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In the border regions of Iran, which include West Azerbaijan province, the interwoven dynamics between development and security present a multifaceted set of challenges. This comprehensive study delves into the intricate relationship between these two critical elements, with a focus on elucidating potential scenarios that impact on development and security alike. Employing a rigorous methodological approach, using advanced data analysis tools and incorporating insights from experts, this research identifies seven pivotal factors that play a crucial role in shaping the sustainable development and security landscape of these border regions. By using the Method for Inserting Knowledge into Decision Support Models (Méthode d'Insertion de Connaissances dans les Modèles d'Aide à la Décision) MicMac software, an in-depth analysis of both direct and indirect variables was conducted to precisely gauge their influence in border security. The outcomes of this extensive analysis provide a solid foundation for the construction of diverse scenarios, thus offering a wide spectrum of potential future trajectories for the region. The examination of these scenarios grants invaluable insights into the intricate nexus between development and security, reinforcing the essential need for a holistic and integrated approach to regional planning. This research effectively underscores the vital imperative of nurturing synergies between security and development for the sustained progress of Iran's border areas. With a focus on empirical data and informed projections, this study sheds light on the intricate dynamics at play, emphasising the pivotal role of an integrated approach to regional advancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the major factors affecting the creative tourism market in Iran and their potential to drive national and regional development in the long run. The study employs the MicMac and Scenario Wizard software to identify the variables and their relationships and influence on each other. The study finds that communication infrastructure is a general factor that affects all guest communities, while others are specific to capital attraction from Middle Eastern countries. These include improving political relations with these countries and digital advertising and marketing of Iran's development. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a new teaching methodology on student performance in mathematics. The methodology involved a combination of interactive lectures, group discussions, and hands-on activities. A quasi-experimental design was used, with one group of students receiving the new methodology and a control group receiving traditional teaching methods. The study was conducted over the course of one semester with pre- and post-tests administered to both groups. The results showed a significant improvement in the performance of the experimental group compared to the control group. The experimental group had a mean post-test score of 87.5, compared to the control group's mean score of 76.2. The influence graph shows the relationships between the variables and how they influence one another, and the spatial structure of the direct driving forces of creative tourism development in Iran is indicated at a rate of 25%. This research offers insights and recommendations for policymakers, tourism practitioners, and scholars interested in the development of creative tourism in Iran. These findings suggest that the new teaching methodology can be an effective way to improve student performance in mathematics. Further research could explore the impact of this methodology on other subjects and in different settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was carried out with the aim of investigating and designing scenarios of the future state of political culture in Iran, with a future-oriented approach to the category of political culture, which is the strength and distinction of this work from previous works. Knowing the political culture as a way of drawing people's attitude towards the political system is important because, while creating the conditions for understanding the relationship between the various elements of human life, it is considered to be an indicator of the social and political changes governing the future of a political system as a result of intergenerational transformations. Method: In view of this, we used quantitative and qualitative methods and the Petershwart z scenario method to answer the main question. Also, in order to collect information, research literature and documents were reviewed in the form of a library method and a semi-structured interview with a panel of 25 experts. Also, the Delphi method was us ed, and to measure reliability, the structural analysis method based on the interrelationship matrix tables based on Micmac software was used. And to design the scenarios, we benefited from the Scenario Wizard software. Findings: We identified five key uncertainties related to the future state of political culture in Iran: myth-making, seeking justice, Ashura culture and Mahdism, linking religion and politics, and seeking independence, which are based on four cultural-political scenarios of religious democracy, religious exclusivity, and democratic participation and subordinateparticipatory political culture can be drawn. Conclusion: Among the 4 proposed scenarios, the scenario of subservient -participatory political culture has the highest probability of occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to formulate exploratory scenarios of the textile industry in Iran based on MICMAC and soft operational research methods. Design/methodology/approach: In this study, to formulate plausible scenarios, literature reviews and external experts' opinions of this field have been gathered through the Delphi approach and uncertainty questionnaires. After the utilization of the most important uncertainties, the textile industry's plausible scenarios have been mapped with the help of experts through co-thinking workshops. Results show that two factors, including the business atmosphere and membership in World Trade Organization (WTO), play a more important role than the other factors. These two factors were considered for the formulation of the scenario. To formulate plausible scenarios, soft systems methodology, which is a kind of soft operational research methods, is applied. Findings: Based on the results, four scenarios are presented. These scenarios include the Elysium scenario, Hades scenario, Tatarus scenario and Sisyphus scenario. In the Elysium scenario, the business atmosphere has improved and Iran has been granted membership of the WTO. In Hades scenario, Iran has joined the WTO, but due to the government's weakness and inactivity and key decision-makers, the required preparations have not been made. In the Tatarus scenario, Iran is not a WTO member and the business atmosphere is disastrous. In the Sisyphus scenario, the government takes reasonable actions toward a better business environment. Originality/value: Formulating plausible scenarios of the textile industry is an excellent contribution to the key beneficiaries and actors of this industry so they can present flexible preparation-based programs in the face of circumstances. Future study of the textile industry familiarizes the actors and beneficiaries of this industry with the procedures and the driving forces that influence this industry's future and it will ascertain various scenarios for the actors of this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urmia Lake, which is one of the largest hypersaline lakes in the world, has experienced an excessive reduction of water level because of climatic change and anthropogenic influences. To mitigate this tragedy, several agricultural water management schemes have been initiated. However, many restoration programs have proven ineffective. To counter the lake's disappearance, effective climate-smart agriculture (CSA) interventions are imperative. Nevertheless, the potential benefits, opportunities, risks, costs and incentive mechanisms of CSA interventions have not been well documented. Therefore, this qualitative research was performed in the eastern part of the Urmia Lake basin to identify the best CSA intervention for restoration of the lake and investigate the major drivers of CSA development. Using the "benefits, opportunities, risks, and costs" method, 14 influential factors were explored. Also, fuzzy VIKOR analysis indicated an urgent need of developing water-smart agriculture (WSA) in the Urmia Lake basin, where water scarcity, poor water governance and low water use efficiency are significant problems. Interpretive structural modeling and MICMAC analysis suggested that policy making and planning, research and development, monitoring and evaluation, education and extension services, supports and services, institutions and degree of their collaborations, knowledge and attitude, and infrastructures and farm structures can enhance the application of WSA interventions. Some recommendations and implications are offered to facilitate the adoption and development of WSA practices and technologies. • Restoration programs have proven inefficient for mitigation of the Urmia Lake crisis. • Effective climate-smart agriculture can counter the lake's disappearance. • Fuzzy VIKOR analysis indicated an urgent need of developing water-smart agriculture (WSA). • WSA is in its infancy and no inclusive policy was found for developing WSA in Iran. • 'Research and development' and 'policy making and planning' were the main drivers of WSA development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]