University of Tehran PressIndustrial Management Journal3115-738618320260701Transparency in the Food Supply Chain: Conceptual Clarification and Identification of Key Dimensions Based on a Systematic Review14110786010.22059/imj.2026.412198.1008299ENSorayaBiramiPh.D. Candidate, Department of Industrial Management, Farabi College, University of Tehran, Iran.0000-0001-5494-7601MeisamShahbaziAssociate Prof., Department of Industrial Management, Farabi College, University of Tehran, Iran.0000-0002-7801-8767ToorajKarimiAssociate Prof., Department of Industrial Management, Farabi College, University of Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20260309<strong>Objective</strong>: The increasing complexity and globalization of food supply chains, along with challenges such as food safety incidents, price volatility, difficulties in tracing product origins, and widespread food loss and waste, have further highlighted the necessity of enhancing transparency.
<strong>Methodology:</strong> This study aims to clarify the concept of transparency in this domain and to identify its key dimensions through a systematic literature review based on the PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search was conducted in the Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases, and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 164 articles were selected for final analysis.
<strong>Results</strong>: In the first step, by analyzing the definitions and approaches presented in the supply chain management literature, the concept of transparency in food supply chains was coherently articulated, and a comprehensive definition was proposed. In the second step, related and overlapping concepts were identified, and their conceptual distinctions were examined. Finally, in the third step, using inductive qualitative content analysis, the components and dimensions discussed in the literature were extracted and coded. Through open coding and iterative back-and-forth review between data and themes, 32 key transparency dimensions were ultimately identified.
<strong>Conclusion</strong>: Transparency in the food supply chain is not just an ethical or regulatory obligation, but a strategic process that balances stakeholder trust with commercial confidentiality. It involves carefully distinguishing between information that stakeholders have a right to know and proprietary data that should remain protected.https://imj.ut.ac.ir/article_107860_1cfdad7b518817cf75706686efc90dae.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressIndustrial Management Journal3115-738618320260701Digital Transformation in B2B Marketing: A Causal Network Analysis of Factors on the Metaverse427410786110.22059/imj.2026.412455.1008304ENElaheHasanabadiMSc., Department of Management, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.0009-0003-1583-8519Mohammad MiladAhmadiAssistant Prof., Department of Management, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.0000-0002-5726-2891ElhamMoghadamniaAssistant Prof., Department of Management, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.0000-0001-5976-9189Journal Article20260405<strong>Objective</strong>: This study aims to bridge the gap in empirical research concerning the factors influencing the adoption of the “Industrial Metaverse” within Business-to-Business (B2B) marketing in developing economies. Specifically, it focuses on the Iranian industrial sector to model the complex causal relationships among the critical determinants of adoption.<br /><strong>Methodology:</strong> A sequential mixed-methods approach was utilized. First, a Delphi survey was conducted with ten industry experts to validate 25 sub-criteria categorized across five dimensions: Technological, Economic, Organizational, Social, and Legal/Regulatory. Subsequently, the DEMATEL technique was applied to quantify interdependencies between these factors and map the underlying causal network.<br /><strong>Results</strong>: The findings indicate that Organizational Factors are the most central and prominent dimension ( ), serving as a foundational driver. Technological ( ) and Economic ( ) dimensions emerged as primary causal variables, while Social ( ) and Legal/Regulatory ( ) factors were identified as dependent dimensions. At the sub-criteria level, Metaverse Cybersecurity ( ), Internal Digital Culture ( ), and Top Management Support ( ) demonstrated the highest causal power, whereas Technological Innovation Capability proved to be the most susceptible factor.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: The study concludes that successful B2B Metaverse integration extends beyond mere technological acquisition; it fundamentally requires organizational readiness, a cultivated digital culture, and robust cybersecurity frameworks. Addressing legal and social vulnerabilities is contingent upon the maturation of these primary dimensions. By decoding the perceived structural dynamics of Metaverse adoption based on expert consensus, this research provides industrial managers and policymakers with a roadmap for optimizing resource allocation and fostering sustainable growth in the era of spatial computing.https://imj.ut.ac.ir/article_107861_3d2415996763e74cc66a11e11bb87040.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressIndustrial Management Journal3115-738618320260701Key Barriers to Achieving Innovation in Edible Oil Companies: An Importance–Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) in a Developing Country7511010786410.22059/imj.2026.412018.1008295ENMahmoodDehghan NayeriAssociate Prof., Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.0000-0002-7648-2937AlirezaSadeghpour FirouzabadPh.D. Candidate, Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.0009-0007-9059-7769SaeidNaser ZaeimPh.D. Candidate, Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20260226<strong>Objective</strong>: This study aimed to identify innovation barriers in Iranian edible oil manufacturing companies, screen the most relevant barriers, and prioritize them for improvement and resolution.<br /><strong>Methodology:</strong> A literature review and expert interviews were conducted to identify 33 innovation barriers. Subsequently, the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) method was employed to screen the barriers, resulting in the retention of 22 relevant items. Finally, a questionnaire survey was administered among Iranian edible oil companies, and Importance–Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) was applied to prioritize the identified barriers. <br /><strong>Results</strong>: The findings revealed that barriers associated with the network and ecosystem dimension required the greatest managerial attention. At the indicator level, low inter-organizational trust, weak ties with research institutions, weak monitoring of global innovation developments, restriction of employees’ freedom in idea development, and organizational resistance to change and innovation were identified as the highest-priority barriers for improvement.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: In industries such as edible oil manufacturing, which are characterized by extensive value chains and strong dependence on external knowledge sources, innovation challenges extend beyond financial and resource constraints and are more closely associated with organizational, institutional, and knowledge-network factors. Therefore, external collaborations, knowledge exchange mechanisms, and supportive organizational environments play a critical role in strengthening innovation capabilities.https://imj.ut.ac.ir/article_107864_d89332001f38d93a5a1df641214f598f.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressIndustrial Management Journal3115-738618320260701Evaluating Disruption Management Strategies for Freight Logistics in Oman: A Simulation Modeling Approach11114410786510.22059/imj.2026.412049.1008296ENAhmedZainul AbideenAssistant Prof., Faculty of Transport and Logistics, Muscat University, Muscat, Oman.0000-0003-0281-0982SinaSayardoost TabriziPh.D. Department of Industrial Management, Senior Lecturer at the University of Tehran, Kish, Iran.0000-0002-5723-3783FarzanehYousefiPh.D Candidate, Department of Industrial Management, College of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.0009-0000-6399-0273SaeedYousefiPh.D Candidate, Faculty of Management and Economic, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.Journal Article20260227<strong>Objective</strong>: The logistics and transportation networks in the GCC, particularly in Oman, face unique problems due to the region's geographical complexity, the value of transported goods, and the significance of timely deliveries. Operating in a highly competitive environment, businesses in this industry are compelled to reduce waste, save unnecessary expenditures, and maintain consistent delivery standards while dealing with disruptions that may severely disrupt operations.
<strong>Methodology:</strong> Our research aims to apply scenario planning-based simulation modelling to examine the effects of disruptions on freight logistics and transportation performance in Oman, with two goals in mind: first, to assess the financial and operational consequences of disruptions, and second, to devise and evaluate proactive and reactive measures aimed at maintaining good service levels to avoid supply shortages. Disruptions in freight logistics and transportation have profound consequences, prompting a deliberate shift to create resilient and flexible networks.
<strong>Results</strong>: Our findings highlight the effectiveness of activating backup transportation routes in reducing expanded disruptions, while laterally enabling transshipment appears as a viable approach for smaller-scale, short-term disruptions, although with a marginal cost increase.
<strong>Conclusion</strong>: By implementing these tactics, Oman's logistics and transportation industries can successfully mitigate disruptions in freight logistics and maintain the smooth flow of commodities throughout the region. Additionally, policy-level support for digital transformation and infrastructure development is essential for enabling long-term logistics competitiveness.https://imj.ut.ac.ir/article_107865_19f079ab78145ad7493f7388b543c73e.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressIndustrial Management Journal3115-738618320260701An Integrated PMBOK-Based Mixed-Integer Optimization Framework for Rescue-Robot Projects14517610787010.22059/imj.2026.412066.1008297ENMojtabaNoroziPh.D. Candidate, Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Management and Industrial Engineering, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.0009-0004-7022-2415Seyed AkbarNilipour TabatabaeiAssistant Prof., Department of Industrial Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Najafabad, Iran.Journal Article20260227<strong>Objective</strong>: This study proposes a novel integrated Mixed-Integer Programming (MIP) framework for managing complex engineering projects in alignment with PMBOK principles. Unlike conventional approaches that address project management knowledge areas independently, the proposed model simultaneously incorporates six PMBOK domains: procurement, schedule, cost, quality, human resources, and integration management within a unified mathematical optimization structure.
<strong>Methodology:</strong> The framework enables optimal supplier selection based on cost–quality trade-offs, multi-skill workforce allocation, and synchronized task scheduling. A key methodological contribution is the introduction of a task initiation cost mechanism and an active-period minimization structure, allowing the model to capture hidden project overheads and reduce unnecessary task dispersion.
<strong>Results</strong>: The model is applied to the design and development of a search and rescue robot as a representative high-complexity technological project. Computational experiments demonstrate the model’s effectiveness in optimizing resource allocation and reveal the dominant impact of human resource costs on total project expenditure. Sensitivity analyses further highlight nonlinear trade-offs among procurement cost, quality thresholds, and project duration. Notably, results indicate that relaxing quality constraints may reduce procurement expenses but paradoxically increase total project cost and completion time, emphasizing the necessity of integrated decision-making.
<strong>Conclusion</strong> The proposed framework contributes to the advancement of data-driven project management by bridging PMBOK-based managerial structures with rigorous mathematical optimization. It offers a practical decision-support tool for project managers operating in multi-domain, resource-constrained engineering environments.https://imj.ut.ac.ir/article_107870_8890e84fa8244fb6b45175bda383cd93.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressIndustrial Management Journal3115-738618320260701A Scenario-Based Multi-Objective Mathematical Model for the Location-Allocation of Facilities in a Sustainable and Resilient Health Tourism Supply Chain17721510787210.22059/imj.2026.412973.1008309ENAmirhosseinSaffariniaPh.D. Candidate, Department of Industrial Management, College of Farabi, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran.Mohammad RezaFathiAssociate Prof., Department of Industrial Management, College of Farabi, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran.0000-0002-7973-9814AbolfazlKhosraviAssociate Prof., Department of Industrial Management, College of Farabi, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran.Can DenizKÖKSALProfessor, Department of Industrial Management, Akdeniz University, TurkeyJournal Article20260418<strong>Objective</strong>: Given the rapid expansion of the health tourism industry and the imperative to ensure service continuity under abnormal and disruptive conditions, the design of a supply chain that simultaneously incorporates sustainability and resilience considerations has become critical. This study aims to develop an integrated decision-making framework for the optimal location–allocation of primary and backup facilities within a health tourism supply chain.
<strong>Methodology:</strong> To this end, a scenario-based multi-objective mathematical model is proposed that concurrently addresses conflicting objectives, including the maximization of overall profitability, sustainability performance (encompassing environmental and social dimensions), resilience and efficiency of network flows, and the minimization of unmet demand. The proposed formulation is structured as a multi-echelon model, wherein, at the first level, sustainability and resilience scores, along with inherent uncertainties in demand, capacity, and potential disruptions, are quantified using the fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and subsequently incorporated into the mathematical model. To solve the model and derive optimal solutions, a normalization-based aggregation approach is employed to transform the multi-objective structure into an equivalent single-objective formulation. The applicability and validity of the proposed model are demonstrated through a real-world case study in the health tourism sector of Qom.
<strong>Results</strong>: The results indicate that the model is capable of generating balanced and implementable solutions that effectively control costs while ensuring a desirable level of sustainable and resilient performance across various scenarios.
<strong>Conclusion:</strong> The proposed framework can serve as a robust decision-support tool for managers and policymakers to design supply chain networks that are resilient, cost-efficient, and environmentally sustainable.https://imj.ut.ac.ir/article_107872_64b9e8cd8a1368d166815af95e48dc0b.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressIndustrial Management Journal3115-738618320260701Blockchain-Driven Supply Chain Management: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda21625310789910.22059/imj.2026.412325.1008302ENAkbarPourfatemiPh.D. Candidate, Department of Management, Ur. C., Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran.AmirKhodakhahAssistant Prof., Sociology- Economic Development, Ro. C., Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran.NargesGhadiriMaster of Science (M.Sc.) Candidate in Executive Business Administration, Istanbul Arel University, Istanbul, Turkey.HeroIsaviAssistant Prof., Department of Management, Ur. C., Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran.0000-0002-0023-4371RezaRostamzadehAssociate Prof., Department of Management, Ur. C., Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran.0000-0002-6161-7173Journal Article20260322<strong>Objective</strong>: The objective of this research is to systematically investigate and analyze the connection between technology management and blockchain technology (BT) by exploring research trends and identifying gaps within the scientific literature.
<strong>Methodology:</strong> To fulfill this objective, a qualitative research methodology is employed, utilizing a comprehensive review system that encompasses bibliometric analysis and thematic analysis. Data for the research were sourced from the esteemed Web of Science and Scopus databases, with the timeframe from 2019 to 2025 being considered for article selection. Search terms such as "blockchain", "chain management", and "smart contract" were utilized.
<strong>Results</strong>: The findings of the research indicate that blockchain significantly contributes to the transformation of management, particularly in domains such as transparency technology, traceability, fostering trust among stakeholders, environmental sustainability, and process digitization. The co-occurrence of terms and the analysis of authors' contributions reveal that research in this field is growing at an accelerating rate; however, notable gaps exist in areas such as practical implementation, rights determination, and economic assessment.
<strong>Conclusion:</strong> The outcomes of international analyses, interdisciplinary studies, and supportive policies from governmental and research institutions are crucial for the adoption of blockchain technologies in machine chains. This study, by outlining executive policies at three levels organizational, governmental, and research ultimately advocates for the utilization of blockchain to enhance efficiency and sustainability.https://imj.ut.ac.ir/article_107899_3b69192bd432330ae654bc81f1dc3563.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressIndustrial Management Journal3115-738618320260701The Causal Architecture of Blockchain-Enabled Performance in Humanitarian Supply Chains25428410791010.22059/imj.2026.412904.1008307ENJavadNematianProf., Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.FigenYıldırımProf., Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey.ShahryarGhorbaniAssistant Prof., Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey.0000-0001-6085-1788FarnazYaqub AzariPh.D., Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran.ShahrzadShadfarM.Sc., Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Economics, Management and Business, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.Journal Article20260417<strong>Objective</strong>: To identify and prioritize blockchain technology (BT) facilitators for humanitarian supply chains and to develop a causal relationship model linking these facilitators to SCOR-based humanitarian supply chain performance attributes using a multi-objective intuitionistic fuzzy cognitive map (MOIFFCM).<br /><strong>Methodology:</strong> The study adopts a sequential mixed-method design within a single case study. A systematic literature review first identifies candidate BT facilitators and structures humanitarian supply chain processes and performance dimensions according to the SCOR model. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews with eight experts from academia and practice provide judgements on the influence and interdependence of these facilitators on key operations and performance attributes. These judgements are encoded in an intuitionistic fuzzy cognitive map and extended to a multi-objective IFCM framework to analyze complex and feedback-rich causal relationships. <br /><strong>Results</strong>: Thirteen BT facilitators relevant to humanitarian supply chains are validated. The MOIFFCM analysis shows that secure, shared, decentralized databases and smart contracts are the most influential facilitators for blockchain adoption in humanitarian supply chains. These enablers strongly affect SCOR-derived performance dimensions such as reliability, flexibility, responsiveness, cost performance, and aid management efficiency, and exhibit significant interdependencies with other facilitators.<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Prioritizing and strengthening key BT facilitators—particularly secure decentralized data infrastructures and smart contracts—can improve visibility, traceability, and integrity of humanitarian supply chains while reducing administrative burden and transaction costs. Nonetheless, realizing these benefits requires addressing regulatory, legal, technical and infrastructural constraints. The proposed MOIFFCM-based model offers a decision-support tool for humanitarian managers to test adoption scenarios, prioritize facilitators under resource limitations and better align blockchain investments with targeted performance improvements.https://imj.ut.ac.ir/article_107910_c3ec9d5e5f247f03610ef0cf186c01f0.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressIndustrial Management Journal3115-738618320260701Analyzing Barriers to the Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) by Farmers: An Application of UTAUT and Decomposed Fuzzy Approach28532010811210.22059/imj.2026.414885.1008319ENSaharValipour ParkouhiPhD of Production and Operations Management, Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.0000-0002-2089-3155SaraValipour ParkouhiPhD Candidate of Production and Operations Management, Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.0009-0007-6194-0150AlirezaArabAssistant Prof., Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.0000-0002-5024-2177Journal Article20260520<strong>Objective</strong>: Due to climate change, climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is one response to the impacts of climate change, which affect agriculture especially in developing countries. As in other sustainability transitions, technological innovation plays a vital role in implementing CSA. However, technological innovation in developing countries is progressing slowly. Farmers play a fundamental role in the adoption of CSA, but barriers reduce their willingness to implement it. Due to its geographical location, Iran also needs to implement CSA in its key agricultural regions, such as Mazandaran. This study aims to identify the barriers to CSA adoption among farmers in Mazandaran and assess their importance.
<strong>Methodology:</strong> To achieve this, the barriers to CSA adoption by farmers were identified through a literature review. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was used to categorize the barriers. Then, the decomposed fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (DF-AHP) method was applied to calculate the weights of the identified barriers.
<strong>Results</strong>: The study found that the most important barriers to CSA adoption by farmers in Mazandaran are “immaturity of some technologies and lack of an implementation guideline,” “Lack of sufficient skills among farmers,” and “High implementation costs and economic risk”.
<strong>Conclusion:</strong> Classifying the barriers to CSA adoption by farmers within the UTAUT model can clarify how they influence an individual's behavioral intention. In this way, it facilitates the development of strategies and the implementation of corrective actions. The study's results can be applied to regions similar to Mazandaran in terms of climatic, economic, and social conditions.https://imj.ut.ac.ir/article_108112_aa523dc6ad48aa8bc00303266d7f10bc.pdf