Green Efficiency of an Energy Supply Chain: A Multi-Stage Network DEA Application to Iranian Petrochemicals

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 MSc. In Performance Management, Faculty of Economic and Management, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.

2 Associate Prof., Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.

3 Department of Business administration , Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences , istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey.

4 Department of Production Management, University of Sakarya, Sakarya 54050, Turkey.

10.22059/imj.2025.400690.1008260

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the greenness and efficiency of the Iranian petrochemical supply chain, a sector that plays a vital role in both economic performance and environmental sustainability. Despite its importance, limited studies have comprehensively analyzed this industry’s efficiency using multi-dimensional and uncertainty-sensitive approaches.
Methods: To address this issue, an integrated Network Data Envelopment Analysis (NDEA) framework combined with the Fuzzy Delphi Method was developed to assess the performance of ten leading petrochemical companies in Iran. Seventeen evaluation criteria were identified and validated, and the companies were analyzed under optimistic and pessimistic scenarios to capture a balanced and realistic view of their efficiency. 
Results: The findings revealed that only a few companies were efficient under both scenarios, while others exhibited inefficiencies due to high environmental costs, excessive employment, and poor-quality management systems. Sensitivity analysis showed that reducing undesirable outputs and optimizing dual-role variables significantly improves performance. Efficient companies should also focus on sustaining competitiveness by optimizing their pessimistic efficiency scores.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the proposed NDEA–Delphi approach provides a comprehensive and realistic tool for assessing the green efficiency of industrial supply chains. This framework can support decision-makers in identifying improvement areas, reducing resource waste, and developing environmentally responsible operational strategies in the petrochemical sector

Keywords

References

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Industrial Management Journal
Volume 17, Issue 4
2025
Pages 1-39

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