Evaluating the Relationships Among Indicators for Selecting Appropriate IOIS in the Digital Green Supply Chain Using Fuzzy DEMATEL

Introduction
Information evaluation in supply chain integration and the adoption of inter-organizational information systems (IOIS) play a critical role in achieving economic efficiency, risk reduction, enhanced competitiveness, and effective technology investment. The application of digital technologies can significantly contribute to sustainability objectives by reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste, and conserving natural resources. Technologies such as blockchain, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence enable the tracking and monitoring of environmental impacts throughout the supply chain, thereby supporting more informed and sustainable decision-making (Deepu & Ravi, 2021). The transition from traditional supply chains to digital supply chains represents a strategic competitive advantage by creating sustainable value for organizations. Digital supply chains enhance integrity and flexibility through the development of advanced information systems and innovative technologies, leading to improved customer service and overall sustainable organizational performance. Clearly, digital supply chains integrate advanced technologies such as big data analytics and blockchain, adopt a customer-centric perspective, reduce intra- and inter-organizational costs, and generate greater value for organizations (Ageron et al., 2020). Despite these advantages, several challenges exist in analyzing IOIS indicators within the digital green supply chain (DGSC). First, although various indicators are employed to evaluate organizational performance in DGSCs, the lack of consensus on their precise definitions and measurement methods raises concerns regarding their accuracy and reliability. Second, the inability to comprehensively examine all dimensions of DGSCs and their impacts on IOIS indicators may lead to biased or incomplete results. Accordingly, this study aims to identify and analyze the indicators for selecting inter-organizational information systems in the digital green supply chain using the fuzzy DEMATEL method, with a focus on the copper industry.
 
Methodology
The Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex is located approximately 45 km from Rafsanjan City and is recognized as one of the largest mineral industrial complexes in the world, as well as the largest copper producer in Iran. The Sarcheshmeh mine accounts for approximately 32% of Iran’s copper resources and is considered one of the richest copper mines globally.In the first stage, a comprehensive literature review was conducted, and 34 DGSC-related indicators were identified and coded using Atlas.ti software. After evaluating content validity through the content validity ratio (CVR) and incorporating the opinions of academic and industry experts, 29 indicators were finalized. Subsequently, a fuzzy DEMATEL questionnaire was designed and distributed among experts. After data collection, the fuzzy DEMATEL technique was applied to analyze the causal relationships among the selected indicators.
 
Findings
The results indicate that the use of new digital technologies in the supply chain digitalization dimension, speed in the dimension of improving relationships among business partners, reliability in the productivity improvement dimension, and the ability to implement green technologies in the social responsibility dimension are the most influential indicators. Conversely, facilitating virtual business networks in the supply chain digitalization dimension, the level of supply chain members’ access to information in the dimension of improving relationships among business partners, quality in the productivity improvement dimension, and the ability to assess supply chain greenness in the social responsibility dimension were identified as the most affected indicators.
 
Discussion and Conclusion
Based on the research findings, several recommendations are proposed to enhance supply chain performance and mitigate the environmental impacts of certain factors within the copper industry. In addition, the study provides insights that can guide future research directions. The findings and implications of this research offer a foundation for further studies aimed at improving inter-organizational information systems within the context of digital green supply chains.