Volume 10, Issue 2 (12-2023)
J Entrepreneurial Strategies Agric 2023, 10(2): 73-86 |
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Fathollahpour Kami F, Eshghi F, Karimi S. (2023). Investigating the Impact and Ranking of Productivity Barriers in Mazandaran Province. J Entrepreneurial Strategies Agric. 10(2), 73-86. doi:10.61186/jea.10.20.68
URL: http://jea.sanru.ac.ir/article-1-365-en.html
URL: http://jea.sanru.ac.ir/article-1-365-en.html
1- Management and Planning Organization of Mazandaran Province, Sari, Iran
2- Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran
2- Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran
Abstract: (1713 Views)
Extended Abstract
Background: Economic growth, while not the sole criterion for economic development, has consistently been regarded as a critical indicator of progress. Its significance often surpasses that of other development indicators. One of the primary manifestations of economic growth is the increase in production levels. In today’s world, productivity is recognized as a key factor influencing the economic conditions of nations. Enhancing productivity not only contributes to an increase in gross domestic product (GDP) but also bolsters the competitiveness of countries, ultimately leading to improved public welfare. This study aims to examine the effectiveness and ranking of productivity barriers within the agricultural and industrial sub-sectors in Mazandaran Province. Understanding the dynamics of productivity is essential for fostering economic development, particularly in regions like Mazandaran, where agriculture plays a vital role. The agricultural sector not only provides food security but also supports livelihoods and contributes to the overall economy. Similarly, the industrial sub-sector is crucial for economic diversification and job creation. Therefore, identifying and addressing the barriers to productivity in these sectors is imperative for enhancing economic performance and ensuring sustainable development.
Methods: To investigate the obstacles and challenges affecting productivity in Mazandaran Province, a survey was conducted during the summer of 2022, resulting in the completion of 65 questionnaires by experts and senior managers from various executive bodies in the province. The questionnaires were designed to gather insights on the perceived barriers to productivity within the agricultural and industrial sectors. To analyze the data and estimate the results, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed, utilizing Expert Choice software. This method allowed for the systematic ranking of various productivity barriers based on expert opinions. Furthermore, to examine the interrelationships among the relevant criteria and sub-criteria, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied using Smart PLS software. This dual approach enabled a comprehensive understanding of how different barriers interact and influence each other, providing valuable insights into the complex landscape of productivity challenges.
Results: The analysis yielded normalized weights for the identified criteria, specifically environmental barriers, organizational barriers, and individual barriers. The weights were calculated as follows: environmental barriers received a weight of 1.00, organizational barriers were assigned a weight of 0.966, and individual barriers were given a weight of 0.983. These results indicate that environmental barriers are perceived as the most significant obstacles to productivity, while organizational barriers were viewed as the least impactful. Additionally, factor analysis revealed meaningful relationships among the barriers. Specifically, the hypothesis that environmental barriers influence individual barriers was supported, as was the hypothesis that organizational barriers affect environmental barriers. This suggests a complex interplay between different types of barriers, indicating that addressing one category may have cascading effects on others. The findings from the Analytic Hierarchy Process highlighted specific sub-criteria that emerged as particularly impactful. Among the individual barriers, the low leadership skills of managers were identified as a critical issue. This underscores the importance of effective leadership in driving productivity improvements. In terms of organizational barriers, the lack of a robust performance evaluation system was noted as a significant challenge. Such a system is essential for assessing productivity levels and identifying areas for improvement. Lastly, from the perspective of environmental barriers, the presence of incomplete performance information was highlighted as a major obstacle. Access to accurate and comprehensive data is crucial for informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Conclusion: The results of this study underscore the multifaceted nature of productivity barriers in Mazandaran Province. The Analytic Hierarchy Process indicated that low leadership skills among managers, the absence of an effective performance evaluation system, and incomplete performance information are the most pressing issues affecting productivity. These findings suggest that targeted interventions are necessary to enhance leadership capabilities, establish comprehensive performance evaluation frameworks, and improve access to performance data. Overall, the study reveals that environmental barriers hold the highest importance according to the perspectives of high-ranking officials in organizations across Mazandaran Province. Furthermore, the results of the Structural Equation Modeling analysis reinforce the notion that environmental barriers significantly influence individual barriers, while organizational barriers also play a role in shaping environmental challenges. Addressing these barriers is essential for promoting productivity and, by extension, economic growth in both the agricultural and industrial sectors. Policymakers and stakeholders should prioritize initiatives that enhance leadership training, develop robust performance evaluation systems, and ensure the availability of accurate performance information. By doing so, Mazandaran Province can improve its productivity levels, thereby contributing to broader economic development goals and enhancing the welfare of its citizens. In conclusion, the findings of this research provide a valuable foundation for future studies aimed at exploring productivity challenges in other regions and sectors. Understanding the intricate relationships between various barriers will be crucial for developing effective strategies to foster productivity and drive economic development in a sustainable manner.
Methods: To investigate the obstacles and challenges affecting productivity in Mazandaran Province, a survey was conducted during the summer of 2022, resulting in the completion of 65 questionnaires by experts and senior managers from various executive bodies in the province. The questionnaires were designed to gather insights on the perceived barriers to productivity within the agricultural and industrial sectors. To analyze the data and estimate the results, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed, utilizing Expert Choice software. This method allowed for the systematic ranking of various productivity barriers based on expert opinions. Furthermore, to examine the interrelationships among the relevant criteria and sub-criteria, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied using Smart PLS software. This dual approach enabled a comprehensive understanding of how different barriers interact and influence each other, providing valuable insights into the complex landscape of productivity challenges.
Results: The analysis yielded normalized weights for the identified criteria, specifically environmental barriers, organizational barriers, and individual barriers. The weights were calculated as follows: environmental barriers received a weight of 1.00, organizational barriers were assigned a weight of 0.966, and individual barriers were given a weight of 0.983. These results indicate that environmental barriers are perceived as the most significant obstacles to productivity, while organizational barriers were viewed as the least impactful. Additionally, factor analysis revealed meaningful relationships among the barriers. Specifically, the hypothesis that environmental barriers influence individual barriers was supported, as was the hypothesis that organizational barriers affect environmental barriers. This suggests a complex interplay between different types of barriers, indicating that addressing one category may have cascading effects on others. The findings from the Analytic Hierarchy Process highlighted specific sub-criteria that emerged as particularly impactful. Among the individual barriers, the low leadership skills of managers were identified as a critical issue. This underscores the importance of effective leadership in driving productivity improvements. In terms of organizational barriers, the lack of a robust performance evaluation system was noted as a significant challenge. Such a system is essential for assessing productivity levels and identifying areas for improvement. Lastly, from the perspective of environmental barriers, the presence of incomplete performance information was highlighted as a major obstacle. Access to accurate and comprehensive data is crucial for informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Conclusion: The results of this study underscore the multifaceted nature of productivity barriers in Mazandaran Province. The Analytic Hierarchy Process indicated that low leadership skills among managers, the absence of an effective performance evaluation system, and incomplete performance information are the most pressing issues affecting productivity. These findings suggest that targeted interventions are necessary to enhance leadership capabilities, establish comprehensive performance evaluation frameworks, and improve access to performance data. Overall, the study reveals that environmental barriers hold the highest importance according to the perspectives of high-ranking officials in organizations across Mazandaran Province. Furthermore, the results of the Structural Equation Modeling analysis reinforce the notion that environmental barriers significantly influence individual barriers, while organizational barriers also play a role in shaping environmental challenges. Addressing these barriers is essential for promoting productivity and, by extension, economic growth in both the agricultural and industrial sectors. Policymakers and stakeholders should prioritize initiatives that enhance leadership training, develop robust performance evaluation systems, and ensure the availability of accurate performance information. By doing so, Mazandaran Province can improve its productivity levels, thereby contributing to broader economic development goals and enhancing the welfare of its citizens. In conclusion, the findings of this research provide a valuable foundation for future studies aimed at exploring productivity challenges in other regions and sectors. Understanding the intricate relationships between various barriers will be crucial for developing effective strategies to foster productivity and drive economic development in a sustainable manner.
Keywords: Analytic Hierarchy Process, Mazandaran Province, Operational plan, Organizational barriers, Structural equation modelling
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