Achieving Sustainable Business Model in Agriculture Supply Chain: A Case of Saffron Supply Chain in Iran
Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The agriculture supply chain in developing countries is confronted with substantial challenges when it comes to attaining sustainability and productivity. In this thesis, particular attention is given to the saffron supply chain in Iran, which holds significant importance as one of the country's key agricultural products. The research aims to tackle these challenges by presenting a comprehensive approach that encompasses various aspects related to sustainability and productivity. Specifically, this thesis will investigate the productivity and sustainability challenges faced by stakeholders in the saffron supply chain in Iran, focusing on the five capital assets of financial, human, social, physical, and natural capital. Additionally, the study will explore the impact of supply chain collaboration on these capital assets, aiming to shed light on the potential benefits and opportunities that collaboration can bring to enhance the sustainability and productivity of the saffron supply chain.Using a qualitative approach that combines a systematic review of the literature and semi-structured interviews with 54 stakeholders, the research identifies key sustainability and productivity challenges based on the five capital assets of the sustainable livelihood framework (SLF). This study suggests a set of recommendations for addressing these challenges, including the development of a shared vision for sustainability and productivity, investment in different capital assets, and the use of effective supply chain collaboration such as information sharing, goal congruence, decision synchronization, incentive alignment, resource sharing, collaborative communication, and joint knowledge creation.This research identifies that farmers, middlemen, and processing and packaging companies in the saffron supply chain of Iran experienced challenges in their capital assets such as financial, human, social, physical, and natural capital. Furthermore, supply chain collaboration indicators had a significant impact on the productivity of their capital assets. The study's recommendations are essential for policymakers and supply chain actors seeking to achieve sustainable business models not only for saffron but also for other agricultural products. It provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for achieving sustainable business models in the agriculture supply chain, specifically in the saffron industry in Iran.Overall, this thesis provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for achieving sustainable business models in the agriculture supply chain of Iran. By addressing the sustainability and productivity challenges faced by the saffron supply chain, stakeholders can create a more sustainable and productive supply chain for the future. The findings can be useful for researchers and practitioners interested in sustainable agriculture and supply chain management.
Author: Mohsen Ebrahimi, Seyed
Language: English
Subfield: Strategy and Management
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7007898096
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