Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)

Abstract Background and Objective: With the intensification of climate crises, the ecological behavior of employees has become the driving force of organizational sustainability. This necessity is of strategic importance in the metropolis of Ahvaz, due to the acute environmental and industrial challenges. The realization of these behaviors requires more than formal requirements, the internalization of green culture and strengthening organizational commitment to institutionalize voluntary environmental actions in the context of this region. In this regard, the aim of the present study is to rank the factors affecting the ecological behavior of employees in Ahvaz with an emphasis on commitment and green culture.
Methodology:The present research is of an applied type and is descriptive-analytical in terms of methodology.In the first step, by systematically monitoring theoretical literature and international experiences, key indicators promoting green behaviors were extracted. In the operational phase, to analyze the network of internal relationships and determine the final weight of the criteria, the DANP hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approach (combination of DEMETL and ANP) was used. Finally, using the opinions of the expert panel (consisting of 50 environmental management and human resources experts), the final ranking of the indicators was developed to present a native model that is consistent with the industrial ecosystem of Ahvaz.
Results and Findings:The results of the study showed that green organizational culture is the main foundation of ecological behavior in Ahvaz, and the indicators of "green learning" and "awareness of the micro-dust crisis" have the highest priority in the behavioral transformation of employees. Based on the Dematel and Supermatrix analysis, tangible symbols and managerial values ​​are considered as causal factors, the main drivers of the formation of emotional commitments and innovative (deflective) behaviors in the organization. Also; the findings indicate that organizational pride and recognition of the depth of the environmental disaster have a much greater impact on improving ecological performance than external rewards or mandatory laws. Finally, success in ranking the factors affecting the green behavior of Ahvaz employees does not depend on coercion, but on specialized climate training and institutionalizing identity links with the organization's environmental goals.

Abstract Background and Objective: The development of organizational sports (such as in Ahvaz Drilling Company) is a strategic necessity, not a welfare activity; as it directly affects the productivity, health and reduction of absenteeism of employees. Currently, the lack of a scientific model to understand the factors affecting this development in the local context of Iran has caused the failure of programs and waste of resources. Therefore, accurate modeling of these factors (infrastructure, culture and managerial support) is a fundamental step to develop and implement sports programs based on scientific evidence and tailored to the local needs of employees.
Methodology: In this regard, the main purpose of the present study is to investigate the factors affecting sports applications in the development of organizational sports, employees of Ahvaz City Drilling Company. The statistical population of the present study was 100 people selected as a statistical sample using Morgan's formula and studied. Data analysis was carried out through correlation analysis and structural equation modeling using SPSS and Smart PLS software.
Results and Findings: The results of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicate a favorable overall fit of the organizational sports development model, as most sub-indices with factor loadings higher than 0.5 confirm the reliability and structural validity of the model for the five main factors (management, infrastructure, social, economic, and individual). This finding proves the strong ability of the model to measure the desired constructs. However, factor loadings with lower explanatory power were observed in some specific dimensions (such as investment sub-indices and some coach competencies), which indicates the need to strengthen and measure these dimensions more accurately in future research to increase the validity of the model in those areas. Also, divergent validity was successfully confirmed based on the Fornell and Larker criterion, which indicates complete conceptual distinction and independence between the five main factors of the model.

Abstract Background and Objective: The Tehran-Alborz urban complex faces numerous environmental problems due to its large population and rapid urbanization growth. Thus, planning for the development of human activities should be done in a way that causes the least damage to the region and its urban environment. In the present study, strategic planning and identification of environmental strategies were addressed in the macro-vision of the development of the Tehran-Alborz urban complex with the aim of achieving optimal management in the exploitation of natural resources.
Methodology: In this study, management strategies in sustainable urban development planning were identified and formulated using the SWOT-PESTLE model. The methodological steps of the present study include "identifying and analyzing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats", "preparing an internal and external evaluation matrix", "scoring internal and external factors in the form of a 5-point Likert scale", "determining strategic position (SO, ST, WO, WT)", "formulating and prioritizing strategies according to the opinions of specialists and experts and using the ANP weighting model.
Results and Findings: According to the results, among the internal and external factors, threat points have the highest score with a sum of -0.525. Also, external factors (opportunities and threats) with a total score of 0.091 have a higher score than internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) with a total score of 0.042. Also, the proportion of strategies in each of the strategic areas includes 29 percent of the status quo strategy (WT), 24 percent of the participatory development and empowerment strategy (WO), 26 percent of the performance improvement strategy (ST), and finally 23 percent of the comprehensive development strategy (SO). Therefore, the strategic position of the Tehran-Alborz urban complex is equivalent to the "WT" strategy, considering the percentage allocated to each of the strategies. According to the strategies presented in this study, the strategic and management planning of the Tehran-Alborz urban complex strives to help planners and decision-makers achieve integrated management and formulate development models based on the ecological potential and biological capacities of the region and control and manage environmental threats to protect natural areas and biological resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

Abstract Background and Objective: Urban megaprojects, as driving forces of transformation, play a decisive role in shaping the structure of cities; however, their impacts on the sustainable development of surrounding neighborhoods are complex and sometimes contradictory. The establishment of the Grand Mosalla of Tehran in the Abbas Abad neighborhood, in addition to significant physical changes, has led to the emergence of a paradox between economic prosperity and the quality of life of residents, which necessitates a scientific investigation of its underlying components. This study aims to identify and analyze the components affecting local sustainable development around Tehran’s Mosalla and to examine the interrelationships among these components.
Methodology: In terms of nature, the research is descriptive–analytical, and in terms of purpose, it is applied. Field data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire from 384 residents of the Abbas Abad neighborhood. To analyze the data and extract the latent dimensions of the project’s impacts, statistical tests including the t-test, factor analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis were employed using statistical software.
Results and Findings: The results of the factor analysis revealed that the impacts of the project can be classified into nine main factors encompassing infrastructural, economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Moreover, the findings of the correlation analysis indicated a significant relationship between infrastructural and economic growth and environmental challenges as well as demographic changes. In other words, although the presence of the Mosalla has led to increased employment, improved services, and physical transformations, this development process has simultaneously been accompanied by a reduction in green space per capita, increased pollution, and the displacement of the indigenous population. The study concludes that achieving sustainable development in this neighborhood requires managing the conflict between the components of economic growth and the preservation of environmental quality and social stability.

Abstract Background and Objective: The Urmia Plain, as one of the most sensitive ecosystems in western Iran, has undergone extensive land use transformations in recent decades under the pressure of anthropogenic activities and environmental changes. These changes can have irreversible consequences for food security, local livelihoods, and environmental health. This study aimed to identify and quantitatively analyze the trends of land use and land cover (LULC) change in the Urmia Plain over a 36-year period (1984-2020) using Landsat satellite imagery.
Methodology: This study utilized Landsat 5 (TM), Landsat 7 (ETM+), and Landsat 8 (OLI) satellite images from 1984, 2000, and 2020. After performing necessary preprocessing steps, supervised classification using the Maximum Likelihood Classifier (MLC) algorithm was implemented in ENVI software. Land use maps were extracted for six main classes (agriculture and orchard, rangeland, built-up, barren land, water bodies, and salt marshes), and their accuracy was assessed using an error matrix and the metrics of overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient.
Results and Findings: The results indicated that over the study period, the extent of agriculture and orchard lands (increasing from 22% to 26%) and built-up areas increased, while water bodies (33%) and rangelands (22%) experienced a concerning declining trend. Concurrently, the area of barren lands and salt marshes also increased. A comparison of the two time periods revealed that the degradation process has accelerated, particularly after the year 2000, leading to the establishment of a detrimental degradation cycle, which underscores the urgent need for revising management strategies.

Abstract Background and Objective: The increasing growth of urban environments has brought environmental problems to cities in the 21st century. These problems have led to the instability of urban environments. Various approaches have been proposed to achieve urban balance and sustainability, one of which is ecological city. The aim of this research is to investigate the role of physical development and urban density in achieving ecological development in the city of Dorche.
Methodology: The research method in the present study is quantitative in terms of paradigm, applied in terms of purpose, and descriptive-analytical in nature. The method of data collection was library and survey; Shannon and Holdern entropy model was used to evaluate urban sprawl, and GIS and SPSS software were used to analyze the data.
Results and findings: The results of the research through the Shannon entropy model show that the value of H between 1390 and 1400 is 1.5165 and 1.4084 respectively and the value of Ln (7) is 1.9459 and the entropy coefficient has decreased between 1390 and 1400; the results of the Holdern model show that between 1335 and 1400, about 92 percent of the city's physical growth was related to population growth and 8 percent was related to the city's horizontal and spiral growth; therefore, the conditions for the formation of mixed and intensive use in terms of ecological structure are available in this city. Also, according to the studies conducted from 1390 to today (1404), urban growth has been controlled and the area of ​​the city's boundary has decreased by 36 hectares compared to the area approved in previous plans, and the horizontal and irregular expansion of the city has been prevented; In fact, this change has caused the city to move towards a compact city. This type of growth is in line with its ecological potential and can contribute to the ecological development and sustainability of the city economically, physically, and socially.

Abstract Background and Aim: According to the teachings of Islam, justice is one of the most basic and fundamental principles governing the biological system and human behavior. Among them, there are some urban areas that, in terms of spatial justice distribution, not only do not meet the needs of citizens and their equal access to urban uses, but also create problems for citizens. In Iran, many urban development plans and programs are not based on the rules of Islam and the paradigms of an Islamic society. Therefore, following the example of foreigners in the design and planning process in Islamic cities is prohibited and not permissible. The purpose of this article is to extract the dos and don'ts of Islamic rulings in the distribution of spatial justice of educational uses and green space in Iranian-Islamic urban development
Methodology: The present research method is descriptive-analytical and the data was collected based on library resources (including the results of the general population and housing census of the country and the comprehensive plan of Mashhad city) and field methods in the form of physical observations. Using the method of text content analysis and logical reasoning, the factors affecting the realizability of spatial justice distribution in Iranian-Islamic urban planning have been extracted.
Findings and Results: The results show that the area under study has not been able to benefit from Islamic rulings in spatial justice distribution and achieve its lofty goals. Therefore, in order to establish justice in the distribution of space and equal access to uses in an Islamic city for the general public, especially the underprivileged, it is imperative to observe Islamic jurisprudential rules in the preparation and implementation of urban development plans.

Abstract Background and Objective: Despite the widespread implementation of road traffic restrictions in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is little quantitative evidence regarding the spatial effectiveness of these policies at the intra-provincial scale. The present study aimed to analyze the impact of traffic restrictions on the spatiotemporal dynamics of COVID-19 in Kurdistan Province and to test five quantitative hypotheses.
Methodology: In this study, a balanced panel of 10 counties of Kurdistan Province was constructed for the period 2019–2022, and spatial autocorrelation was examined using the Global Moran's I index. A spatial lag panel model with random effects and a K-nearest neighbor weight matrix was estimated. The policy variable (the proportion of months with travel bans) was extracted from the announcements of the National COVID-19 Taskforce and entered into the model in the form of interaction terms with traffic and migration variables. Direct, indirect, and total effects were calculated through matrix inversion (I − λW)⁻¹, and the robustness of the results was assessed using six different spatial weight matrices.
Results and Findings: The Global Moran's I index was non-significant for all years (p-value > 0.05); however, the spatial lag model revealed a strong and significant spatial autoregressive coefficient (λ = 0.812, p < 0.001) (confirming H2). The coefficient for "bus travel" was positive and significant (β = 0.100, p = 0.004), whereas the coefficient for "private car travel", contrary to expectations, was negative and significant (β = -0.0073, p < 0.001) (partially confirming H1). The interaction terms of restrictions with car and bus traffic were nonsignificant (rejecting H3). The "restrictions × migration" interaction was positive and significant (β = 0.271, p = 0.045) (confirming H4). Hypothesis H5 was not tested due to the absence of daily mortality data. For all variables, spillover effects outweighed direct effects (for main road density: direct effect = 2.275 versus indirect effect = 5.706). The results remained robust across the six weight matrices. Hence, uniform road traffic restrictions, in the absence of essential travel management, shifted the disease transmission pathway from public travel to exempted migrations. The strong spatial autocorrelation and the predominance of spillover effects necessitate the design of regional and coordinated inter-county interventions. Policy evaluation in regions with a small number of spatial units requires advanced spatial models, and simple tests such as Moran's I are insufficient.

Abstract Background and Objective: Since citizenship is one of the key concepts in understanding and describing the position and condition of modern man, it requires that the needs of this position be given an appropriate and appropriate response through a chain of cultural and educational activities. In the meantime, with the increasing urban population, the role of urban organizations and, most importantly, municipalities in promoting culture and its importance in the lives of citizens is undeniable. Therefore, the main purpose of the present study is to evaluate the role of cultural activities of municipalities in promoting the general culture of the city of Naqadeh.
Methodology: The present study was of a descriptive-analytical type, and two library and field methods were used to collect information. The statistical population of the study was the population of the city of Naqadeh (81,598 people), and the sample size was calculated based on the Cochran formula of 382 people. Field data were collected using a questionnaire that was developed by the researcher and collected randomly. In order to analyze the information, the T-test was used in the SPSS software environment.
Results and Findings: The research findings show that 12 items were used to examine the cultural impact index on promoting public culture, and that holding short-term training courses for different segments of citizens with an average of 4.6 and building neighborhood centers with an average of 4.66 had the greatest impact on promoting public culture from the perspective of citizens. The results show that efforts to develop cultural infrastructure and create neighborhood centers and centers and utilize the funds to implement cultural and social programs are very necessary.

Abstract Background and Objective: With the intensification of climate crises, the ecological behavior of employees has become the driving force of organizational sustainability. This necessity is of strategic importance in the metropolis of Ahvaz, due to the acute environmental and industrial challenges. The realization of these behaviors requires more than formal requirements, the internalization of green culture and strengthening organizational commitment to institutionalize voluntary environmental actions in the context of this region. In this regard, the aim of the present study is to rank the factors affecting the ecological behavior of employees in Ahvaz with an emphasis on commitment and green culture.
Methodology: The present research is of an applied type and is descriptive-analytical in terms of methodology.In the first step, by systematically monitoring theoretical literature and international experiences, key indicators promoting green behaviors were extracted. In the operational phase, to analyze the network of internal relationships and determine the final weight of the criteria, the DANP hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approach (combination of DEMETL and ANP) was used. Finally, using the opinions of the expert panel (consisting of 50 environmental management and human resources experts), the final ranking of the indicators was developed to present a native model that is consistent with the industrial ecosystem of Ahvaz.
Results and Findings: The results of the study showed that green organizational culture is the main foundation of ecological behavior in Ahvaz, and the indicators of "green learning" and "awareness of the micro-dust crisis" have the highest priority in the behavioral transformation of employees. Based on the Dematel and Supermatrix analysis, tangible symbols and managerial values ​​are considered as causal factors, the main drivers of the formation of emotional commitments and innovative (deflective) behaviors in the organization. Also; the findings indicate that organizational pride and recognition of the depth of the environmental disaster have a much greater impact on improving ecological performance than external rewards or mandatory laws. Finally, success in ranking the factors affecting the green behavior of Ahvaz employees does not depend on coercion, but on specialized climate training and institutionalizing identity links with the organization's environmental goals.

Abstract Background and Objective: Environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of the United Nations’ agenda for achieving sustainable urban development. Understanding the complex interplay between urban ecosystems and the natural environment is crucial for addressing contemporary urban environmental challenges. Rooted in ecological principles, the establishment of eco-parks plays a fundamental role in sustainable urban development by aiming to support the spiritual needs of citizens, protect biodiversity, and minimize human intervention in natural habitats. These spaces are also essential for enhancing urban environmental quality and fostering human-nature interaction. This study aims to identify the factors through which the Shahmanzar Eco-park influences the environment of Hafshejan city.
Methodology: This applied research employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing library and documentary studies, field surveys, and interviews. The statistical population consisted of the residents of Hafshejan, from which a sample of 380 citizens was selected using random sampling. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, employing statistical tests including the t-test and multiple regression analysis.
Results and Findings: The evaluation results indicate that the Shahmanzar Eco-park has had the highest impact on the urban environment of Hafshejan in the “Environmental Index” (mean = 3.20) and the lowest impact in the “Economic Services Index” (mean = 1.80). Furthermore, the regression analysis revealed that the Environmental Index, with a coefficient of 0.029, has the most significant impact on the environmental quality and urban sustainability of Hafshejan.

Abstract Background and Objective: Rural housing in Iran, despite its central role in sustainable development and national security, has always been marginalized in development policies. This study aims to explain the evolution of rural housing policies in Iran during two periods, pre- and post-Islamic Revolution (1956-2011), and to evaluate the success of these policies in achieving safe, high-quality housing appropriate for the rural way of life.
Methodology: This is an applied study with a descriptive-analytical approach based on secondary quantitative analysis. Data were collected from population and housing censuses, reports of the Housing Foundation of the Islamic Revolution, and development plan documents. The research instrument included four main indicators (number of residential units, access to basic infrastructure, ownership rate, and household density). Data analysis was conducted using historical trend analysis.
Results and Findings: Results show that before the Revolution, over 52% of rural housing units were built with low-durability materials, and less than 9% had access to piped water. After the Revolution, the establishment of the Housing Foundation, implementation of rural guide plans (covering 70% of villages), retrofitting programs (60% achievement in the Fourth Development Plan), and granting of banking facilities (renovation of 260,000 units by 2011) led to quantitative and qualitative transformation. However, the elimination of livelihood spaces, reduction of floor area (55-65 m²), and imitation of urban housing patterns remain key challenges. Overall, Iran's rural housing policies have achieved relative but incomplete success. The future path requires attention to qualitative, cultural, and livelihood dimensions and movement toward a participatory and people-centered approach. The innovation of this research lies in the simultaneous analysis of four key indicators over a long-term period (more than five decades).

Abstract Background and Objective: The rapid growth of urbanization, large-scale migration, and the transformation of socio-economic structures in recent decades have turned urban quality of life into one of the critical concerns of urban planning. In this context, the city of Izeh faces multiple challenges across economic, social, cultural-service, and physical-environmental dimensions.
Methodology: This study aims to evaluate and rank the indicators of urban quality of life in Izeh using the multi-criteria decision-making VIKOR model. The research is applied in purpose and descriptive-analytical in method. The statistical population included 382 residents of Izeh, selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected via a researcher-made questionnaire and documentary sources. After normalization, indices of utility (S), regret (R), and the VIKOR index (Q) were calculated for each dimension.
Results and Findings: Findings revealed that the physical-environmental dimension ranked first (Q=0.04691), reflecting relative satisfaction with infrastructure, green spaces, and housing. The economic dimension ranked second (Q=0.22093), but showed the necessity for improvements in job opportunities and income equality. The social (Q=0.63780) and cultural-service (Q=1.00000) dimensions were ranked third and fourth, respectively, highlighting weaknesses in social participation, public services, and cultural facilities. These results indicate that while residents are relatively satisfied with the physical-environmental aspects, significant challenges persist in economic, social, and cultural-service dimensions. The study concludes that although the physical-environmental dimension demonstrates relative strength, substantial deficiencies exist in other dimensions. These findings provide a scientific basis for developing urban policies and planning strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Izeh and other similar cities.

Abstract Background and Objective: Regional development in many parts of the country faces challenges such as spatial inequalities, weak infrastructure, and planning inefficiencies, and Ilam Province is no exception. In such conditions, spatial planning, as a scientific approach to organizing space, can play an effective role in improving development efficiency. The main objective of this research is to investigate the impact of different dimensions of spatial planning on regional development inefficiency in Ilam city
Methodology: This study is applied-developmental in terms of objective and descriptive-analytical in nature. The required data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire based on environmental-physical, social, economic, and institutional indicators. For data analysis, the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method and AMOS software were employed, and the model’s fit was evaluated using standard indices. Furthermore, Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure the reliability of the instrument, and factor loadings and related tests were utilized for construct validity.
Results and Findings: Research findings indicate that various dimensions of Spatial Planning have a significant impact on reducing the inefficiency of regional development. Among these, the environmental-physical dimension has the most significant impact, while the institutional dimension has the least direct impact, although its indirect effects are noteworthy. Furthermore, the overall construct of Spatial Planning demonstrated a strong positive influence on improving regional development. The results suggest that attention to the principles of Spatial Planning, strengthening infrastructure, upgrading services, and improving the quality of governance can pave the way for more balanced development in Ilam province.

Abstract Background and Objective: Buildings are considered the leading energy consumers, representing 40% of global energy usage. In Iran, due to insufficient focus on energy issues by both the population and authorities, over 40% of total energy consumption is allocated to this sector. The primary aim of this research is to assess the influence of each design parameter (form, envelope, openings, and roof) from the viewpoint of professionals in this field, focusing on residential apartment designs for energy reduction in Iran’s humid and moderate climate. The secondary goal is to rank these components (form, envelope, openings, and roof) in terms of their energy-saving potential, as advised by experts.
Methodology: This research adopts an applied methodology, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative techniques based on the nature of the data. In the qualitative phase, thematic analysis was employed to prioritize the components and define the critical design elements for reducing energy consumption. Initially, 41 indicators were identified for the four main parameters (form, envelope, openings, and roof). The quantitative phase involved using a questionnaire, with expert feedback ensuring the accuracy of the findings, leading to the identification and ranking of 37 final indicators.
Results and Findings: The results reveal that, from the experts' point of view, to reduce energy consumption in residential apartments in Iran’s humid and moderate climate, the envelope and openings components received the highest rankings, with weights of 0.383 and 0.312, respectively. Among envelope elements, the highest weight was given to avoiding metal materials. For openings, the most significant factor was the optimal placement of windows. In terms of roof design, the most valued element was the use of sloped roofs, while for form, the spacing between buildings ranked the highest. Experts in this field suggest that following the prioritization proposed in this study could effectively contribute to lowering energy consumption in residential apartments in the target climate.

Abstract Background and Objective: Tourism has a special place in the global economy and has allocated a large part of planning and investments in developed and developing countries. Today, the tourism industry has been raised as an important goal in the development of cities, and it is likely that each city will face specific challenges on the way to achieving its goals. The purpose of this study is to analyze the challenges of segmenting the urban tourism market in Tabriz metropolis: with an emphasis on geographical and demographic components.
Methodology: The research method in this study is quantitative in terms of paradigm, applied in terms of purpose, and descriptive-analytical in nature. The data collection method was library and survey; and SPSS software and a single-sample T-test were used to analyze them. The statistical population of the study included all Iranian and foreign tourists entering Tabriz in the first six months of 1402, and the research questionnaire was distributed among the available samples (343 people) by attending accommodation centers, air, road, rail and intracity passenger terminals, as well as major tourist attractions.
Results and findings: According to the results, among the two components of market segmentation under study, with the exception of demographic components with an average of 2.41; geographical components with an average of 3.57 have the most significant and positive impact on travel decision factors and satisfaction of incoming tourists, and consequently on the development of urban tourism in this metropolis. Also, the seasonality of the tourism market and the polarization of the effects of attractions with mainly historical, cultural, and medical-therapeutic importance, as well as the regionality of the domestic market and its sphere of influence limited to the northwest of the country due to its distance from the center of Iran, along with the foreign market specific to neighboring countries and mostly in transit and passing through, and the lack of formation of a proper destination personality for this metropolis, as a result of the aforementioned issues, can be considered the main challenges to the development of the tourism market in this metropolis.