there is a significant and positive relationship between management ability and investment opportunities in Tehran Stock Exchange companies. There is a negative and significant relationship between political connection and investment opportunities. The political connection also does not affect the relationship between management ability and investment opportunities.

Originality/Value: The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between management ability and political connection with investment opportunities. The QT ratio and market to book ratio (MTB) are used to measure corporate investment opportunities.