Showing 2 results for Strategic Planning
Saadi Mohammadi, Farzad Vaisi, Kioumars Khodapanah, Zhian Danshvar,
Volume 14, Issue 51 (6-2025)
Abstract
Objective: Recognizing that resolving any problem necessitates strategic planning, this applied research was conducted in the rural border regions of Marivan County. Its primary objective is to contribute to economic diversification in these rural communities by formulating a flexible, forward-looking strategic plan aimed at attracting capital investments.
Methods: The research employed a mixed-methods approach. The theoretical component was developed using documentary analysis, while the practical component was carried out through a survey methodology, including interviews, questionnaires, and field observations. The study adopts a qualitative approach, primarily based on interviews and the Delphi method. Through collaboration with a Delphi expert panel, a strategic plan was designed to facilitate economic diversification via capital attraction and the development of micro-enterprises. The study population consisted of 24 purposefully selected individuals, including regional development officials, subject-matter experts, micro-business owners, and local managers.
Results: The analysis identified eight internal strengths versus eighteen internal weaknesses, along with six external opportunities versus nine external threats related to fostering a diversified economic environment and favorable business climate through capital attraction in the studied rural areas. The intersection of internal factor weights (3.40) with external factor weights (2.49) positioned the study area within a conservative strategic posture.
Conclusions: The results suggest that a conservative strategy is the most appropriate model for capital attraction aimed at economic diversification in the region. This approach necessitates a critical reassessment and revision of current policies, programs, and actions to address the existing suboptimal business environment. Furthermore, the long-term outlook—over a 15-year horizon—indicates that, given its capabilities and potential, the region could emerge as a leading center for cross-border trade, specialized agriculture, micro-industrial production, and rural tourism within Kurdistan Province, in competition with other counties in the region.
Alireza Jafari, Hemmatollah Pirdashti, Fatemeh Razzaghi Borkhani, Zahra Saber,
Volume 14, Issue 51 (6-2025)
Abstract
Objective: In the context of rural and agricultural development, designing an environmentally sustainable system with economic and social justification and a future-oriented perspective is essential. This study aims to develop integrated crop management (ICM) strategies for rice farms in Mazandaran Province.
Methods: Using theoretical foundations and analytical studies, the four SWOT components—strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats—were identified. The statistical population consisted of specialists and experts with academic backgrounds and practical experience in sustainable rice cultivation and agricultural extension (18 individuals), along with managers from relevant organizations such as the Agricultural Jihad Organization of Mazandaran Province (20 individuals), selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using the SWOT technique in Microsoft Excel.
Results: The internal and external evaluations reveal that the system's strengths and opportunities outweigh its weaknesses and threats. The weighted scores indicate the predominance of favorable over risky conditions. The strategic priority lies in the SO (Strength-Opportunity) or "maximum-maximum" area (approximately 36%). Following this are the WO (Weakness-Opportunity), ST (Strength-Threat), and WT (Weakness-Threat) strategies, accounting for approximately 25%, 23%, and 16% of the total strategies, respectively.
Conclusions: Based on the strategic analysis, key strategies for ICM development include enhancing farmer empowerment and participation through the FFS/IPM approach, managing production risks via insurance, establishing healthy crop production cooperatives, and implementing collective branding within the rice value chain. Emphasizing collaboration among key stakeholders is vital. The implementation of these strategies can significantly contribute to the adoption of ICM and the advancement of sustainable agricultural development.
