Sustainable Supply Chain Management in Rural Cooperatives: A Novel Approach Based on Digital Transformation

Document Type : Original Article (Mixed)

Authors

1 Department of Business Administration, Ker.C., Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran

2 Department of Business Administration, Ker.C., Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran.

3 Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, Khor.C., Islamic Azad University, Khorramabad, Iran.

10.22034/jnamm.2026.590843.1336
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine sustainable supply chain management in rural cooperatives: a novel approach based on digital transformation. This research was applied in nature and conducted using a cross-sectional survey method. In terms of implementation, it employed a mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative) and was based on grounded theory. The statistical population of the study consisted of 16 managers and members of rural cooperatives in Lorestan Province. The data collection tool was a semi-structured interview, and interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. In the qualitative phase, data were analyzed using the fuzzy Delphi method, and in the quantitative phase, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), Excel, and MICMAC were used.The findings indicated that the use of digital technologies can increase transparency, reduce costs, and improve the level of supply chain sustainability. In addition, challenges such as the high cost of implementing digital technologies, insufficient familiarity of managers with digital tools, and resistance to change were identified as some of the barriers to the successful implementation of this approach in rural cooperatives. The results also showed that information technology infrastructure, government support for technology and digitalization, access to sustainable financial resources, and digital technological capabilities had the greatest indirect influence. Among all factors, reducing environmental impacts in the supply process and improving quality of life and employment in rural areas had the greatest level of dependence.

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  • Receive Date 08 May 2026
  • Revise Date 19 July 2026
  • Accept Date 03 August 2026