Agricultural Economics

Agricultural Economics

Identification and Prioritization of Economic Indicators for the Sustainability of the Food and Agriculture Supply Chain: An Analytical Approach Using the Fuzzy DEMATEL Technique

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
jamshid ebrahimpour 1
naser khani 2
mohamad reza davodi 3
beta yazdani 4
1 Department of Management, Najaf Abad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najaf Abad, Iran)
2 associate professor . Department of Management, Najaf Abad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najaf Abad, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Najaf Abad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Dahaghan
4 Associate Professor, Department of Management, Najaf Abad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najaf Abad, Iran
10.22034/iaes.2024.2024181.2051
Abstract
AbstractAbstract
The aim of this research is to present an approach for identifying and prioritizing the economic components and indicators of a sustainable supply chain in the food and agriculture industries during the years 2023 and 2024. To achieve this goal, a multi-stage research method was used. In the first step, studies and previous research in the field of food and agricultural supply chains were reviewed. Then, using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, the necessary data were collected from experts. In the next stage, the fuzzy DEMATEL method was used to evaluate the influence and dependence of economic criteria, determine the relationships among the main factors, and create a causal model. The validity and reliability of the research were ensured through expert participation and agreement using fuzzy Delphi and DEMATEL methods. The statistical sample of this research included 15 experts in the field, selected using purposive and selective sampling. Sampling continued until theoretical saturation or the threshold of useful information was reached. The data collection tool in the qualitative part was semi-structured interviews. The findings showed that the use of appropriate technology in the production process, marketing, and offering diverse products through conversion industries and improved support performance had the highest impact and were considered the main issues. Suitable packaging criteria, including branding, increased efficiency and productivity, and marketing and sales performance, were considered dependent elements. Therefore, these criteria are prioritized as core and key criteria in planning. Based on the findings of this research, increasing investment in infrastructure and utilizing modern technologies are recommended.
Keywords
Keywords: Sustainability
Supply Chain
Agricultural Food Products
Conversion Industries
Technology

Subjects

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