Factor Analysis of Agricultural Development Indicators from Iranian Agriculture Experts’ Viewpoints

Agriculture and its development is the foundation of development in Iran as a developing country. So, it can be regarded as the foundation for economical and social development. The capabilities of agriculture sector are limited and its efficiency is trivial because of neglecting agricultural development and keeping its support just as a slogan. The transformation of agriculture to a developed, dynamic, efficient environment depends not only on appropriate climate and natural resources but also on human resource development in the relevant sector. The main purpose of the present research was to study and recognize agricultural development indicators from agriculture experts’ viewpoints (including researchers, trainers and extension experts) in six provinces in Iran on the basis of Adjacent Provinces Plan. The study was designed with three phases of theoretical foundations, field operations and data analysis. The statistical population was 863 experts, out of which 198 experts were selected by stratified sampling. The validity and reliability of measurement tool (questionnaire) was analyzed by SPSS software package. The study was a correlation-descriptive study in which factor analysis statistics was used in addition to descriptive statistics. Experts grouped indicators of future agricultural development in nine groups (access to inputs, application of technologies for the development of human resource and sustainability; reduction of losses; economical development; improvement of infrastructures; agricultural mechanization; social status; improvement of marketing; land reform; yield increase). Results about the difference in respondents’ viewpoints revealed significant differences in experts’ viewpoints in six studied province about relevant variables and in their viewpoints about the components of agricultural development (infrastructure improvement, marketing, optimum management and sustainability, human resource development and economical development)

Information technology adoption in small and medium-sized enterprises; an appraisal of two decades literature

Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for major source of employment, technological advancements, and competitive advantages for both developed and developing countries. Owing to the intensified competitive pressure and necessity for entering to global market undergone by SMEs, these businesses are incrementally employing Information Technology (IT) to take advantage of its substantial benefits. Most of prior researches have more focused on IT adoption in large organizations. However, and with regard to the limited resources controlled by SMEs, the process of IT adoption in this business sector is considerably different. The purpose of this paper is to analyze and contrast the internal and external issues affecting the process of IT adoption in SMEs to provide clearer understanding of this process by reviewing IT adoption literature, which includes more than 20 years of empirical research and case studies from a variety of databases with high concentration on certain SME-related issues. Proposed integrated framework demonstrates the process of IT adoption in SMEs through reviewing exiting perspectives in the literature. This study will assist different parties involved with adoption process including managers, vendors, consultants, and governments to achieve a practical synopsis of the IT adoption process in SMEs, which is believed to assist them with successful adoption

Designing a model to empower the educational system performance of agricultural vocational schools

This research aimed to compare the perspective of trainers and trainees at agricultural vocational schools in Iran regarding the empowerment of the educational system. It is an applied study in orientation, a hypothesis-testing study in goal, and a comparative causal study in strategy. Data were collected with a researcher-made questionnaire. The statistical population was composed of all trainers and trainees of the agricultural vocational schools in the 2020-2021 educational year amounting to 1119 trainees and 120 trainers, out of whom 169 trainees were sampled by simple randomisation and 120 trainers were sampled by the consensus method to participate in the research. The data were analysed in the Smart PLS3 and SPSS version 23 software packages. In addition to the descriptive statistics, the construct validity and the fit of the model were determined by confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The management process, the educational process, curriculum content, technical teacher training, and the supply of space, equipment, and technology have positive and significant effects on the empowerment of the educational system at the agricultural vocational schools in both the trainers' and trainees’ groups. The empowerment of the educational system at agricultural vocational schools is effective in achieving quality assurance in the educational system and subsequently, improving its quality continuously. This paper contributes to developing a theoretical framework by considering the dimensions and components underpinning an empowering educational system. This study is the first attempt to compare the perspective of trainers and trainees about an empowering educational system in agricultural vocational schools. The study provides a framework in which special attention is paid to the empowerment of the educational system at these schools so that the managers and trainers can work with more authority and play a role in improving the educational system of the agricultural vocational schools

Electronic commerce‐enabled supply chain process integration and business value

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a model to analyze the relationships between three aspects of technical electronic commerce (EC)‐based information system (IS) resources; the supply chain process integration; and business value. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is consistent with the perspective on IS‐enabled organizational capabilities and resource based view of the firm. A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted to collect data from 214 supply chain, logistics, or procurement/purchasing managers of leading manufacturing firms. Findings: The findings suggest that supply chain process integration, a key EC‐enabled organizational capability, can enhance business value. We found that this capability serve as a catalyst in transforming technical EC‐based IS resources (technical quality of EC applications, EC advancements, and EC alignment) into higher value for a firm. Research limitations/implications: Among other limitations, this paper does not address human IS resources as the other potential determinants of firm's supply chain capabilities. Moreover, this study relies on cross‐sectional data. Practical implications: The results suggest that supply chain process integration is an important intermediate organizational capability through which value of EC‐based IS resources can be materialized. The technical aspects of EC‐based IS resources need to be developed to effectively form supply chain capabilities. Originality/value: The paper is perhaps one of the first to show theoretically and empirically how firms, in particular in developing countries, can generate business value from EC‐enabled supply chain process integration; also it broadens the scope of EC alignment in relation to process integration and business value to the entire supply chain

Adoption of Sustainable Soil Management by Farmers in Iran Adoption of Sustainable Soil Management by Farmers in Iran

ABSTRACT Farmers in the Garmsar Township of Semnan Province in Iran were surveyed in order to explore their perception about the factors influencing the adoption of sustainable soil management. The total population for this study was 8875 farmers in the Garmsar Township and 192 respondents were selected through random sampling. The data was analyzed by using factor analysis technique. Based on the perception of the respondents and factor analysis, factors were categorized into four groups: education, economic, farming and policy making factors. These factors were then ordered by the magnitude of their impact

THE ROLE OF EXTENSIONAL PROGRAMS ON PROMOTING THE PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR OF GARMSAR POULTRY KEEPERS IN CONTROLLING NEWCASTLE DISEASE

ABSTRACT: The aim of this research is to investigate the role of extensional programs on promoting the professional behavior of Garmsar poultry keepers for controlling Newcastle disease. This is an applied study. The statistical population is all of Garmsar poultry keepers (80 people). The research tool is a questionnaire that was prepared according to the literary background of the subject. In order to determine the validity of the subject, some questionnaires are given to agriculture professors, graduates and experts. Cronbach alpha coefficient of this research is calculated (81%). Results of stepwise regression show that the visiting of sample poultry farms is the most important factor in promoting the professional behavior of poultry keepers by 15.8% variance. Furthermore, there are the variables of discussion sessions with manufactures, practical training, recommendations of local manufactures and training by show method, respectively. Based on results, we conclude that the show methods associated discussions are the best and most effective factor for promoting professional behavior of Garmsar poultry keepers in controlling Newcastle disease

Factor Analysis of Agricultural Development Indicators from Iranian Agriculture Experts’ Viewpoints

Agriculture and its development is the foundation of development in Iran as a developing country. So, it can be regarded as the foundation for economical and social development. The capabilities of agriculture sector are limited and its efficiency is trivial because of neglecting agricultural development and keeping its support just as a slogan. The trans- formation of agriculture to a developed, dynamic, efficient environment depends not only on appropriate climate and natural resources but also on human resource development in the relevant sector. The main purpose of the present research was to study and recognize agricultural development indicators from agriculture experts’ viewpoints (including researchers, trainers and extension experts) in six provinces in Iran on the basis of Adjacent Provinces Plan. The study was designed with three phases of theoretical foundations, field operations and data analysis. The statistical population was 863 experts, out of which 198 experts were selected by stratified sampling. The validity and reliability of measurement tool (questionnaire) was analyzed by SPSS software package. The study was a correlation-descriptive study in which factor analysis statistics was used in addition to descriptive statistics. Experts grouped indicators of future agricultural development in nine groups (access to inputs, application of technologies for the development of human resource and sustainability; reduction of losses; economical development; improvement of infrastructures; agricultural mechanization; social status; improvement of marketing; land reform; yield increase). Results about the difference in respondents’ viewpoints revealed significant differences in experts’ viewpoints in six studied province about relevant variables and in their viewpoints about the components of agricultural development (infrastructure improvement, marketing, optimum management and sustainability, human resource development and economical development)

The Effective Factors In Nutritional Management Knowledge And A Proper Educational Plan For Broiler Farmers, A Case Study in Garmsar Township

The study was conducted to determine the effective factors in nutritional management knowledge and design a proper educational plan for broiler farmers in Garmsar Township. The used methodological approach was descriptive-correlation. Eighty-eight questionnaires were collected and analyzed of 98 broiler farmers active in Garmsar. The content and face validity of the questionnaires and reliability of analysis were respectively specified and calculated according to guide, and Cronbach Alpha coefficient was calculated α=0.86 for the whole using SPSS software. Results indicated that role of extension methods in increasing the knowledge was very low to very high between the different methods. The correlation analysis indicated significant and positive relationships for farm capacity, income level, exhibitive educational methods and survey of modern farms with thefarmers’ knowledge. Results of multiple regression analysis as step by step indicated that two variables of exhibitive and survey educational methods explain significantly 56.2 percentages of the total variance. Therefore, the regression equation was: the plan = 0.664 (Exhibitive method) + 0.292 (Survey method). In conclusion, best educational plan is education of appropriate literatures with emphasis on the priorities via best methods especially exhibitive and survey methods

A Model for Slow Food Extension; Based on Grounded Theory

The present study aimed to determine extension requirements for slow food (SF) and to provide a model for SF extension in Iran condition. The study employed the systematic approach of grounded theory for model development. The statistical population was composed of all key experts of SF extension of which 15 individuals were selected as the sample by the purposive sampling technique. Data were collected by semi-structured interview method and analyzed by the systematic approach of grounded theory through the three stages of open, axial, and selective coding. The reliability of the findings was checked by members matching and peer review. For members matching, four participants of the final report reviewed the first stage of analysis and the derived categories. The results of the analysis showed that 169 initial codes derived at the first stage of open coding were narrowed to 37 codes and were finally grouped into six categories. It was tried in the research to use SF extension experts’ views to answer the question as to how a model can be presented for SF extension by grounded theory. This model is based on a rational pattern that includes the causes and factors underpinning SF, contexts, supporting conditions in the SF model, strategies, and consequences of people’s lack of tendency towards developing an SF-based lifestyle. People’s awareness and knowledge were emphasized by both previous research and the experts interviewed here. The results show that people’s participation in decision-making has a significant impact on the SF model and all individual citizens should be covered by the training programs to reach sustainable food diets

Impact of Peripheral Factors on Reducing the Consequences of the Targeted Subsidies from the Greenhouse Owners' View Point: The Case of Semnan Province, Iran

The purpose of this study was to investigate the peripheral factors on reducing the consequences of the targeted subsidies from the view point of greenhouse owners of Semnan Province, Iran. The population of the study comprised greenhouse owners of Semnan Province. The sample size was calculated using Cochran formula and encompassed a number of 287 greenhouse owners. The main research tool used in this study was a questionnaire. SPSS v21was used to analyze the data obtained through the questionnaires. Based on hypotheses and theories, questions were designed, and after testing validity and reliability (based on the dependent variable Cronbach's alpha was calculated equal with 87.8) indices, modifications were performed. To examine the hypotheses of this research, the correlation coefficient was estimated, and a multiple regressions analysis was run. The results showed that current expenses, using the proper structures for constructing greenhouse, method of fuel use, the perfect place of heaters, and the use of skilled workers in the greenhouse had a key role in reducing the impact of targeted subsidies plan (dependent variable) on green- house owners. These variables explained 40.2 per cent of the variance in the dependent variable