مطالعات مدیریت توسعه سبز

IntroductionAlthough organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) toward the environment has gained increasing attention in sustainability research, limited studies have examined the factors influencing such behaviors among employees in higher education institutions. Moreover, the neglect of human and behavioral dimensions in institutional environmental initiatives has motivated this study to investigate how green transformational leadership influences organizational citizenship behavior toward the environment (OCBE), with green human resource management (GHRM) serving as a mediating mechanism—specifically within the context of the University of Sistan and Baluchestan. This research offers a novel approach to institutionalizing environmental sustainability in universities by fostering employee engagement through inspiration, encouragement, and the creation of participatory opportunities in environmental citizenship. It advances theoretical discourse at the intersection of green transformational leadership, GHRM, and OCBE in higher education—a nexus that remains underexplored in the literature. Notably, this study is among the first to empirically examine both the direct and indirect effects of green transformational leadership and GHRM on OCBE in higher education settings. Furthermore, it provides fresh insights into the behavioral and psychological drivers of pro-environmental workplace conduct, offering theoretical grounding for cultivating green citizenship behaviors. Practical implications include actionable recommendations for university leaders and administrators seeking to promote and sustain environmentally responsible behaviors among staff. Materials and MethodsThe present study employed a descriptive research design with a correlational approach. The target population consisted of approximately 800 employees at the University of Sistan and Baluchestan. Using Morgan’s table to determine the required sample size and applying simple random sampling, 260 participants were selected. A total of 227 completed questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 87.3%. Data were collected using three validated instruments: the Green Transformational Leadership Questionnaire, the Organizational Citizenship Behavior toward the Environment (OCBE) Questionnaire, and the Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) Questionnaire. The measurement scales demonstrated acceptable levels of validity and reliability, as evidenced by confirmatory factor analysis, composite reliability, and Cronbach’s alpha values. Data analysis was conducted using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS software. FindingsThe results indicate that green transformational leadership has a significant positive effect on organizational citizenship behavior toward the environment (OCBE). This relationship is rooted in the leader’s psychological attributes—such as trustworthiness, supportiveness, and individualized consideration—which foster employees’ willingness to engage in discretionary pro-environmental actions beyond formal job requirements. Furthermore, green transformational leadership was found to positively influence green human resource management (GHRM) practices in higher education institutions. Specifically, such leadership plays a constructive role in shaping GHRM by inspiring and motivating staff, and by actively developing and implementing environmentally oriented HR policies. The study also confirms that GHRM significantly enhances OCBE. Key GHRM practices—including green awareness initiatives, environmental training programs, green performance appraisal, constructive feedback mechanisms, and recognition or rewards for eco-friendly behaviors—effectively encourage employees to adopt and sustain organizational citizenship behaviors that support environmental sustainability. Importantly, the analysis revealed that GHRM partially mediates the relationship between green transformational leadership and OCBE. This suggests that while transformational leaders directly inspire pro-environmental conduct, they also indirectly cultivate such behaviors by institutionalizing supportive HR practices. In other words, the integration of behavioral, psychological, and structural mechanisms—such as creating participatory opportunities, empowering employees, and providing intrinsic and extrinsic motivations—serves as a powerful catalyst for the development of sustained pro-environmental behavior in academic workplaces. Discussion and ConclusionThis study confirms that green transformational leadership (GTL) significantly enhances organizational citizenship behavior toward the environment (OCBE) among employees at the University of Sistan and Baluchestan—both directly and indirectly through green human resource management (GHRM). Specifically:GTL positively influences OCBE;GTL strengthens GHRM practices;GHRM, in turn, fosters OCBE; andGHRM fully mediates the relationship between GTL and OCBE.These findings underscore that pro-environmental workplace behaviors are not merely policy-driven but deeply rooted in human, psychological, and behavioral dynamics. Leadership that inspires, empowers, and creates meaningful opportunities—coupled with HR practices such as green training, performance feedback, and recognition—acts as a powerful catalyst for sustainable employee engagement. Moreover, OCBE is shaped by a confluence of individual, organizational, and socio-cultural forces. To nurture an environmental ethos in higher education, leaders must adopt a change-oriented, values-based leadership style and serve as visible role models. Simultaneously, institutions should cultivate an inclusive environmental culture through open dialogue, shared vision, and transparent communication—both formal and informal. Practically, this research offers actionable insights for university leaders and HR managers: by integrating GTL and GHRM, they can strengthen employees’ intrinsic motivation, build environmental capability, and align individual actions with institutional sustainability goals. Ultimately, such efforts not only advance workplace pro-environmental behaviors but also contribute to long-term organizational resilience and societal impact.

IntroductionCompanies are increasingly held accountable for the environmental, social, and economic consequences of both their internal operations and those of their suppliers. Over the past two decades, Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) —defined as the integration of environmental, social, and economic objectives across a focal firm’s supply chain processes—has emerged as a strategic approach to enhancing corporate sustainability (Koberg & Longoni, 2019). Given the pivotal role of sustainable supply chains, identifying the drivers of their effective management is critically important. Despite growing global recognition of this issue—reflected, for instance, in the United Nations’ 2015 Sustainable Development Goals—many organizational initiatives remain fragmented and lack strategic coherence. Consequently, further research is needed to understand how managerial practices can foster a more robust sustainable supply chain orientation (Fritz & Cordova, 2023). Addressing these challenges requires new information systems capable of capturing and communicating environmental and social impacts across the supply chain (Burritt et al., 2011). In this context, Strategic Management Accounting (SMA) has become a vital enabler of strategic decision-making in contemporary organizations. By providing timely, relevant, and forward-looking information to senior management, SMA supports effective navigation of dynamic business environments (Thapayom, 2019). Moreover, SMA equips firms to anticipate and respond to external factors—such as market trends, regulatory shifts, and competitive pressures—that influence their strategic positioning within the supply chain. Given the significance of this topic and the existing research gap, this study investigates the impact of Strategic Management Accounting on the three pillars of Sustainable Supply Chain Management—economic, environmental, and social performance—within Iran’s food manufacturing sector. Materials and MethodsThis study adopts an applied research design with a descriptive-correlational approach, employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for data analysis. The findings are intended to inform practitioners, academics, and policymakers. The target population comprises managers and accounting professionals employed in food production companies and factories in Guilan Province, Iran, during 2023. A total of 143 valid responses were collected. Data were analyzed using SEM via SPSS and SmartPLS software. FindingsThe sample consisted of 69% male and 31% female respondents, reflecting the prevailing gender dynamics in the industry. The largest age group was 41–50 years (41%), while the smallest was under 30 years (15%). Most participants held a bachelor’s degree, and a substantial portion possessed extensive professional experience—25% reported more than 20 years in the field, underscoring the sample’s relevance to the research topic. Hypothesis testing revealed that all path coefficients were statistically significant at the 95% confidence level (t-values > 1.96), supporting the first through third hypotheses. The strongest effect was observed between SMA usage and the economic dimension of SSCM, while the weakest—though still significant—was with the environmental dimension. Discussion and ConclusionSustainable Supply Chain Management has grown increasingly critical due to mounting internal and external risks, the expansion of global trade, and the erosion of cross-border barriers in transportation and communication. In today’s interconnected economy, firms face heightened scrutiny from governments, media, and stakeholders demanding accountability for sustainability performance across the entire supply chain. This study demonstrates that Strategic Management Accounting plays a significant and positive role in advancing all three dimensions of SSCM—economic, environmental, and social—thereby corroborating prior findings by Alamri (2019) and Pumiviset and Suttipun (2024). Notably, respondents perceived the environmental impact of SMA as the weakest, likely because environmental outcomes often manifest over longer time horizons and require systemic change beyond immediate accounting interventions. Effective SSCM demands not only high performance across all sustainability dimensions but also their strategic integration. Trade-offs among these dimensions are inevitable; for instance, short-term economic gains may conflict with long-term environmental goals. Thus, a balanced, integrated approach is essential. It is also important to recognize that SMA practices are context-dependent. The contingency perspective posits that no single accounting system suits all organizations universally. Rather, SMA tools are adapted based on industry maturity, managerial cognition, and information infrastructure. Consequently, food manufacturers in Iran may employ different SMA techniques than firms in other sectors or countries, tailored to their specific strategic needs and operational realities.This study has several limitations. First, data were collected via self-reported survey questionnaires, which may introduce common method bias, particularly in behavioral research. Future studies could complement surveys with interviews, case studies, or archival data. Second, the sample was limited to managers and accounting experts in Guilan Province’s food industry, potentially constraining generalizability. Replicating this research in other provinces or sectors (e.g., textiles, pharmaceuticals) would enhance external validity. Finally, while this study focused solely on SMA, other factors—such as firm size, strategic orientation, regulatory environment, and organizational culture—may also influence SSCM outcomes. Future research should explore these variables and investigate the dynamic interplay and potential synergies or tensions among the three sustainability dimensions to deepen theoretical and practical understanding.

IntroductionThe water crisis is a critical challenge, caused or intensified by various direct factors, particularly, limited resources, climate change, periodic droughts, hydrological conditions, environmental changes, population and consumption growth, the increased demand for water, and excessive use of resources that this will require management. However, water resource management has always had problems due to the uncertainty of weather conditions. Climate change has always been a big challenge for human livelihood, but climate change caused by human activities is a new dimension of these challenges. Evidence shows that climate change will hurt the livelihoods of millions of people around the world. Rural communities in developing countries are more exposed to climate change due to the high dependence of their livelihoods on climate change and their low capacity to adapt to changes. Climate change can create preparations for conflict between different stakeholders by reducing their access to water resources directly and indirectly. The evidence shows that the conflicts caused by the water crisis are increasing in vulnerable areas, including Iran. The ZayandehRud Basin, an important basin in the central plateau of Iran, has faced a crisis in water supply due to various factors. The water supply in the municipality, industry, and agriculture sectors has also faced challenges, causing the intensification of sub-basin conflicts over water supply within a basin between stakeholders. This research aims to assess climate change's impact on the intensification of conflicts caused by the water crisis and conflict management strategies in the upstream and downstream ZayandehRud sub-basins. MethodologySome areas in the sub-basins of ZayandehRud were assessed in this research. This basin is in the middle part of the central plateau where the ZayandehRud River is located. The ZayandehRud River is the main water supply of the region and on the way to the Gavkhoni wetland, it passes through many plains and lands. The Zayandeh Rud Basin has faced a crisis in water supply in recent years due to human and climatic factors. This crisis has reduced stakeholders’ access to water in the municipal, industry, and agriculture sectors, intensifying conflicts among multiple stakeholders in the basin. This research was conducted in two steps. In the first step, a trend analysis based on a time series of secondary data obtained from synoptic weather stations (Kohrang Township in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province and Isfahan Township) to assess the average annual rainfall and the severity of drought in different years. In the second step, interviews with managers and experts related to water resources management about the occurrence of climate change in the conflict of water in the upstream and downstream sub-basins were evaluated. FindingsThe trends of rainfall variables and drought severity were analyzed in two synoptic stations located in the upstream sub-basins (Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province) and the downstream (Isfahan province). The results showed that the average monthly rainfall in the two sub-basins of ZayandehRud fluctuated and did not have the same trend. The amount of precipitation in the Kohrang Station is decreasing and this station has a higher drought intensity than the Isfahan Station. according to the results obtained from the stations of the two cities, the number of snowy days has decreased significantly in Kohrang and Isfahan. These changes have been important in Kohrang city due to the source of water supply for the whole basin, and any change in the amount of precipitation (rain and snow) in this sub-basin will affect the water supply of the whole basin. On the other hand, by examining the views of the respondents, the indicators of environmental factors related to the conflicts caused by the water crisis were categorized as common concepts. According to the codes, experts pointed to environmental factors such as the decrease in rainfall, the decline in snow deposits under the upstream basin, and the increase in temperature and evaporation. Discussion and ConclusionThe assessment of precipitation in two sub-basins showed that the precipitation variabilities and drought intensification have significantly increased the water crisis in the basin in the last few years. Water specialists have also emphasized climate changes, including the decrease in rainfall, reduction of snow deposits, and the increase in temperature as environmental factors affecting the intensity of tensions in the ZayandehRud basin. Finally, many strategies were proposed to manage the conflict in the sub-basins. However, the effectiveness of the strategies requires their appropriateness with the conditions and the nature of the conflict in the basin. Moreover, it is necessary to use several approaches to manage water conflicts that are not only for farmers or sub-basin experts but for all the basin’s stakeholders in water resources management. The stakeholders should also develop their ability to manage water use to maintain the quality and quantity of water consumed. Moreover, their awareness about water saving should be improved. Finally, people's attitudes and behaviors should be directed towards water-saving using different strategies. The most important proposed strategies, listed in order of priority, include: reforming cultivation patterns, creating a new management system for the entire basin, enhancing monitoring of policy and strategy implementation, reshaping stakeholders' attitudes, prioritizing the benefits of stakeholders, and adopting new operational strategies.

IntroductionThe present research centers on the innovative cultivation and production of rice through direct seeding (dry-seeded rice), as an alternative to continuous flooding or traditional methods, and examines the productivity and economic impacts of this novel approach. Unlike traditional paddy cultivation with flood irrigation, this innovation involves direct and phased irrigation or dry seeding. Indeed, in this new method, rice planting and irrigation are adapted to the plant's specific water needs, maximizing the utilization of existing soil moisture. Agricultural water consumption is reduced by approximately 65% due to the modified irrigation technique. This study stems from extensive irrigation measurements conducted over four crop years (2020-2023) in rice fields in rural areas of Behshahr County, with the active participation of local rice farmers. Following successful trials, this method is rapidly expanding to other farms and villages. Key advantages of this new irrigation approach (dry-seeded rice) include reduced use of agricultural pesticides due to fewer pests resulting from the irrigation type, lower production costs, decreased labor hours and days per acre compared to traditional rice production, increased per capita rice yield per hectare, and easy training and dissemination of the cultivation method. This dry-seeding irrigation technique is applicable to both high-yield rice varieties (Neda) and low-yield, high-value varieties (Tarom). Overall, direct-seeded rice can be considered "rainfed cultivation," while the traditional method can be termed "irrigated cultivation." Given the water resource challenges and limitations in rural areas, this research aims to answer: How has the experience of direct rice irrigation (dry-seeded rice) unfolded in rural eastern Mazandaran, and what are its advantages compared to cultivating other crops and traditional rice farming? MethodologyThis applied research employs a descriptive-analytical approach and is based on participatory evaluation methods. Data collection involved both library research and fieldwork, utilizing semi-structured individual and group interviews, as well as observation. The study's geographical scope encompassed villages in Behshahr, Neka, and Galougah counties. During the research period from 2020 to 2023, approximately 130 villages in these counties engaged in rice cultivation (Statistical Yearbook of Mazandaran Province, 2016, pp. 35, 63). To conduct the participatory research, villages with direct rice cultivation were first identified, and a snowball sampling method was used to determine the sample size. Criteria such as the area under dry cultivation, access to farmers during the cultivation period, and willingness to participate in the research process influenced sample selection. After identifying the sample, participatory meetings were held in each sample village, and sometimes directly in the fields. Based on the opinions of participating rice farmers, discussions focused on: the characteristics of direct rice irrigation; the advantages of direct irrigation for rice production compared to traditional methods; the benefits of direct irrigation (dry-seeded rice) compared to other crops in rural eastern Mazandaran; and finally, the overall advantages of direct irrigation (dry-seeded rice) for rice production compared to traditional planting. Simultaneously, each of these axes was analyzed, and issues were prioritized. The research process spanned four consecutive years (2020-2023) during the rice cultivation season, generally from April to September. In the first year, 5 farmers participated; in the second year, with 10 new additions, the sample grew to 15; in the third year, with 15 new additions, it reached 30; and in the fourth year, with 20 new additions, the statistical population expanded to 32 farmers, with some participants repeating from the second year onwards. The total number of participating farmers in the sample throughout the research period was 50. These participants were from the villages of Khorshid Kola and Lemrask in Galougah County; Altepeh, Saro, Ghareh Tapeh, Hosseinabad, and Zaghmarz in Behshahr County; and Hajimohalleh, Kolat, Kamishan, and Nodeh in Neka County. The dry-seeding experience in the studied villages was successfully implemented for both high-yield rice varieties like Neda and high-value varieties like Tarom. FindingsThe direct irrigation (dry-seeded rice) method offers numerous advantages in terms of irrigation volume, irrigation stages, yield, economic value of production, and per capita income per hectare, compared to other common crops in the region. Given the climatic characteristics of eastern Mazandaran (Behshahr, Neka, and Galougah counties), which receive an average long-term annual rainfall of 600 to 650 mm, and whose groundwater resources have significantly declined in recent decades due to high agricultural water consumption, dry-seeded rice can be introduced as the dominant agricultural cultivation pattern for the region. This cultivation method can generate up to three times more per capita income per hectare than other dominant crops in the region after rice, such as cotton, soybean, and corn. If carefully and systematically managed, this per capita income could increase up to fourfold. It is notable that in the direct irrigation (dry-seeded rice) method, specifically for the high-yield Neda variety, approximately 75 kg of usable or marketable rice and about 2 kg of broken rice are harvested and produced from every 120 kg of paddy (the standard unit for harvested rough rice sacks on the farm). According to participants' statements regarding the direct irrigation (dry-seeded rice) method during the study years, agricultural water consumption per hectare is approximately one-third (a 1:3 ratio) of the traditional method. In other words, direct irrigation (dry-seeded rice) requires about 66% less water resources for rice cultivation than the traditional flood irrigation method. As direct irrigation (dry-seeded rice) is carried out according to the plant's biological needs and in a regular, phased manner in comparison with climatic conditions, there might be minor variations in this amount. Nevertheless, given the decreasing trend of long-term annual rainfall in eastern Mazandaran (600 to 650 mm), the increasing trend of land desiccation each year, and the lowering of the regional groundwater table, the dry-seeding method has gained significant importance. Discussion and ConclusionWith proper planning, precise training, effective information dissemination, appropriate promotion, and leveraging experiences, it's possible to achieve water and soil conservation, increased farmer income, higher quality produce with fewer pests and pesticides. Furthermore, reduced production costs, decreased water consumption given regional water resource limitations, reduced labor intensity in rice cultivation, effective per-hectare productivity, and determination of regional cultivation patterns and rural economics can be planned and implemented. It appears that despite the attention of the Irrigation Organization and the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad among farmers and villages in eastern Mazandaran, the development and expansion of dry-seeding have occurred informally and unsystematically. Therefore, strong support from governmental bodies for promoting this cultivation method in the villages of the region, and even in other northern provinces of Iran, is expected and recommended. This support can manifest through producing educational programs in rural areas, promoting modern irrigation techniques, face-to-face promotion of the direct (dry-seeding) method of rice irrigation, and developing promotional programs. Moreover, just as governmental support is provided for drip irrigation and optimal use of surface and groundwater resources in horticulture and some other agricultural sectors, direct (dry-seeding) rice irrigation should also receive support from relevant organizations for drip or sprinkler irrigation, which would be welcomed by rural rice producers.

IntroductionManagement of economic development and growth is a complex and multifaceted process that plans, implements and monitors measures to improve the living standards of people in a specific country or region. This requires a deep understanding of economic, social and political factors affecting development as well as the ability to formulate and implement effective policies. The key elements of economic development and growth management are: 1 setting goals: the first step in managing economic development and growth is to set clear and measurable goals. These goals should be aligned with the needs and desires of the people of the region and should be realistic considering the available resources and capacities.2 Formulation of strategy: after determining the goals, strategies must be formulated to achieve them. These strategies should include specific actions, timelines, and resources needed.3 Implementation of plans: after developing the strategy, plans must be implemented. This requires coordination and cooperation between different government departments, private sector and civil society.4 Monitoring and evaluation: The progress towards the goals should be monitored and evaluated regularly. This helps in identifying challenges and opportunities and making necessary adjustments in the programs. The financial sector and the variable of financial development play a central role in economic development and growth. And due to playing an intermediary role in allocating resources with all sectors of the economy, through reducing financing costs and encouraging savings and their effective use, it has a major contribution to long-term economic growth. The government in export countries By relying on oil income, the oil producer has the possibility of entering the financial markets and making various changes in it. The main goal of the policy makers of such changes is to stimulate economic growth. However, the studies conducted in this field show that financial development does not necessarily lead to economic growth. Patrick believes that the relationship of financial development and economic growth depends on the degree of development of each country. In the initial stages of development, the improvement of financial services and the expansion of new financial instruments and changes in the financial structure led to economic growth, and in the continuation of the process of economic development, financial developments follow the demand for it, and the demand for newer types of financial instruments and services is a determining factor. Statistical analysis of the relationship between financial development and economic growth has been done in different ways, including cross-country studies (using cross-sectional data). These studies can lead to false estimates. And on the other hand, there are a lot of restrictions in them. This research is carried out in two parts: the first part examines the main drivers of economic growth and the second part examines the relationship between carbon emissions and its determinants. In this regard, an important question that is raised here is the effect of development management and financial development on economic growth in Iran. Also, in this research, it has been tried to investigate the long-term effects of financial development and development management on environmental pollution (environmental quality). A better understanding of the relationship between financial development and management of development and the environment can help planners and policymakers in determining and approving environmental policies. MethodologyAccording to the purpose of the present research, which is to investigate the impact of financial development and development management on economic growth and development and environmental performance in Iran. For this purpose, using the data collected during the period from 2002 to 2022 and the auto-regression model with distribution breaks (ARDL), two economic growth models and environmental contamination models have been estimated. So, the following two models are presented:Model 1: RGDP = f (GOV, FD, Energy, Une)Model 2: CO2P = f (GOV, FD, Open, GDP)The variables of the model (1) economic growth and (2) model of environmental pollution are defined as follows.GDP, gross domestic product is collected at the price of the base year 2017, which is in dollars. FD is an index of financial development that is used as the ratio of the number of facilities granted by banks to the private sector to the GDP. GOV, the index of development management, which is used in this research as the index of good governance, and is obtained from a total of six criteria. Une, indicating the unemployment rate as a percentage of the country's workforce who are unemployed. Energy is an indication of the consumption of energy resources in a specific time period (usually yearly). Open, the index of trade openness, which is the sum of imports and exports compared to the gross domestic product. Currency shows the real purchasing power of one country's money compared to another country's money. According to the logarithmic form of model (1), economic growth is rewritten as follows:Model 3: ln (GDP) t=β0 +∑pi=1 β1ln (Energy) t-i +∑q1i=1 β2(FD) t-i +∑q2i=1 β3 (Gov) t-i +∑q3i=1 β4(UNe) t-i + ∑q4i=1 μ0(GDP)t-1 + μ1 (Energy)t-1 + μ2 (FD) t-1 + μ3 (Gov)t-1+ μ4 (UNe)t-1 + εtAlso, based on the logarithmic form of model (2), greenhouse gas emissions are rewritten as follows:Model 4: ln (CO2) t= ϒ0 +∑pi=1 ϒ1ln (Gov) t-i +∑q1i=1 ϒ2(FD) t-i +∑q2i=1 ϒ3 (GDP) t-i +∑q3i=1 ϒ4(Open) t-i + μ0(CO2) t-1 + μ1 (Gov)t-1 + μ2 (FD) t-1 + μ3 (GDP)t-1+ μ4 (Open)t-1 + εtThe variables in this research are time series and cover the time period 2002-2022. The variables of gross domestic product, development management index, unemployment and economic openness index were extracted from the World Bank. The variable data of per capita energy consumption were extracted from the International Energy Center (IDE) and finally, the variable of financial development index was collected from the Central Bank of Iran. FindingsThe findings of the research indicate the positive impact of financial development on economic growth and reducing environmental damage. Also, the coefficient of the development management index was not significant in the two economic growth models and the environmental pollution model, which is due to the gap between environmental standards and the lack of appropriate institutions and laws in this field. Per capita energy consumption and unemployment in the economic growth model have a positive and significant relationship. The variables of trade openness and gross domestic product also have a positive and consistent effect on environmental degradation. Discussion and ConclusionFinancial development leads to higher efficiency of financial markets and makes economic growth smoother by improving resource allocation. Financial development from different channels can have a positive effect on economic growth. A developed financial system can allocate financial resources more efficiently to productive investments and affect economic growth through increasing productivity. It can also be mentioned the effect of financial development in facilitating adaptation and the use of advanced technologies in the energy sector and subsequently reducing carbon dioxide emissions (due to the effect of increasing technological efficiency). Accordingly, despite the development in the financial field of a country, investment in technology increases the efficiency of the energy sector in that country. Therefore, the mentioned article proves and confirms the non-significance of the development management index with environmental pollution that we found in the present study. Finally, the results of the research showed that the opening of the commercial grade will lead to an increase in environmental pollution and destruction.

IntroductionIn recent years, addressing climate change by significantly reducing carbon and greenhouse gas emissions has become a crucial focus for policymakers, researchers, and environmental advocates. The escalating issue of climate change, particularly carbon emissions, has garnered substantial attention within the research community. The advent of the data era has provided a robust platform for conducting and disseminating research. However, there has been a notable tendency to focus on specific topics within the broad spectrum of climate change, leaving some critical areas overlooked. To formulate effective policies and strategies, it is essential to monitor and analyze research activities related to carbon emissions accurately. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research landscape by analyzing publications in this field, thereby contributing to a more informed approach to future research and policy planning. MethodologyThe current study utilized a content analysis methodology combined with a bibliometric approach. This approach enabled a detailed examination of the research trends and patterns in the field of carbon emissions. The study involved a thorough review of all documents related to carbon emissions indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection database, known as WOS, covering the period from 2015 to 2024. To ensure the comprehensiveness of the search, documents were identified by searching for the term "Carbon Emissions" in the research title and author's keywords. The analysis of these documents included several key aspects: document type, publication year, WOS subject classification, top publications, co-authorship patterns and subject classification using bibliographic coupling networks and vocabulary co-occurrence networks. FindingsThe comprehensive survey on carbon emissions research reveals a substantial surge in the number of related publications over the past decade, with 2023 marking the highest number of publications in this field to date. This surge underscores the escalating global attention to environmental issues and the critical need for solutions to mitigate climate change. Geographically, China has emerged as the frontrunner in the volume of publications, highlighting the nation's substantial investment in environmental research and its active role in combating climate change. This dominance reflects China's strategic focus on sustainability and its efforts to lead global initiatives in environmental science. Notably, Qiang Wang, a researcher from China, has distinguished himself as the most prolific author in this domain. The Chinese Academy of Sciences, identified as the top contributing institution, further emphasizes the centrality of China's academic and research institutions in advancing carbon emissions research. The Web of Science classification indicates that the primary category for these documents is "green and sustainable science and technology; engineering, environment, environmental sciences." This classification underscores the interdisciplinary nature of carbon emissions research, which encompasses various scientific and engineering disciplines to address the complexities of climate change. The "Journal of Cleaner Production" has been recognized as the most prolific publisher, pivotal in disseminating research findings and advancing knowledge in the field. The content analysis of the documents revealed 16 general themes related to carbon emissions, with "urbanization and carbon emission" emerging as the most extensively explored topic. This trend reflects the growing interest in understanding the intricate relationship between urban development and environmental impact, as urbanization is a significant driver of carbon emissions. Additionally, the frequent use of terms such as "carbon emission and greenhouse gases" in these articles highlights their centrality to the discourse on climate change, emphasizing the critical need for research that addresses these key issues. Discussion and ConclusionThe results of this research underscore the significant attention that the field of carbon emissions has garnered from researchers worldwide in recent years. There has been an increased focus on critical issues such as sustainability, the environmental impacts of carbon emissions, and innovative methods to reduce carbon emissions across various industrial sectors. This growing body of research reflects the global urgency to address climate change and mitigate its adverse effects, as evidenced by the increasing number of publications and collaborative efforts among scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders. The heightened research activity indicates a widespread recognition of the critical need to develop innovative solutions that not only reduce carbon emissions but also align with sustainable development goals. One of the key items of this analysis is the noticeable decline in publications on certain topics, such as optimization and regenerative energy systems. This decline highlights a significant gap in the research landscape, pointing to the need for more focused studies on optimal energy and fuel consumption, as well as the development of renewable energy technologies. These areas are crucial for reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable development, as they can lead to more efficient energy use and a transition away from fossil fuels. Another important area identified in this research is the calculation and analysis of the life cycle in the context of carbon emissions. The diverse methodologies employed for these calculations necessitate advancements to ensure the provision of accurate and reliable data. Such data is critical for developing effective policies and strategies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Accurate life cycle assessments enable policymakers and industry leaders to make informed decisions that can significantly impact carbon reduction efforts. By understanding the full environmental impact of products and processes, stakeholders can implement changes that lead to substantial reductions in carbon emissions and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. In conclusion, this study provides a detailed overview of the research landscape on carbon emissions, highlighting key trends, influential researchers, and significant institutions that are shaping the field. The findings emphasize the need for continued and diversified research efforts to address the multifaceted challenges of carbon emissions and climate change. By identifying gaps and emerging trends, this study contributes to a more informed and strategic approach to future research and policy planning in the field of carbon emissions. Addressing these research gaps will not only enhance our understanding of carbon emissions but also support the development of effective solutions to combat climate change. The ongoing efforts in this field are crucial for ensuring a sustainable future and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on our planet, ultimately fostering a healthier environment for generations to come.

IntroductionRapid population growth and environmental degradation pose significant social and ecological challenges for cities worldwide. The global population is projected to reach 9 billion by 2050, placing increasing pressure on urban systems. Cities are confronting multifaceted challenges, including climate change, social segregation, biodiversity loss, and the absence of healthy, environmentally sustainable food systems. In response, the concept of sustainable urban development has emerged as a holistic framework to address these interconnected issues by integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions. Sustainable development science emphasizes inclusive participation, engaging non-experts in addressing complex, multidimensional urban problems. One promising strategy is the revitalization of urban agricultural lands through innovative, community-driven approaches. Urban sustainability and growth strategies can thus serve as critical pathways toward resilience, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and empowering communities to co-create solutions. FindingsUrban agriculture encompasses the cultivation of crops and rearing of livestock within urban and suburban areas, reinforcing the interdependence between urban and rural systems. It responds to diverse food demands, supports various business models, and carries significant social and environmental implications in terms of costs, benefits, and funding mechanisms. This study considers food production across urban and peri-urban landscapes in all its forms, without categorical distinction.Nature-based solutions (NbS) represent innovative approaches for sustainable urban transformation. These strategies enhance urban resilience without necessarily altering the physical fabric of cities, instead optimizing existing structures through ecological integration. By expanding urban green initiatives—from small-scale interventions such as green roofs and indoor farming to large-scale green spaces—nature-based projects can transform urban lifestyles and foster sustainable community development.Edible parks, as a form of nature-based solution, utilize both public and private spaces to build sustainable urban infrastructure and redefine the function of urban open spaces. They promote social interaction, strengthen community bonds, and contribute to the creation of vibrant urban ecosystems. Urban food production often relies on simple, low-tech methods with minimal infrastructure, making it accessible and scalable. Productive green spaces not only enhance food security but also improve environmental quality, stimulate local economies, and provide recreational and aesthetic benefits.The edible park model directly addresses pressing urban challenges, including climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and global food system vulnerabilities. By embedding productive landscapes into the urban fabric, edible parks foster biophilic design principles, creating distinctive, identity-rich environments that reconnect residents with nature. In cities rich with opportunities for ecological restoration, these spaces enable citizens to experience the wonder and regenerative potential of the natural world.As a key model of urban landscape innovation, edible cities play a vital role in advancing ecological sustainability and reconstructing urban green infrastructure—including the rehabilitation of underutilized or degraded agricultural lands. In cities like Tabriz, where nature-based solutions are gaining momentum, edible parks can generate sustainable employment and income opportunities for local communities. Thoughtful, context-sensitive design of these spaces is essential to maximizing their functional efficiency and enhancing overall urban sustainability. Discussion and ConclusionUrban agriculture has gained growing public and institutional attention as cities seek resilient, adaptive infrastructure solutions. This domain includes a wide range of practices led by diverse stakeholders—such as community gardens, allotment plots, transition city initiatives, and commercial urban farms. A central challenge today is the reintegration of productive agriculture into urban planning, despite its historical presence in city landscapes. Land-use changes, particularly soil sealing due to urban expansion, have detrimental effects on soil health, hydrological cycles, and biodiversity. In industrialized nations, agricultural land has declined due to competing demands for urban development, industrial zones, infrastructure, and protected natural areas. Edible parks offer a strategic response by enabling food production within city boundaries while preserving existing urban agricultural lands. In doing so, they reinforce the role of green infrastructure as a cornerstone of sustainable urban development.

IntroductionCorporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a critical strategic imperative for organizations operating in an era of escalating environmental challenges. Historically, firms prioritized financial performance above all else. However, contemporary business paradigms increasingly recognize environmental stewardship as a core component of long-term viability and ethical accountability. Despite this shift, many domestic enterprises continue to underperform in environmental management, often lacking coherent strategies to integrate sustainability into their operations. This study addresses a significant gap by examining how CSR influences environmental performance through the mediating mechanisms of green strategy. Specifically, we investigate the roles of green capacity, environmental strategy, green innovation, and green transformational leadership as key mediators in this relationship. The central research question is: How does corporate social responsibility affect environmental performance, and which strategic and organizational factors mediate this relationship? By identifying and validating these pathways, this research offers actionable insights for firms—particularly publicly listed companies—to enhance their environmental performance while advancing their social responsibility agendas. Materials and MethodsThis study employs a descriptive-correlational design and is classified as applied research due to its practical implications for organizational performance improvement. Data were collected cross-sectionally from a sample of managers in publicly listed companies. The target population comprised 719 managers from firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. Using Cochran’s formula for finite populations, a representative sample of 251 respondents was selected through random sampling. Data were gathered via a structured questionnaire adapted from the validated scale developed by Butt et al. (2024), which includes 36 items measuring CSR, green capacity, environmental strategy, green innovation, green transformational leadership, and environmental performance. Responses were recorded on a five-point Likert scale. Construct validity was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis, while convergent validity was evaluated using the Average Variance Extracted (AVE), and discriminant validity was confirmed via the Fornell–Larcker criterion. Reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability (CR), with all constructs exceeding the recommended threshold of 0.70. Data analysis involved both descriptive statistics (e.g., frequency distributions) and inferential techniques. Hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), implemented via SmartPLS 4 and supported by SPSS 23 for preliminary data screening. FindingsAll hypothesized relationships were statistically significant at the 95% confidence level (critical t-value = 1.96). The results are summarized as follows:CSR → Green Capacity: β = 0.805, t = 12.007, p < 0.001CSR → Environmental Strategy: β = 0.814, t = 12.360, p < 0.001CSR → Green Innovation: β = 0.774, t = 9.110, p < 0.001CSR → Green Transformational Leadership: β = 0.780, t = 9.408, p < 0.001These findings confirm that CSR exerts a strong, positive influence on all four mediating constructs.Furthermore, each mediator significantly predicts environmental performance:Green Capacity → Environmental Performance: β = 0.486, t = 6.684, p < 0.001Environmental Strategy → Environmental Performance: β = 0.404, t = 5.979, p < 0.001Green Innovation → Environmental Performance: β = 0.493, t = 6.835, p < 0.001Green Transformational Leadership → Environmental Performance: β = 0.460, t = 6.342, p < 0.001Thus, all eight research hypotheses are empirically supported, demonstrating that CSR enhances environmental performance primarily through strategic and leadership-mediated pathways.Discussion and ConclusionThis study underscores the pivotal role of CSR as a catalyst for environmental sustainability in publicly listed firms. The findings suggest that CSR does not directly improve environmental outcomes but does so indirectly by fostering green capabilities, strategic alignment, innovative practices, and transformational leadership oriented toward sustainability. Accordingly, we offer the following evidence-based recommendations for corporate managers:Integrate CSR into core strategy: Actively participate in environmental protection initiatives and embed sustainability into corporate vision and mission statements.Adopt responsible operational practices: Design products using eco-friendly materials, minimize resource consumption (e.g., water, electricity, fossil fuels), and prioritize recyclability and biodegradability in product development.Invest in green infrastructure: Allocate resources to pollution control technologies, safe disposal of hazardous waste, and circular economy initiatives such as recycling programs.Strengthen green governance: Establish specialized sustainability teams, pursue environmental certifications (e.g., ISO 14001), and monitor compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.Promote ethical business conduct: Ensure fair pricing, equitable wages, and transparent supply chains that minimize ecological and social harm.Foster a culture of environmental stewardship: Communicate a clear environmental vision, incentivize employee engagement in green goals, and align resource allocation with sustainability priorities.Reduce reliance on non-renewables: Minimize the use of non-renewable inputs and mitigate risks associated with chemical handling, emissions, and environmental accidents.Ultimately, sustainable growth requires balancing present profitability with intergenerational equity. By leveraging CSR as a strategic enabler—and channeling it through green strategy and leadership—firms can achieve both environmental resilience and long-term competitive advantage.

IntroductionThe rapid increase in population and its connection with environmental problems have caused severe environmental crises in the world. So that problems and issues related to the environment are one of the most important human concerns in the third millennium. In addition, inappropriate human environmental behavior has led to many of these problems. In fact, in creating issues and problems related to the environment, man and his choices at the time of purchase have played a very effective role, so that man, as the most important consumer, can play a role in the environment by buying green products. be useful The consequences of environmental crises lead to accidents and dangers such as the destruction of untouched and pristine ecosystems, the rise of the earth's temperature, the changes related to weather and climate, the reduction of fossil fuel resources and air pollution. Having favorable customer buying behavior is essential to survive and compete in an environmentally friendly market. Customers will continue to buy and consume green products when the product and service offered are in line with increasing customer trust, which can be achieved by meeting customers' expectations of quality, attractiveness, etc. Recent studies on green products show that customer trust is an important aspect to encourage customers to choose a product and also influence their future behavior. By observing the use and importance of green products in the health and survival of the environment and the impact it has on reducing the risk of destruction of the ecosystem, people get the satisfaction of choosing it. Therefore, this research was carried out with the innovation of integrating two models of green trust and the intention to repurchase green, with the aim of analyzing the path of the model of green trust and the desire to repurchase green products among the users of green products in Mashhad. Materials and methodsThe current research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-survey in terms of data collection. The statistical population of this research is all users of green products in Mashhad. The sample size was determined using a non-random method available to 402 people. The tool of data collection in this research is the standard questionnaire of Suhartanto et al. (2021) which was used to check the reliability of the questionnaire using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Green 0.851, Green repurchase intention 0.916, Green perceived quality 0.815, Green satisfaction 0.885, Green perceived risk 0.836 confirms the reliability of the questionnaire. Also, the validity of the questionnaire was done using confirmatory factor analysis, and the obtained values ​​indicated the validity of the questionnaire. In addition, divergent validity was also confirmed, and data analysis was done by structural equation method using SPSS and Smart Pls software. FindingsBased on the obtained results, 66.2% of the changes in "green repurchase intention" are explained by "green satisfaction" and "green trust". 47.6% of "green trust" changes are explained by "green satisfaction". 61.5% of the changes in "green satisfaction" are expressed through "perceived green risk", "perceived green value" and "perceived green quality". 62.7% of changes in "perceived green value" and 19.7% of changes in "perceived green risk" are explained through "perceived green quality". Discussion and conclusionThe current research was conducted with the aim of analyzing the path of the green trust model and the willingness to buy green again among the users of green products in Mashhad, and the results obtained from the research hypotheses show that the perceived quality of green directly, and indirectly It has a significant effect on green repurchase intention. These results show the importance and necessity of paying attention to the quality and value of the green brand, which plays a significant role in the intention to buy green with the growth and expansion of green trust. The more the customer gets to know the higher quality of the product, the more the value of the product and the credibility in his mind, the more valuable this product becomes. Since the perceived quality has a direct and significant effect on the perceived value, that is, as the customer's perception of the product increases, and he knows more about these green products, in fact, the value and mental status of that product also increases and grows in his mind. Therefore, companies producing green products should try to increase the perceived value of their products by increasing the quality of their products. For this reason, adopting strategic measures in order to increase branding of green products and competition with other brands will lead to increasing the position of green products among consumers. This issue affects the customer's thoughts in a way of satisfaction. This means that whenever a product changes its quality and quality position in the mind of the consumer and the feeling that it has towards itself in the heart and senses. Consumer created. If the ideas and associations created by the quality of the green product in the customer's mind are based on the customer's needs and expectations, it will attract the customer's attention and finally awaken the customer's sense of satisfaction. Therefore, it is recommended that by increasing the quality of the green product and respecting the principles and mental assumptions of the customer about that product, they will create a sense of trust and belief in the product for the customer. In fact, by implementing programs and conferences to introduce customers and visit the production process of quality green products, it will provide a positive attitude and satisfaction.

IntroductionFuel has long been one of humanity's fundamental needs, used for cooking, heating, and lighting. Firewood and charcoal played a significant role in meeting this demand. In the late Qajar period, charcoal became an essential fuel in Khorasan, particularly in major cities such as Mashhad and Birjand, where it was considered an important commodity. The provision of this fuel was influenced by the region's climate and geographical location, with the surrounding vegetation being crucial for its supply. Charcoal became a basic necessity for families, especially because of its use in traditional heating systems like korsi (a heated table covered with a quilt). The severity of winters further increased the importance of charcoal. However, the continued use of charcoal left significant environmental impacts over time. Materials and MethodsThis study employs a historical research approach through library-based methods, relying on resources such as reports, press publications, and documents. It adopts a descriptive-analytical method to investigate the negative environmental impacts of charcoal usage in Khorasan, with a focus on Mashhad and Birjand, during the Qajar and Pahlavi periods. The study aims to answer the following questions: What environmental impacts did the use of charcoal in Khorasan have during the Qajar and Pahlavi eras? When were environmental preservation measures initiated in Khorasan, and how were they implemented? FindingsIn rural areas, firewood was inexpensive and widely used. However, in urban areas, it became a valuable commodity. During the Constitutional Revolution period (Mashrooteh), municipal offices (Baladiyeh) began to play a significant role in securing fuel for cities. In large cities like Mashhad, the high population turned fuel provision into an economic challenge. Wild plants and fruit trees became additional sources of fuel, and their abundance reduced prices, while scarcity drove prices up. Suppliers of firewood were often forced to travel to more distant areas to meet demand. For example, juniper firewood was brought in from remote regions such as Mazdaran, while pistachio wood was harvested from the slopes near Pas-Kamar, south of Sarakhs, and along the Kashafrud River.Khorasan’s forests were notable for their resources, including juniper forests in the Kopet Dag Mountains, Hezar-Masjed, and Choolayi-Khaneh, as well as pistachio forests stretching from Sarakhs to Kalat. In the Qaenat region, remnants of ancient forests still existed in remote areas like Moosaviyeh, Sar-Chah-Amari, and Sahlabad up to Nehbandan. Similarly, the Rashthkhar and Kiberkooh forests in the Khaf region had substantial vegetation cover.Charcoal consumption in Khorasan was largely driven by local customs, soil conditions, and climates, especially the widespread use of korsi heating systems. However, urbanization and population growth created challenges for sustainable exploitation of these resources. Additionally, foreign powers influenced fuel and charcoal usage in Khorasan. For instance, Russian activities in northern Khorasan and the British presence in southern Khorasan increased fuel consumption due to their military and logistical needs.The extensive use of charcoal left negative environmental consequences in the region. During the Qajar period, overuse led to the depletion of pistachio forests in areas like Shurcheh, Agh-Darband, and Pas-Kamar. Excessive deforestation for charcoal production was notably observed by Iranian and foreign travelers, such as Dalmani, who described the environmental damage along the route from Ashgabat to Mashhad. The destruction of pistachio forests caused shortages and rising charcoal prices in Mashhad, prompting charcoal producers to venture farther afield to regions like Sarakhs, Zorabad, Khaf forests, Turshiz, and Kooh-Sorkh. However, deforestation rendered large parts of Khorasan's forest resources scarce, and local residents sometimes resisted the transportation of charcoal to urban centers.In Birjand, unchecked exploitation brought the forests of Chahak and Moosaviyeh to the brink of disappearance. Around Tabas, forests of wild almond and baneh (wild pistachio) were largely converted into charcoal, often to fuel opium production. This charcoal was then transported by drivers to cities like Yazd, Isfahan, Kerman, and other parts of Khorasan. The adverse effects of overexploitation became evident in the late Qajar period. However, it was during the Pahlavi era when measures aimed at controlling charcoal production and preventing environmental degradation began to be formally introduced and implemented. Discussion and ConclusionThe provision of firewood and charcoal, as one of the primary needs of the inhabitants of Khorasan, was closely tied to the region's vegetation and forests. Population growth and deforestation, starting from the late Qajar period, led to significant environmental challenges. Multiple strategies were devised in Khorasan to protect the environment from excessive charcoal usage, implemented in four main ways. Legislation and Governance: The first strategy was the drafting of laws after the Constitutional Revolution, which led to the establishment of forestry administrations and the prohibition of tree cutting. Following the revolution, forest management was placed under the Ministry of Public Benefits. Organizations such as the Northern Forests Administration and the Forest Board were established. In Khorasan, forests came under government protection and were leased through five-year contracts. Agreements were made with local individuals to safeguard the forests. For instance, the forestry mandate of Abdullah Arabi Bikoordi from the village of Nafta Kalat-e-Naderi is an example. Between 1955 and 1958, due to cold winters and difficulties in providing charcoal, proper forest management gained attention. During this period, the city of Mashhad sourced part of its charcoal needs from the forests of Bojnord. Alternative Fuels: Another solution was the use of alternative fuels, such as coal, which only became a serious consideration during the harsh winter of 1927 when charcoal shortages tripled its price. The use of oil as a fuel faced logistical challenges due to transportation issues. Forestry Organizations: The Ministry of Public Benefits established the Northern Forests Organization. The agricultural administration of the Ninth Province announced a ban on cutting trees from all forests for commercial purposes. In regions such as Kiberkouh in Khaf, forest rangers were appointed to oversee contracts. Significant steps were taken to preserve Khorasan's forests, particularly its pistachio groves. Armed forest guards were formed to prevent tree cutting and address legal violations. Forestry offices were set up in Sarbisheh and Tabas, although the contradictory and inconsistent actions of the Tabas office attracted criticism. In 1963, with the nationalization of forests and pastures, tree cutting was officially prohibited. Improvement of Traditional Charcoal-Making Methods: Another measure was reforming traditional charcoal production techniques. Training classes were held for charcoal producers. Despite these efforts, the excessive and unregulated use of charcoal and delays in forest conservation led to the depletion of forests in Khorasan by the final decades of the Pahlavi era. By then, most of the region's charcoal needs were supplied from the forests of Bojnord. In recent decades, the use of charcoal for smoking water pipes (hookahs) has continued to contribute to environmental degradation, potentially leading to consequences similar to those of the Pahlavi period.

IntroductionIdentity is defined as a set of data that uniquely identifies an individual (Pan et al., 2023). This definition focuses more on the data-driven aspects of identity, such as official documents such as ID cards, passports or digital profiles (White et al., 2019). Identity is not only an identification card, but also a set of personal and social data. This information covers various aspects such as biology, psychology, class, ethnicity, religion, economy, law, profession and health (Abbas et al., 2023). These various factors help to create a unique identity (Bakanshi, 2010). The Fourth Industrial Revolution is expected to transform the world through advances in digital innovation and artificial intelligence. This revolution represents a significant shift towards the integration of digital technologies into various aspects of society, potentially changing the way people interact with the digital world (Sullivan, 2011). Innovative technology development is a multifaceted process that significantly affects economic growth, innovation and sustainability. It involves the creation and use of new technologies that can lead to significant improvements in various sectors. Technology development projects are crucial for long-term growth and often lead to new products and processes. However, they are often mismanaged, leading to missed opportunities. Technological development involves assessing and enhancing a company's technological capabilities to maintain competitiveness, focus on innovation, strategic coordination and effective management of technological resources and risks (Silva et al., 2015). Digitalization has become the basis for companies to formulate an overall industrial development strategy. Entering the digital age, as an important pillar of the economic industry, organizations have begun to actively promote digital transformation. Digital has been considered as an important development (Marchova, 2021). With the promotion of green transformation and digital transformation, on the one hand, due to the complexity of the collaboration environment, the instability of digital green innovation (DGI) development among enterprises has increased, and the breadth and depth of digital green innovation development have been greatly affected (Zi et al., 2022). On the other hand, under the dynamic demand environment, the development of personalized and diversified products has become a difficult problem for enterprises. (Yang et al., 2023) Therefore, how to promote the development of digital green innovation among enterprises and meet the dynamic demand of consumers has become an important issue to be solved. With the deep integration of enterprises with the Internet and the Internet of Things, this relationship is continuously strengthened. Resource sharing among integrated enterprises has gradually become the norm (Le et al., 2022). The development of digital green innovation among these enterprises has gradually become a suitable mode of digital green innovation development. Materials and MethodsGiven that the purpose of this research is to design a green digital identity model based on the development of technological innovation; therefore, the research method is exploratory-applied in terms of purpose; cross-sectional in terms of data collection time; inductive-deductive in terms of philosophy; and survey in terms of data collection method or nature and research method. The meta-analysis method was used to conduct the research. The statistical population of the present study includes master's and doctoral theses from public and private universities between 2009 and 2011 in the field of green digital. Also, research published in reputable scientific, research and extension journals between 2009 and 2011 and whose subject is related to green digital are also considered as the population of this research. Books published in the field of digital between 2009 and 2011 were also used to conduct this research. The population size in this study was 100 scientific research articles, 11 theses, and 12 books in green digital and innovative technology. A total of 123 studies were reviewed. FindingsThe results of the study showed that the five main dimensions extracted from the green digital identity model include environmental sustainability, use of clean energy sources, reduction of e-waste, development of green technologies, promotion of awareness and education. In the category of environmental sustainability factors, all variables including reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable management of natural resources, design of sustainable digital systems, protection of biodiversity and responsible interaction with digital technologies have the greatest impact on providing a green digital identity model based on the development of technological innovation. In the category of factors using clean energy sources, all variables including the use of renewable energy sources, optimization of energy consumption, development of innovative technologies in energy storage, progress in smart distribution networks and combination of different energy sources have the greatest impact on providing a green digital identity model based on the development of technological innovation. In the category of factors for reducing e-waste, all variables including sustainable design, recycling and recovery of raw materials, repair and refurbishment of electronic products, optimal use of electronic products and design of low-power digital systems have the greatest impact on providing a green digital identity model based on the development of technological innovation. In the category of factors for developing green technologies, all variables including the use of energy-efficient sensors and controllers, the use of sustainable technologies in waste management, online reservation platforms according to sustainability criteria, the use of augmented reality and virtual reality technologies and the development of sustainable smart cities have the greatest impact on providing a green digital identity model based on the development of technological innovation. In the category of factors for promoting awareness and education, all variables including education and awareness about green technologies, promoting a green and sustainable culture, creating communication networks in building a green organizational identity, promoting green entrepreneurship relying on digital procedures and developing digital educational content have the greatest impact on providing a green digital identity model based on the development of technological innovation. Discussion and ConclusionGiven that the development of green technologies is one of the dimensions identified, it is suggested to launch platforms that allow customers to view detailed information on the source and production stages of products. This information can include raw materials, production conditions, and environmental impacts. The use of blockchain can increase this transparency. Creating applications that provide consumers with information on sustainable ways to purchase and use products, such as maintenance tips to extend the product's life, and tips for recycling and reuse. Given that raising awareness and education is one of the dimensions extracted, it is suggested to create online communities and green loyalty programs. Launching online communities and loyalty programs that encourage consumers to buy from more sustainable brands.

IntroductionIn recent decades, the proliferation of advertising messages—often exaggerated, misleading, or poorly timed—has fueled growing audience skepticism toward advertising. This erosion of trust underscores the need for a more credible and responsible approach: sustainable advertising. When companies make unsubstantiated or inconsistent sustainability claims, they risk being perceived as hypocritical, which can damage brand credibility, dilute corporate identity, and undermine reputation. Such greenwashing not only weakens consumer trust but may also trigger negative market reactions, including diminished expectations of future financial performance and declines in stock valuation. Ultimately, these perceptions suppress purchase intention, even among environmentally conscious consumers. Sustainable advertising is defined as communication that authentically promotes the social, economic, and environmental benefits of products, services, or corporate actions through media channels, with the aim of fostering responsible consumption. While consumer surveys consistently show strong pro-sustainability attitudes—65% of respondents in a recent global study expressed a preference for brands committed to sustainability—only 26% actually followed through with a purchase. Yet, over 85% of consumers worldwide report actively shifting toward sustainable products, signaling that sustainability has become a mainstream expectation in branding and advertising, and a strategic source of competitive advantage. Despite this trend, a persistent attitude–behavior gap remains poorly understood in the advertising and sustainability literature. Consumer responses to sustainability-oriented messaging vary significantly, shaped by a complex interplay of psychological, contextual, and cultural factors that have not been comprehensively examined. To address this gap, the present study proposes an integrative sustainable advertising model developed through a mixed-methods (hybrid) research approach, offering both theoretical advancement and practical guidance for ethical, effective green communication. Materials and MethodsThe present study is applied in purpose and adopts a qualitative, exploratory, and meta-composite research design. Specifically, it employs Meta synthesis—a qualitative method that systematically integrates findings from existing qualitative and quantitative studies to generate novel concepts, interpretations, or theoretical insights. Unlike traditional literature reviews, Meta synthesis goes beyond summarizing evidence; it reinterprets and synthesizes data across studies to construct higher-order understandings of a phenomenon. While trans combinatory (meta-composite) approaches can be implemented through various methodological frameworks, this study follows the seven-step Meta synthesis procedure proposed by Sandelowski and Barroso (2006). This structured approach enables rigorous identification, appraisal, and integration of relevant empirical findings to develop a coherent and contextually grounded model of sustainable advertising. Findings The components of the research include: what is it, what is the society, the time limit and how is the method. Based on them, the main research question was formed: What is the model of sustainable advertising? The statistical population of the research consists of all articles, theses and scientific documents in domestic and foreign journals. In the research, 6 keywords (sustainable advertising, sustainable marketing + advertising, factors affecting sustainable advertising, drivers of sustainable advertising, models of sustainable advertising, consequences of sustainable advertising) in foreign and domestic databases were searched in full from 2010 to 2024. The search result included 924 articles, books, theses and reports of institutions related to this field. To select suitable articles, different items such as: title, abstract, content, questions and research methodology have been reviewed. Finally, 65 articles were selected by carefully reviewing the texts, and after applying the critical evaluation criteria, 38 articles were selected as final articles. Discussion and conclusion The findings of the derived model are organized into three core categories: drivers, sustainable advertising, and consequences. Drivers refer to the factors that shape effective sustainable advertising. For such advertising to succeed, companies must consider four interrelated dimensions: consumer, company, market, and society. First, firms should establish a dedicated team of marketing and advertising professionals equipped with adequate financial resources, data, technological infrastructure, and managerial support. This team must deeply understand the target audience and craft messages that are truthful, free from exaggeration, and delivered through credible channels—enhancing audience trust and engagement. Messaging should also reflect societal consumption norms and their evolution. Monitoring competitors and industry trends helps refine content and better resonate with audiences. In today’s digital landscape, leveraging emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—can significantly enhance message relevance and reach. Collaborating with environmental influencers and public figures further boosts credibility. Internally, company leaders should educate employees about sustainability through workshops and meetings, fostering organizational buy-in. Advertisements may also highlight the negative consequences of ignoring environmental, social, and economic sustainability to strengthen persuasive impact. Consequences encompass the outcomes of implementing sustainable advertising, categorized as impacts on consumers, companies, and society/market. For consumers, sustainable advertising increases awareness and knowledge of sustainability issues, informing more responsible purchasing decisions. Recognizing the long-term harms of environmental degradation—especially for future generations—motivates shifts toward sustainable consumption. At the societal level, when sustainable consumption becomes culturally embedded, it drives broader progress toward sustainable development, advancing economic, social, and environmental well-being.

IntroductionThe advancement of global economic development has been accompanied by significant environmental degradation, including climate change, depletion of natural resources, and pollution such as acid rain. Environmental concerns have now become a critical global challenge, prompting governments and institutions worldwide to promote sustainable practices. In response, green production and consumption have emerged as dominant trends, driven by growing public awareness and demand for environmentally friendly products. Consumers increasingly prioritize health and safety, particularly in food products, making the quality of fruits a key factor in purchasing decisions. This shift has compelled producers, especially in agriculture, to adopt green production methods. This study investigates the factors influencing green production behavior among fruit farmers in Ilam Province, Iran. Grounded in Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the research extends the model by integrating additional constructs—moral norms, perceived risk, perceived benefits, and perceived value—to better explain the behavioral intentions and actions of fruit farmers toward sustainable agricultural practices. MethodologyThis applied, descriptive-correlational study adopted a quantitative research design using variance-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The target population consisted of 6,317 registered fruit farmers in Ilam Province. A stratified random sampling method with proportional allocation was employed to select 209 participants, ensuring representativeness across regions and farm sizes. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire, whose content and construct validity were confirmed through expert review and confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha (α> 0.7) and composite reliability (CR> 0.7). Descriptive statistics (frequencies, means, standard deviations) and inferential analyses were conducted using SPSS 26 and SmartPLS 3. The measurement and structural models were evaluated for validity, reliability, and model fit, with path coefficients and significance levels assessed via bootstrapping (5,000 resamples). FindingsThe measurement model demonstrated strong unidimensionality, convergent and discriminant validity, and high reliability for all constructs. The structural model explained approximately 51% of the variance in green production behavior among fruit farmers. Results revealed that perceived behavioral control, green production intention, perceived benefits, and perceived value had positive and statistically significant effects on green production behavior at the 1% significance level. Subjective norms were significant at the 5% level, indicating the influence of social and community expectations. Conversely, perceived risk exerted a significant negative effect, suggesting that uncertainty about costs, yields, or market access hinders green adoption. Notably, moral norms and attitude did not show statistically significant direct effects. The path from perceived behavioral control to green production intention indicated a weak effect size, while the link between green production intention and actual behavior was moderate, underscoring the importance of intention as a behavioral driver. The model also demonstrated high predictive power (Q²> 0.25) for endogenous constructs, particularly green production behavior, intention, and perceived value. Discussion and ConclusionThe findings confirm that the extended TPB model is effective in explaining green production behavior among fruit farmers in Ilam Province. Key determinants include perceived behavioral control, intention, perceived benefits, subjective norms, and perceived value, while perceived risk acts as a barrier. These insights offer actionable implications for policymakers and agricultural extension services. To promote green production, it is essential to strengthen farmers’ sense of control through training programs, technical support, and access to green inputs. Given the influence of subjective norms, collaboration with trusted community figures—such as religious leaders, local councils, and respected elders—can amplify pro-environmental messaging and discourage the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Economic incentives, including guaranteed purchase schemes, premium pricing, subsidies, and recognition through local festivals, can enhance perceived benefits and motivate adoption. To mitigate perceived risks, risk-reduction mechanisms such as insurance schemes, price guarantees, and demonstration farms should be implemented. Furthermore, awareness campaigns—using brochures, videos, and village-level workshops—can educate farmers on the long-term environmental and health benefits of sustainable practices. Finally, showcasing successful green farming models can strengthen intentions and facilitate behavioral change. This study provides a validated framework for understanding and promoting sustainable agriculture in similar rural and agricultural contexts.

IntroductionIn recent decades, the world has witnessed unprecedented environmental challenges such as resource depletion, climate change, and pollution, prompting nations to seek sustainable development strategies that incorporate environmental preservation. One response to this growing concern is the concept of green management, which emerged in the mid-1980s and gained global traction after the 1992 Earth Summit. Green management is increasingly recognized as a vital framework that balances environmental responsibility with economic growth, particularly within governmental and public institutions. In the context of Iran, the significance of green management is underscored by acute environmental crises including water scarcity, air pollution, and ecosystem degradation. Despite the passage of the Green Management Law for the public sector in 2003, implementation remains fragmented. This study investigates the status, challenges, and policy frameworks associated with green management in Iran’s high-level development documents such as the 20-Year Vision Document, Five-Year Development Plans, and General Policies of the System. The research aims to address a critical gap in the literature: the absence of a comprehensive, coordinated roadmap for green management at the national policy level. Materials and MethodsThis study adopts a qualitative and applied research design to analyze the green management content within Iran’s key development documents. Using thematic analysis supported by Maxqda24.1.1, the research identifies recurring themes and constructs a conceptual framework for green management in national policy. The process involved multiple stages:Document Selection: Purposeful sampling of strategic documents such as the 20-Year Vision Document, General Policies of the System, and Five-Year Development Plans.Thematic Coding: Content was analyzed in three stages—open coding to extract primary concepts, axial coding to organize them into major themes, and selective coding to finalize a structured framework.Validation: Credibility was ensured through expert validation in environmental policy, and reliability was strengthened by dual independent coding.Criteria for Analysis: Codes were based on direct relevance to themes like energy efficiency, pollution reduction, renewable energy, waste management, and public environmental education.Nine primary components and forty sub-components of green management were ultimately identified across the documents. These components include energy optimization, water resource management, pollution control, promotion of renewable energy, protection of natural resources, green infrastructure, technological innovation, environmental education, and waste management. FindingsThe content analysis revealed uneven attention to green management in Iran’s high-level policy documents. The Five-Year Development Plans exhibited the highest frequency of references to green management principles, followed by the General Policies of the System, while the 20-Year Vision Document focused more on overarching goals and lacked specific implementation strategies.Key findings include:Energy Efficiency: Despite policy emphasis on reducing energy intensity and promoting clean technologies, the execution has been hindered by weak monitoring systems and insufficient investment in clean infrastructure.Water Resource Management: Although documents acknowledge the importance of reducing water consumption and preventing contamination, practical implementation strategies and public engagement mechanisms are lacking.Pollution Control and Waste Management: Air pollution and waste generation are recognized issues; however, national standards for waste segregation, recycling, and emissions remain underdeveloped.Renewable Energy Development: There is increasing policy attention on solar and wind energy, yet Iran’s renewable energy output remains below targets due to infrastructural and economic barriers.Green Infrastructure and Technology: While policy supports green construction and eco-friendly technologies, there is little legal enforcement and financial support to stimulate widespread adoption.Environmental Education and Culture: This component is notably underrepresented. There are no coordinated national campaigns or curricula reforms aimed at instilling environmental values among citizens.Quantitatively, the analysis showed the highest frequency of green management themes related to energy efficiency and pollution reduction, while educational and cultural strategies were the least emphasized. Discussion and ConclusionThe research concludes that while Iran’s development policies conceptually embrace green management, their practical integration remains partial, fragmented, and often symbolic. The 20-Year Vision Document sets broad sustainability goals but lacks actionable strategies. The General Policies offer normative guidance but insufficient operational mechanisms. The Five-Year Plans present the most detailed provisions, yet suffer from implementation deficits and limited institutional coordination.Three major categories of barriers hinder green management implementation:Policy and Legal Constraints: Absence of binding regulations, enforcement mechanisms, and financial penalties for non-compliance undermine policy effectiveness. Furthermore, inter-agency coordination is weak, and environmental priorities are overshadowed by economic and political agendas.Infrastructure Limitations: Iran’s outdated energy and water infrastructure, coupled with insufficient investment in smart grids and green technologies, restricts the scaling of renewable solutions.Cultural Challenges: A general lack of environmental awareness, weak public engagement, and insufficient environmental education curtail grassroots support for sustainability initiatives.To address these challenges, the study proposes several policy recommendations:Legal Reform: Establish enforceable legal frameworks that mandate green management practices with clear accountability measures.Public Investment: Allocate budgetary support for green infrastructure projects, especially in the energy and water sectors.Technology and Innovation Support: Encourage public-private partnerships to foster eco-innovation and clean technology development.Cultural Transformation: Launch nationwide environmental education programs and campaigns to foster a culture of sustainability.Integrated Planning: Promote inter-sectoral collaboration through centralized oversight to align development objectives with green goals.In sum, the study highlights a pressing need for Iran to transition from rhetorical commitment to operational execution of green management. Strengthening the structural, cultural, and legal foundations of environmental governance is essential not only for ecological preservation but also for long-term economic resilience and social well-being.

IntroductionCities are typically defined as densely populated, developed settlements characterized by extensive built environments and active commercial and industrial functions. With the rapid pace of global urbanization and the growing need to assess the performance of urban management systems, research into urban livability—particularly regarding residents’ access to and realization of citizenship rights—has become increasingly significant. Viewing the city as a living organism, it requires vitality and livability to sustain its existence. Livability refers to an urban system that supports the social, economic, physical, and mental well-being of its inhabitants. Core principles underpinning this concept include equity, justice, security, participation, recreation, and empowerment. As a measure of a city’s ability to support residents’ well-being and quality of life, livability is an essential dimension of urban development. It encompasses a broad spectrum of human needs—from basic necessities such as food and safety to higher-order needs like beauty, cultural identity, and a sense of belonging. A comprehensive review of the literature confirms that livability is a complex, multidimensional construct, widely recognized and evaluated through diverse criteria and indicators. Consequently, livable cities can be assessed across social, economic, physical, and environmental dimensions. Livable communities are generally safe, healthy, and inclusive, offering accessible transportation and timely access to schools, workplaces, services, and essential amenities. Although some studies distinguish livability from quality of life, the two concepts are often used interchangeably, as they share many overlapping indicators. In recent decades, urban livability has emerged as a dominant framework in urban planning and development discourse. While interpretations vary, the concept broadly emphasizes urban biosustainability, intergenerational equity, and holistic development across economic, social, physical, and environmental domains.Saravan, a city in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran, has experienced uneven urban development due to rapid population growth in recent decades. Ethnic tensions have eroded social capital and limited the selection of competent municipal leaders. A weakened sense of place attachment, coupled with limited external attractions, has led to the outmigration of intellectual, economic, and social elites, discouraging investment. The city faces significant challenges in employment, road infrastructure, green space, leisure and recreation, public transportation, income levels, housing, infrastructure, service provision, social cohesion, and environmental quality—issues largely rooted in ineffective urban governance. Development efforts have primarily relied on natural resources, which are themselves under strain due to recurring droughts that have damaged or threaten to destroy key economic foundations. These conditions underscore the urgency of addressing urban livability in Saravan. Therefore, this study aims to measure and analyze urban livability indicators in Saravan to support sustainable development. Specifically, it seeks to answer: Which indicators most significantly influence livability in Saravan? and What is the relative impact of each of these factors?MethodologyThis research is applied in purpose, aiming to measure and evaluate livability indicators in Saravan. It adopts a quantitative, descriptive-analytical design. The target population consists of Saravan’s residents (N = 60,014). Using Cochran’s formula (95% confidence level, 5% margin of error), the sample size was determined as 322 individuals, selected via simple random sampling and surveyed directly. The validity of the livability indicators was confirmed by expert review, and reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha (α > 0.7). Indicators span five dimensions: socio-cultural, economic, physical, environmental, and managerial. Data were analyzed using factor analysis in SPSS. FindingsThe results identified three key factors influencing urban livability in Saravan.Factor 1: Dominated by "the performance of urban managers in reducing residents’ cost of living", this factor explains 19.8% of the total variance—the highest contribution.Factor 2: Highlighted by "ease of road access for people with disabilities", accounts for 1.7% of the variance.Factor 3: Driven by "accessibility to public services in the city", explains 5.5% of the variance. Discussion and ConclusionThis study employed factor analysis to assess urban livability indicators in Saravan. Each factor was interpreted and labeled based on its most influential items. The findings reveal that urban managers and planners, when operating without strategic vision, are ill-equipped to address contemporary urban challenges. This underscores the growing importance of integrating livability into urban planning to meet societal needs and respond to emerging urban threats. The results align with prior studies by Baig et al. (2019), Nourian et al. (2021), Emdadi et al. (2022), and Zeynali Azim & Karami (2023), reinforcing the relevance of livability as a critical lens for sustainable urban development. The study highlights the need for targeted governance reforms, inclusive planning, and investment in infrastructure and public services to enhance livability and ensure long-term sustainability in marginalized urban contexts like Saravan.

IntroductionAfter the end of World War II, in the 1950s to 1970s, the concept of development was considered in the form of economic growth, but later development was defined as a concept that pays attention to all economic, political, social and cultural dimensions of a society. Development is a comprehensive process of economic, social, cultural and political activities that aims to continuously improve the lives of the entire population and the fair distribution of resources is one of its main pillars. Therefore, development is a qualitative, comprehensive concept that goes beyond the quantitative issue of growth, so we should not only pay attention to the economic aspect of development. The main question of the present study is what are the most important obstacles to the development of South Khorasan Province that have overshadowed the development management mechanism? The present study was conducted in the territorial territory of South Khorasan Province and designed a model of effective criteria on the development management mechanism of the province based on the fuzzy Delphi method. One of the development strategies for South Khorasan Province can be to identify the obstacles in the way of the province's development so that policymakers can overcome them and achieve public satisfaction. Materials and methodsThis research is based on the fundamental objective and has an inductive approach. Initially, the factors and components of the research were identified and modified based on relevant domestic and foreign research and the opinions of experts in the province. The statistical population of the research included selected and specialized experts in the framework of the economic development of the province who had characteristics such as availability, experience, appropriateness of the field of study, research background, and executive expertise in this field, totaling 54 people, whose opinions were used. In this study, the census method was used to determine the sample size, and the sample size was determined to be 54 people. In the process of extracting the development management model of South Khorasan Province, the fuzzy Delphi method was used. In this method, instead of referring to different people who may not have the necessary information for the researcher, experts are referred to; therefore, sampling occurs in a deliberate and selected manner. Referral to experts continues until the researcher reaches theoretical saturation (consensus) and concludes that nothing new will be discovered. Regarding the determination of the sample size based on Grisham's (2009) view on the number of respondents to questionnaire questions in the field of Delphi technique, what is important in selecting sample members is their unbiased response to the questions, their interest in the topic or subject under discussion, and most importantly, their sufficient knowledge or information in the field under study; therefore, in some studies, at least 15 people are considered as informed individuals (Safri et al., 2015). Therefore, in the present study, the number of 54 questionnaires that can be examined shows that in this respect, the results of this study can be relied upon. FindingsThe prioritization of the basic components affecting the development management of South Khorasan Province was done from the perspective of elites and experts. High inflation rate, low investment, poverty, usury, low productivity rate of production resources, high unemployment rate, class differences and corruption are the main obstacles to the province's economic development. In the social sphere, the lack of railways, low level of security and participation, and social cohesion and equality are the central problems of the province. Low quality of bureaucracy, administrative corruption, low level of media freedom, ethnic and religious conflicts and tensions are the main problems of the province's political sphere. The literacy rate, inventions and low scientific ranking of universities in the scientific sphere are the most central concerns of the province's scientific and cultural sphere. Diseases, vaccination, infant and maternal mortality, lack of medical and health centers and low level of primary education are the most important issues and concerns in the field of health, treatment and education or human development index. Discussion and ConclusionThe results of the study indicate that high inflation rate, low investment, poverty, lack of railways, low level of security and social equality, low quality of bureaucracy, administrative corruption, low level of media freedom, ethnic and religious conflicts and tensions, low academic ranking of universities, diseases, vaccination, infant and maternal mortality, lack of medical and health centers are obstacles and concerns for development in the economic, social, political, scientific-cultural and human development fields in South Khorasan Province. Finally, considering the analysis of statistical results extracted from the opinions of experts, it can be said that the most effective factors or in other words the most important components that require more attention from provincial officials are inflation rate, quality of bureaucracy, fight against infectious diseases and investment. Therefore, it can be said that these four components will be among the main obstacles to the development of South Khorasan Province. If they are not paid attention to, that is, if steps are not taken by national and provincial officials to reduce the inflation rate, increase investment in the province, combat infectious diseases, and increase the quality of bureaucracy, the path to development in South Khorasan Province will not be smooth. It can also be said that in the development of South Khorasan Province, economic, political, and health criteria are more important than other criteria.

IntroductionSustainable economic development is a cornerstone of rural development, aiming to enhance the quality of life and increase the income of rural communities. This concept emphasizes a balanced integration of economic, social, and environmental dimensions, seeking to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. In rural settlements, sustainable development encompasses the efficient use of natural resources, infrastructure improvement, increased agricultural and livestock productivity, and access to new markets. Importantly, it extends beyond agriculture to include support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the development of rural tourism, and digital-based economic activities. This holistic approach not only mitigates rural-to-urban migration but also promotes environmental sustainability, social equity, and local economic empowerment. Sustainable rural economic development involves a set of coordinated policies and actions designed to improve socioeconomic conditions. Sustainable agriculture—leveraging modern technologies and resource-efficient practices—plays a central role, while tourism and handicrafts contribute to income generation and cultural preservation. This study analyzes and ranks the key economic factors influencing sustainable development in rural settlements of Fars Province, Iran, providing critical insights for evidence-based decision-making and strategic planning by provincial authorities. MethodologyThis descriptive-analytical study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating documentary analysis, library research, and expert surveys. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 30 domain experts with extensive experience in rural development, including specialists in agriculture, geography, rural planning, sociology, and relevant government agencies. In the first phase, a comprehensive set of economic indicators was identified from the literature and validated by experts. For the TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method, experts rated the importance of each indicator on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = very low to 5 = very high). For the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), pairwise comparisons were conducted using a 1–9 Saaty scale to determine relative weights. Data analysis and prioritization were performed using Expert Choice software, which facilitated the calculation of weights, consistency checks, and final ranking of indicators and economic sectors. FindingsTwelve key indicators influencing sustainable economic development in rural settlements of Fars Province were identified and evaluated:Access to markets (transport infrastructure and fair pricing)Education and skill developmentAvailability of natural resources (water, soil, climate)Support for sustainable agricultureEstablishment of production and distribution cooperativesUse of technology and innovationInvestment and financingGovernment support policiesCultural and social awarenessEconomic diversificationEssential infrastructure and public servicesQuality of human resourcesThese were grouped into five economic sectors: agricultural, industrial, service, tourism, and digital activities. Using Shannon’s entropy method, weights were assigned to reflect each indicator’s relative importance. The results revealed that developing agricultural activities achieved the highest performance score (0.853), ranking first, while digital and internet-based activities scored the lowest (0.307). In the AHP analysis, natural resources (water and soil) emerged as the most influential factor, with a weight of 0.255, followed by essential infrastructure (0.187) and capital attraction (0.163). The consistency ratio (CR = 0.09) was below the acceptable threshold of 0.10, confirming the reliability and logical consistency of the pairwise comparisons. Discussion and ConclusionThis study applies two complementary multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques—AHP and TOPSIS—to analyze and rank factors affecting sustainable economic development in rural Fars Province, yielding highly consistent results. Experts identified natural resources, particularly water and soil, as the most critical determinant, reflecting their foundational role in the livelihoods and identity of rural communities. Basic infrastructure and public services (e.g., electricity, water, internet) were ranked second, underscoring their enabling role in development. Access to investment and financing was also deemed vital for stimulating job creation and entrepreneurial activity. Lower-ranked factors such as cultural aspects and cooperatives indicate that while these areas are relatively strong, they require less immediate intervention. Sectoral prioritization shows agriculture as the top priority, followed by tourism and digital activities, highlighting the continued centrality of agriculture in the rural economy. These findings call for policy strategies that prioritize investment in natural resource management, infrastructure, and financial support systems. Ultimately, achieving sustainable rural development requires an integrated, balanced approach across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. This research provides a robust analytical framework for policymakers to design targeted, effective interventions that enhance rural welfare and long-term sustainability.

IntroductionRural sustainable development is a multifaceted challenge for spatial planning and management systems, requiring integrated strategies that harmonize economic, technological, environmental, and socio-cultural subsystems to foster cohesive growth. Effective approaches must also incorporate strategic planning and regulatory actions to ultimately achieve equitable rural development and reduce urban-rural disparities. In this context, global experiences increasingly support the adoption of green management as a viable pathway. Iran and its surrounding geographical regions face severe environmental challenges, including natural resource degradation, water scarcity, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. These pressures amplify the urgency of embracing green management, sustainable development, and the green industrial revolution—particularly in rural areas. The Deyhook district in Tabas County, South Khorasan Province, eastern Iran, exemplifies these challenges: chronic water scarcity, soil erosion, declining biodiversity, reliance on water-intensive agriculture, and weak waste and renewable energy management. For instance, due to climate change and prolonged droughts, among 16 villages with populations over 20 households, eight larger villages receive water via tanker trucks under rationing from Deyhook city, while the remaining eight face severe declines in spring and qanat yields. In many villages, agriculture has collapsed entirely, wells have been equipped with smart meters, and residents struggle to secure even basic domestic water supplies. Moreover, excessive groundwater extraction by coal mines at three geographically dispersed sites has led to the abandonment of villages such as Parudeh, Pikuh, and Nistan. If current trends continue, the long-term habitability of the region is at serious risk. Since the sustainability of human settlements fundamentally depends on residents’ livelihoods—and, by extension, on reliable and sustainable access to productive resources—proper management, particularly within a green management framework, can not only promote resource efficiency but also enhance the economic, social, and environmental resilience of these communities. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the rural settlements of Deyhook district based on green management principles and to propose practical solutions for transforming the current unsustainable conditions into a more resilient and sustainable future. MethodologyThis study is applied in purpose and descriptive in nature. The statistical population consists of two expert groups: regional experts and local experts and informed stakeholders. The first group—regional experts—includes seven members comprising technical staff from the Deyhook district administration and university academics with expertise in sustainable rural development. This group was responsible for identifying key criteria and sub-criteria related to rural green management and determining their relative weights using the Analytic Network Process (ANP), a multi-criteria decision-making method suitable for capturing interdependencies among factors. The second group—local experts and informed stakeholders—comprises village administrators (Dehyars) and members of Islamic Councils from all 16 villages in the Deyhook district. In each village, a local expert panel of 2 to 4 members was formed. These panels participated in assessing the current status of their villages regarding green management indicators through structured questionnaires based on the Rural Settlement Evaluation Framework. Data collected from these assessments were analyzed using the MARCOS (Measurement Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution) method to rank villages based on their performance in green management. Finally, to identify actionable strategies for improvement, insights from both expert groups were integrated and structured within the SOAR framework (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results), which emphasizes positive, vision-driven planning. This mixed-method approach—combining ANP for weighting, MARCOS for ranking, and SOAR for strategy development—ensures a robust, participatory, and context-sensitive evaluation, supporting both diagnostic analysis and practical intervention in rural sustainability planning. FindingsAt the macro level, the criterion "Residents' Environmental Ethics and Culture" holds the highest weight (0.166), indicating that experts view behavioral change, awareness, and the development of a sustainability culture as the most fundamental drivers of successful green management. Using the MARCOS method, villages in the Deyhook district of Tabas County were ranked based on green management criteria, revealing significant differences in sustainable development levels and performance. Esfandiar village ranked first with the highest efficiency index (f(Ki) = 0.665), emerging as a model for green management—likely due to stronger sustainable infrastructure, effective waste management, access to modern technologies, and a participatory environmental culture. Esfahk (0.611) and Chirok (0.607) followed in second and third place, reflecting relatively strong sustainability performance. Overall, higher-ranked villages (1–6) demonstrate better outcomes in infrastructure, renewable energy, education, and environmental culture. Key strengths include the region’s largest wildlife refuge with high biodiversity, vast coal reserves, and unique geotourism sites—offering solid foundations for green economy, sustainable tourism, and new energy initiatives. External opportunities, such as access to innovative climate and energy practices and engagement of foreign tourists in environmental stewardship, enable knowledge transfer and cultural investment. The defined aspirations—such as green management in all villages, full environmental compatibility, reduced resource waste, and full sustainability—reflect a shift from purely physical development toward a holistic, integrated sustainability model. Discussion and ConclusionThis study develops and applies an integrated framework for rural green management in Deyhook, a desert region under environmental stress. Using MARCOS, significant performance disparities among 16 villages were revealed, with Esfandiar ranking highest and Razaviyeh and Zardgah lowest. Experts emphasized "environmental culture" and "infrastructure" as key drivers, reflecting the importance of behavioral change and sustainable systems. Natural assets and external opportunities support green development. Context-sensitive strategies—like solar energy, water recycling, and civic engagement—are proposed. By integrating theory, field assessment, and practical solutions, this study offers a replicable, holistic model for sustainable transformation in arid rural regions, supporting policy-making, equity, and community resilience through participatory, knowledge-integrated planning.

IntroductionThe emergence of the theory of political marketing can be seen as the result of combining the knowledge of marketing and politics. Since the main goal of political marketing is to facilitate exchange and create benefits for political groups, in this process, special tools and approaches are considered, the effective use of which makes political marketing different from other areas, such as product marketing. By reviewing the governance literature as well as the sustainability literature, it is clear that the role of managers in the realization of sustainable governance and specifically the antecedents of the selection of managers in this form of governance has been largely ignored. Meanwhile, managers play one of the most key roles in realizing sustainable development. Therefore, in the present research, this issue is discussed and explained. On the other hand, as mentioned above, the process of selecting senior managers in organizations includes a set of political behaviors that are carried out by interested parties; From this point of view, political marketing actions can have a potential impact on the selection of the manager; A category that has been less discussed in previous researches. By entering the mentioned field, this article provides new insights and perspectives regarding the effects of political marketing on sustainable governance through the selection of managers. This research has been done with the aim of providing a framework for manager selection in line with sustainable governance using political marketing. MethodologyConsidering that the main purpose of this research is to provide a model for the selection of managers in line with sustainable governance by using political marketing, it can be said that the current research is in the scope of developmental research. In terms of approach, this research is under exploratory studies. Based on this, using the qualitative approach, dimensions, components and indicators affecting the selection of the manager in line with sustainable governance are identified using political marketing and a research model is designed. In the following, partial least squares method is used to validate the model. In the qualitative phase of the research, a group of public administration experts were selected and interviewed. The selected samples had at least two of the following four criteria: have a doctorate degree with at least ten years of work experience and experience in the field of research objectives. have the necessary knowledge and mastery regarding political marketing and the tools and techniques of its application in the field of organization management. Have authorships, articles, research and educational activities, relevant education and experience related to the field of political market. Sampling has been done using the snowball method. The sampling of experts in this research has continued until the discovery and analysis process reaches the theoretical saturation point. This research has reached theoretical saturation by conducting 15 interviews. The statistical population in the quantitative section includes all employees of the Ministry of Interior (N=226). Using Cochran's formula, a sample size of 143 people is selected. Sampling is available. In order to collect data in the qualitative part, a semi-structured interview method was used, and in the quantitative part, a questionnaire based on a 5-point Likert scale with six dimensions and 33 items was used (the dimensions of the questionnaire were determined based on the components identified in the qualitative part). In order to determine the validity and reliability of the interviews, two methods of retesting and double coder agreement were used. In this research, thematic analysis method was used to analyze qualitative data. Data analysis has been done in the qualitative section using Maxqda software. Also, Smart PLS software was used for validation with PLS method. FindingsBased on the results obtained in the qualitative phase, overarching themes including relational factors, socio-cultural factors, legal factors, marketing factors and financial factors were identified. Based on the results obtained from the validation of the model in the quantitative part, while confirming all the research hypotheses, it was found that the model proposed in this research is valid. Discussion and ConclusionRelational factors were identified as one of the factors influencing the selection of managers in the direction of sustainable governance using political marketing. The result shows that the ability to establish a relationship with decision-making groups and interest groups has a great impact on the selection of managers. In fact, the process of selecting a manager as well as political marketing, both are basically based on establishing a relationship with the target groups, which is done either through trust building or through attractiveness (promising and creating expectations in the audience). As stated earlier (Radnitz, 2011), a large part of political behavior in an organization is done to form a network of relationships between different groups. Socio-cultural factors are another group of factors whose influence on the choice of manager in line with sustainable governance has been confirmed by using political marketing. In this regard, categories including education and learning and organizational culture are involved. In this regard, it has already been mentioned that the realization of sustainable governance largely depends on the culture of the organization (Del Giso et al., 2024; Bandelov et al., 2022). Legal and regulatory factors are another group of factors that influence the choice of managers in line with sustainable governance using political marketing. The realization of sustainable governance - or the selection of a manager who steps in the direction of sustainable governance - partly depends on the laws and regulations supporting sustainable development. For example, in the political marketing campaigns that have been launched in the United States since the beginning of the 21st century, part of the candidates' promises have been directed to environmental issues (Sherman et al., 2016). Similarly, Masilo et al. (2018) have also introduced political marketing strategies as an essential factor to strengthen the sustainability of private organizations. In addition to the above, political marketing measures in themselves also have an impact on the selection of managers in line with sustainable governance. This finding shows that political marketing measures should have maximum appeal, logic and effectiveness in order to put a candidate in the management seat. Sophocles et al. (2024) point out in their study that political marketing is more effective when it can present its messages in an "audience-friendly" way to the target community. In the study of Stromer-Gali et al. (2021), the positive relationship between the creation of appropriate advertising content and the attraction of votes in the US presidential elections is also mentioned, which is consistent with the findings of the present study. Finally, financial factors were identified as another factor influencing the selection of managers in the direction of sustainable governance using political marketing. Advertising campaigns, especially those defined under political marketing, need a lot of financial support in order to attract a larger part of influential people (voters or people involved in the process of selecting the manager). For example, Henison (2010) conducted a case study in Ghana's presidential election and concluded that financial shortages are one of the reasons for the failure of political campaigns. Similarly, in the study of Newman et al. (2022), financial factors have been introduced as a key factor in the success of political marketing, which is consistent with the results obtained in this study.

IntroductionIn contemporary society, the conservation of natural resources and the mitigation of environmental pollution have become pressing global concerns. Marketing, as a discipline dedicated to understanding and fulfilling human needs, plays a pivotal role in identifying these concerns and shaping consumer attitudes toward sustainability. By leveraging the marketing mix framework, organizations can promote environmentally responsible behaviors and enhance ecological awareness. The present study aims to develop and validate a comprehensive instrument for measuring the green marketing mix in the context of sports tourism. MethodologyThis research employed an applied, exploratory mixed-methods design. Data were collected through a two-phase field study—qualitative and quantitative—to identify and evaluate green marketing mix components in sports tourism. In the qualitative phase, a comprehensive review of relevant literature yielded ten core constructs, which were operationalized into 45 initial items. These items were refined using the Delphi method, with input from domain experts, until theoretical saturation was achieved. Following the consolidation of overlapping items and elimination of redundant ones, a 38-item questionnaire was developed, using a five-point Likert scale (ranging from very low to very high). Kendall’s W test confirmed expert consensus (W = 0.129, p < 0.05). Instrument validity was assessed through content validity ratio (CVR), content validity index (CVI), and average variance extracted (AVE), while reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability. For the quantitative phase, the finalized questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 384 sports tourists in South Khorasan Province—individuals participating in sporting events or visiting natural sports tourism sites such as mountains and deserts—selected according to the Krejcie and Morgan sampling table. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were conducted using SPSS 22 and AMOS 22, respectively. FindingsAll items demonstrated acceptable content validity, with CVR > 0.59, CVI > 0.79, and AVE > 0.50. The instrument exhibited high reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha = 0.964 and composite reliability = 0.973. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure was above 0.70, and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was statistically significant (p < 0.001), confirming the suitability of the data for factor analysis. EFA, employing principal component analysis and varimax rotation, revealed a 10-factor structure: *Green Product Quality* (3 items), *Green Product Design* (2 items), *Environmental Green Responsibility* (4 items), *Green Price* (3 items), *Green Place* (3 items), *Green Promotion* (3 items), *Green Process* (5 items), *Green People* (5 items), *Green Policies and Planning* (5 items), and *Green Participation* (3 items). Subsequent CFA confirmed the robustness of the factor structure, with all items loading significantly (λ > 0.50, t > 1.96, p < 0.05). The model demonstrated excellent fit across multiple goodness-of-fit indices (e.g., CFI > 0.95, TLI > 0.95, RMSEA < 0.06, SRMR < 0.08). Discussion and ConclusionDespite the growing emphasis on green marketing in tourism, the domain of sports tourism has received limited scholarly attention regarding the conceptualization and measurement of green marketing mix elements. This study addresses this gap by developing and validating a reliable, theory-driven instrument tailored to the sports tourism context. The findings confirm that the proposed questionnaire possesses strong psychometric properties and represents a valid and reliable tool for assessing green marketing practices in sports tourism. As such, it offers a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners aiming to promote sustainability within this rapidly evolving sector.