Identifying and Prioritizing Key Factors of Innovation-Driven Lean Supply Chain: A Hybrid Fuzzy Delphi-DEMATEL Approach (Case Study: Pegah Fars Co.)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

2 MSc in Industrial Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

10.22084/ier.2025.31237.2210

Abstract

This study has been conducted with the aim of identifying, structurally analyzing, and prioritizing the drivers of an innovation-oriented lean supply chain within the Iranian dairy industry. With an applied nature, this research seeks to provide a strategic framework for managers to simultaneously improve operational efficiency and innovation capability when facing the complex challenges of this industry. The research methodology is a three-stage hybrid process, including Fuzzy Delphi for screening and validating criteria, Fuzzy DEMATEL for analyzing causal relationships, and the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process for determining final weights and prioritization. Data were collected from an expert panel composed of senior industry managers and university professors. The results indicated that Managerial Factors (with a weight of 0.242), as the most influential causal criterion, form the primary foundation for success in this system. The analysis of the final weights also proved this dominance at the operational level, such that Management Commitment and Support and Intangible Resource Management significantly secured the highest absolute priorities. This finding emphasizes the pivotal role of leadership and investment in intellectual assets as the most active drivers of transformation. Structural analyses also confirmed that Managerial Factors, Relationship Management, and Technology Management are the driving engines of the entire system. This research outlines a practical roadmap for managers, according to which a strategic focus on strengthening managerial foundations is the necessary prerequisite for creating technological and relational infrastructures and, ultimately, for enhancing knowledge-based capabilities and innovative market responsiveness.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Industrial Engineering Research in Production Systems
Volume 13, Issue 26
September 2025
Pages 167-181

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