نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Innovation, Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani University, Isfahan, Iran.
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani University, Isfahan, Iran
3
M.Sc. Student in Production and Operations Management, Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Innovation, Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani University, Isfahan, Iran
چکیده
This study investigates the underlying factors contributing to the instability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Iran’s paint and resin sector, emphasizing the crucial role of sustainable strategies in mitigating environmental, social, and economic challenges. The research employs a two-phase fuzzy Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method under conditions of uncertainty to systematically explore the complex relationships between sustainability challenges, strategic responses, and performance criteria. In the first phase, the fuzzy SWARA approach is used to determine the relative significance of sustainability strategies, while the second phase analyzes how these challenges influence the achievement of sustainability performance indicators. Expert validation through the fuzzy Delphi technique confirms the relevance of all selected components—strategies, challenges, and performance criteria. The findings reveal that implementing sustainability strategies directly addresses key challenges such as financial constraints, limited access to sustainable raw materials, and market volatility, thereby facilitating enhanced environmental performance. Among the sustainability performance criteria, environmental pollutant reduction, energy efficiency, and product quality and durability emerged as the most critical. The study highlights that adopting sustainable raw materials—such as plant-based resins and natural pigments—significantly reduces reliance on fossil resources, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, and improves product lifespan and customer satisfaction while lowering maintenance costs. Moreover, overcoming financial challenges through government incentives, stakeholder collaboration, and investment in sustainable technologies not only reduces energy consumption but also strengthens competitiveness. In addition, the implementation of sustainable supplier management strategies and supportive government policies stabilizes market conditions and promotes green technological adoption. Overall, the results demonstrate that a well-integrated sustainability framework enables SMEs in the paint and resin industry of Isfahan to enhance their environmental and economic performance simultaneously, offering a viable pathway toward long-term sustainability and industrial resilience.
کلیدواژهها
موضوعات
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