Moslem Zarghamfard, Mohammadreza Rezaei and Hassan F. Gholipour
The housing policies targeting low-income households have not been effective to address the housing needs of target groups in Iran over the past four decades. According to the…
Abstract
Purpose
The housing policies targeting low-income households have not been effective to address the housing needs of target groups in Iran over the past four decades. According to the World Bank’s data on population living in slums (% of urban population) in Iran in 2018 was 25% which is slightly higher than the rate 23% of upper-middle-income countries. This study aims to understand what major revisions are required in the process of housing policymaking to have more effective policies.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conduct one-to-one interviews with 41 housing experts and apply discourse analysis and interpretive–structural modeling to achieve the goals.
Findings
The panel of experts argue that the success of housing policies in Iran depends on the following: all academic disciplines should be included in the process of housing policymaking process; land policymaking should be modified; housing policy is a regional issue, and it should be designed and implemented differently in each province; main modifications are required in the tax and tenancy system; and new policies are required to push vacant houses into the rental market.
Originality/value
This study is a prescriptive study based on a general trend (four decades).
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Seyyed Mohammadreza Ayazi, Ali Zamani Babgohari and Mohammadreza Taghizadeh-Yazdi
Many European businesses are small and medium enterprises (SMEs), contributing significantly to the well-being of local economies and regions. Even so, SMEs face many challenges…
Abstract
Many European businesses are small and medium enterprises (SMEs), contributing significantly to the well-being of local economies and regions. Even so, SMEs face many challenges in fostering innovation and improving performance. Furthermore, the raw material consumption is increasing globally, necessitating the development of strategies that will reduce the number of raw materials extracted and imported while improving the sustainability of small and medium-sized businesses. Consequently, promoting circular economy (CE) strategies, such as industrial symbiosis (IS) partnerships, whereby waste products from other industries serve as a source of raw materials for companies, is critical. Identifying and analysing enablers or drivers that support IS collaborations among SMEs is necessary to achieve this goal. In this regard, the purpose of this study will explore the enablers of IS among SMEs considering sustainability dimensions (environmental, social and economic). As facing a decision-making (DM) problem, the multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) approach was applied in a hesitant fuzzy (HF) environment in this research to answer the research questions. In this regard, in phase 1, IS enablers were identified and extracted using a literature review and experts’ opinions. In phase 2, the hesitant fuzzy Delphi (HFD) method was implemented to screen and finalise the enablers identified. In phase 3, casual relations among final enablers were determined using the hesitant fuzzy ANP (HF-ANP) method. Finally, in phase 4, the relative importance of enablers was calculated using the hesitant fuzzy best–worst method (HF-BWM). Consequently, this study provided potential strategies for IS that can be implemented quickly and used by local authorities to support SMEs in achieving circular waste management.
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Mona Jami Pour, Mahnaz Hosseinzadeh and Hannan Amoozad Mahdiraji
Today, social media is counted as an integral part of marketing strategies, which has led to a paradigm change in this field. As reported, social media marketing has been growing…
Abstract
Purpose
Today, social media is counted as an integral part of marketing strategies, which has led to a paradigm change in this field. As reported, social media marketing has been growing over the recent five years and is predicted to be exponentially growing in the future. However, despite the huge promise and intention to adopt social media marketing strategies by organisations, there remain challenges regarding the successful implementation of these new marketing programmes. Accordingly, marketing managers’ awareness of the success factors of social media marketing is essential to return investment in this area. Due to the little research been accomplished in this field, this paper aims to identify the success factors of social networks’ marketing and to rank the factors by using of interval best-worst method (BWM).
Design/methodology/approach
To serve the research aims, an extant literature review is accomplished and a focus group approach is conducted to identify the main success factors and sub-factors. To analyse the focus group discussions, a qualitative content analysis approach is applied. Interval BWM is used to calculate the weights of each identified factor.
Findings
In the final framework, six main success criteria, including strategy, process, technology, content, performance evaluation and people are identified, for each sub-criteria are developed. The interval BWM results suggest the content criterion as the most important success factor in developing a social media marketing strategy.
Research limitations/implications
First, this research provides a comprehensive insight into the success factors and best practices of social media marketing. This is the first to draw on the critical factors affecting the success of social media marketing, considering people in the organisation such as top management, employees and customers, strategy, process and performance evaluation focussing on the change management requirements for applying social media marketing and technology as the technical factor of the adoption process, simultaneously. Identifying critical success factors of social media marketing will help marketing managers to avoid falling into the trap of developing social media strategies based on less important areas and ignoring the critical ones. Besides, owing to the limited resources of organisations in implementing social media marketing strategies, prioritising and weighing the success factors will lead to a focus on more important areas.
Originality/value
Whilst the related studies have mostly concentrated on the capabilities and activities required to conduct social media marketing and the few research investigated the critical success factors most concentrated on the customer and the content-related factors, the finding of this research goes beyond that and suggests technical, process and human aspects simultaneously in the implementation process in a holistic view.
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Hesamedin Gholami, Amir Alambeigi, Mohammadreza Farrokhnia, Omid Noroozi and Mostafa Karbasioun
This study aims to investigate the role of social capital in Iranian agricultural students' acquisition of generic skills. For this purpose, the effect of various social capital…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the role of social capital in Iranian agricultural students' acquisition of generic skills. For this purpose, the effect of various social capital dimensions on students' generic skills development was examined.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted among 190 third- and fourth-year undergraduate students in one of the colleges of agriculture and natural resources in Iran. The partial least square method was used to examine the relationships among various social capital dimensions (i.e. social values, social trust, social networks, social cohesion, social participation, social communications and information sharing) with students' generic skills.
Findings
The findings showed that social networks and social participation are effective factors in the generic skills development of students. A model designed for the development of students' generic skills based on their social capital level predicted up to 33% of generic skills' variances. Furthermore, the multi-group analysis showed that males and females vary on how various social capital dimensions affect their generic skills. In this respect, the social participation dimension had a significantly greater impact on female students' generic skills, whereas the generic skills of male students were influenced more by the social cohesion dimension.
Practical implications
Developing generic skills through social capital can be considered as an effective strategy in countries that do not have formal programs for developing students' generic skills. Additionally, higher education policymakers should present a more supportive approach for developing generic skills of female students through social participation in the campuses.
Originality/value
So far, no study has examined the relationships among various social capital dimensions and students' generic skills in Iran. The picture is even more unclear when it comes to the differences between male and female students. The results of this study confirmed the importance of social networks and social participation in the universities to support students and to improve their generic skills and, consequently, their employability competencies. Furthermore, it could be inferred that male and female students have similarities and also differences in terms of the effect of social capital on developing generic skills that can provide a path for future studies.
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Ali Asghar Mahmoodi, Mohammadreza Abdoli, Maryam Shahri and Farhad Dehdar
The purpose of this research is to investigate the importance and status of conditional accounting conservatism indicators and financial flexibility for the management of legal…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to investigate the importance and status of conditional accounting conservatism indicators and financial flexibility for the management of legal claims of the company during the outbreak of Corona.
Design/methodology/approach
The research method was implemented using statistical analysis in the SPSS environment. The participants of this research can be experts and specialists working in companies admitted to the stock exchange and expert professors in accounting fields; auditing; economy; financial engineering and financial management, categorized. The data related to the localization tool of research variables were collected by snowball sampling method in the summer of 2022.
Findings
One of the main results of the research is that based on the opinions and professional experience of experts and professionals working in companies admitted to the stock exchange and academic experts, within a range of seven, “The number of legal claims of the company with electronic businesses” under the title of the main indicator in the legal claims of the company in the outbreak of Corona from the importance dimension; “Exchange rate fluctuations in financial resilience” under the title of the main indicator in financial resilience in the Corona outbreak from the functional dimension; “The number of legal claims of the company with government institutions” under the title of the main indicator in the company’s legal claims in the Corona outbreak from the functional dimension; “The company’s conservatism score” under the title of the main indicator in the conditional conservatism of accounting in the Corona outbreak from the functional dimension; “oil price fluctuations in financial resilience” under the title of the main indicator in financial resilience in the Corona outbreak from the importance dimension; and “type of industry based on total assets” under the title of the main indicator in the conditional conservatism of accounting in the Corona outbreak was calculated from the importance dimension.
Originality/value
Although the previous literature has studied the direct correlation between accounting conservatism and financial flexibility, this work focuses on examining the direct association between accounting conservatism and financial flexibility in the post-Corona era and is carried out to resolve legal claims.
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Hasan Valiyan and Mohammadreza Abdoli
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of anarchist accounting (AA) on stakeholder relationship capability (SRC) in the context of Iranian capital market companies.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of anarchist accounting (AA) on stakeholder relationship capability (SRC) in the context of Iranian capital market companies.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on a descriptive survey-correlation data collection method. As this study is on (AA) and (SRC) in Iran, the population of the study is made up of all financial managers and heads of the accounting department of capital market companies in Iran. Among 185 companies (Tehran Stock Exchange [TSE]), 100 companies were selected as samples which are all in the TSE. As suggested by Niles (2006), a minimum sample size of 10% of the population is generally acceptable. A questionnaire survey was adopted in obtaining primary data for this study. Thus, based on Cochran sampling techniques, 395 questionnaires were returned and became the basis of analysis. Also, partial least square was used to test the research hypothesis.
Findings
The statistical findings indicate the fit of the structural desirability of the factor load and according to the standardized coefficient (path coefficient), the dimensions of AA have a negative and significant effect on SRC, because the path coefficient is positive.
Originality/value
Theoretically, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first research that tries to examine the stakeholder relationship capability through the link between social/political approaches with accounting procedures, an issue that has not been considered in any prior study. Also, conducting the present study in the conditions of social distrust in the Iranian capital market can be important, because the expansion of anarchist accounting helps to create a level of symmetry and equality in information disclosure and it can create value for shareholders.
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Ali Zamani Babgohari, Danial Esmaelnezhad and Mohammadreza Taghizadeh-Yazdi
Pressure on business to direct their activities responsibly has been increased during the last years to extent their suitability performance in all economic, social and…
Abstract
Pressure on business to direct their activities responsibly has been increased during the last years to extent their suitability performance in all economic, social and environmental dimensions. This has motivated businesses and researchers to identify ways to implement sustainable and resilient operations. In the era of economic globalisation, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are recognised as an engine of sustainable economic development in both the developed and developing world. Their competitiveness drives the economy, both nationally and internationally. SMEs have faced challenges in developing, internationalisation and achieving competitive advantage. Purpose of current study is to identify and analyse the sustainability and resiliency (SR) barriers to SME internationalisation and prioritise the practices to overcome the negative influence of barriers. In this regard, first, barriers and innovative practices have been identified through the literature review. Second, the essential barriers will be selected through reduction steps by the intuitionistic fuzzy Delphi (IF-Delphi) method. After computing the weight of barriers through the IF-DEMATEL method, the practices were prioritised using four multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) methods in an IF environment. Finally, the scores were aggregated by correlation coefficient and standard deviation (CCSD) technique. Results present that ‘Lack of economical resources to global exports’ and ‘Complications in acclimatizing export product design’ are the top priority barriers and ‘Knowledge of global market opportunities’ and ‘Networking with business incubator institutions’ have been recognised as the essential SMEs internationalisation practices. This study contributes to creating a more focussed approach towards the growth of SMEs. The study results would be helpful for industry, policymakers and academia.
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Farzaneh Maftoon, Batool Mousavi, Mohammadreza Soroush, Davood Rahimpoor and Afsoon Aeenparast
Access to comprehensive, quality health care services is important for the achievement of health equity and for increasing the quality of a healthy life for everyone. Insurance…
Abstract
Purpose
Access to comprehensive, quality health care services is important for the achievement of health equity and for increasing the quality of a healthy life for everyone. Insurance coverage increases the accessibility of services and is an important factor in health services utilization. Assessing patient satisfaction will be helpful in detecting quality gap and bottlenecks of service providing processes. The purpose of this paper is to to assess the satisfaction of complementary insurance schema of Iran Veterans and Martyrs Affair Foundation (VMAF) for receiving outpatient visits.
Design/methodology/approach
This was a cross-sectional study. The study population was veterans and their families and as well as Martyrs’ families. In this survey, 1,823 cases were selected using the random sampling method. Data were gathered by a questionnaire. The questionnaire validity and reliability was tested. The questionnaires were completed based on telephone interviewing. The questionnaires were completed for the last family use of complementary insurance for receiving medical services. The SPSS statistical software was used for data analysis.
Findings
A total of 1,823 cases used their complementary insurance that were studied. About 32.9 percent of studied cases were Martyrs’ families and the others were veterans and their family members. The satisfaction level was assessed from different dimensions: respondents were highly satisfied from outpatient visits. The satisfaction of process of receiving visit payment was the lowest. The factors associated with the risk of dissatisfaction are tested by using logistic regression. Analysis indicated that living in rural areas and being a martyr family increase the risk of dissatisfaction from the distance to an outpatient center.
Originality/value
Satisfaction is a multi-dimensional factor that reveals different aspects of services. It is possible that the satisfaction level in different dimensions of care was not the same. This study indicated that complementary health care insurance provided by the VMAF is good from care receivers’ perspective. But some consideration is necessary for improving that access of under-coverage population in remote districts and rural areas and process of receiving visit payment.
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Mehrdad Agha Mohammad Ali Kermani, Mohammadreza Moghadam, Hadi Sahebi and Sheyda Rezazadeh Moghadam
The primary aim of this study is to provide actionable guidance for augmenting profitability in photovoltaic power plant investments within Iran’s solar energy sector. By…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary aim of this study is to provide actionable guidance for augmenting profitability in photovoltaic power plant investments within Iran’s solar energy sector. By emphasizing prudent capital management and strategic investment decisions, our research seeks to assist emerging businesses in attaining sustained success in this domain.
Design/methodology/approach
This study presents a comprehensive approach to refined decision-making in Iran’s solar energy sector. Our methodology integrates the best-worst method, ArcGIS software for site selection, and the TOPSIS method for decision-making, aiming to enhance precision and reliability.
Findings
Our research has identified ten promising regions suitable for photovoltaic power plant installations in Iran. Leveraging the TOPSIS method, we have made optimal selections among these alternatives. Furthermore, our exhaustive cost analysis, incorporating factors like land prices, system maintenance, revenue estimation, and various financial scenarios, has yielded insights into project cost-effectiveness.
Originality/value
By filling a notable gap in the literature regarding optimal site selection and investment strategies for photovoltaic power plants in Iran, our research contributes to the sustainable development of solar energy infrastructure. Through a thorough literature review and the development of a novel methodology, we offer valuable guidance for businesses and investors seeking success in Iran’s solar energy sector. Our study represents a significant advancement by introducing a novel methodology that integrates the best-worst method, ArcGIS software, and the TOPSIS method for site selection and investment analysis. These findings furnish valuable guidance for businesses seeking success in the solar energy sector, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of renewable energy infrastructure in Iran and beyond.