دکتر احمد یعقوبی فرانی

In today's competitive business environment, gaining a competitive edge and achieving greater success compared to competitors is very important for business owners and enterprises. Managers are constantly seeking ways to identify the competitive environment and analyze the conditions of competitors and the market to achieve higher levels of performance. Among the effective strategies for enhancing the organization's capacity to more accurately analyze the conditions of competitors and the market situation, gain competitive advantage, new markets and emerging business opportunities, is the utilization of competitive intelligence. Competitive intelligence, as a process of receiving and analyzing information related to the external environment of the organization and the activities of competitors, suppliers, customers, new technologies, markets, products and services can influence the programs, decision-making and operations of the organization and significantly impact its performance and success. Over the past few decades, agricultural production units and the food industry have faced pressures from increasing population and food demand, climate changes, energy shortages, and the necessity to consider sustainability criteria. This situation has continually exposed them to variable and uncertain environmental conditions. This highlights the need to change policies and approaches of these units to better adapt to the competitive production and trade environment and changing environmental conditions using competitive intelligence tools and techniques. Among the agricultural production units, processing and supplementary industries play a crucial role in producing and processing diverse food products, improving the storage capacity of food, preventing agricultural production waste, increasing productivity and value added in agriculture, creating employment, and achieving food security. Therefore, they hold a strategic position in agricultural development. Considering the growing capacities in the food industry and processing units in the agricultural sector in Lorestan province of Iran, this study aimed at examining the competitive intelligence among managers of small-scale processing and supplementary agricultural units and as well as elucidating and analyzing how the competitive intelligence dimensions impact the performance of the mentioned units. In this study, the dimensions of competitive intelligence among the managers of agricultural processing industries and their relationship with the performance of their businesses were examined. Thus, this study could be considered as descriptive-correlational research conducted through survey studies. The statistical population of the study included managers of active agricultural processing and supplementary industries in Lorestan province (201 people). Based on Cochran's sample size determination formula, 132 people were determined as the sample size, which was increased to 140 people for greater assurance. These managers were randomly selected as the research sample and surveyed for this study. The independent variables examined in this study were competitor intelligence, market intelligence, technological intelligence, organizational structural intelligence, and social-strategic intelligence. The study results indicated that the managers had a relative understanding of each of competitive dimensions. The average score in all five dimensions of competitive intelligence was above average. If competitive intelligence was assumed to encompass information related to the status of competitors, customers, suppliers, technologies, environments, and potential business relations, the managers in this study could be considered as individuals with moderate to high levels of knowledge and information in areas related to competitors, technology, market, customers, and the social business environment. This level of competitive intelligence can aid them in proper evaluation and strategic decision-making, which is likely to improve business unit performance. The research model's evaluation showed that the model, including the five competitive intelligence dimensions (technological intelligence, market intelligence, competitor intelligence, social-strategic intelligence, and organizational structural intelligence), had relatively good overall fit, explaining 49 percent of the variance in the performance of the processing industries.Conclusion and Suggestions: Based on the results of the research, it can be said that managers' intelligent understanding of market conditions and changes, and related variables such as customers, producers, and suppliers, play a key role in business success. Undoubtedly, unions and associations related to these enterprises can play a fundamental role in comprehensively enhancing the capacity and level of competitive intelligence among managers in the province, thus improving the quantitative and qualitative performance of these units. Training and empowering managers about the dimensions of competitive intelligence for entering scientific business management processes and understanding that gaining a competitive advantage is not just about understanding competitors and market conditions. It should also include awareness of social environment conditions and opportunities, the ability to innovate in both soft and hard technologies, creating efficient strategies, and exploiting opportunities for organizational structural renewal. These should always be a focus for managers, enabling them to gain valuable opportunities for competitive advantage, performance improvement, and market leadership.

The main objective of this descriptive-analytical survey was to assess the entrepreneurial competencies of rural women facilitators and to develop a framework for entrepreneurial competencies in Hamedan, Qom and Markazi provinces. The statistical population included all rural women facilitators in these three provinces (N=473), out of which 212 people were selected as the study sample based on Cochran's formula. Data were collected through a questionnaire that its validity was confirmed by a panel of experts and its reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to analyze and validate the proposed competencies framework with the help of Smart-PLS software. Based on the results, the women facilitators had all the entrepreneurial competences in a medium to high level. Among the proposed competences, moral competence, personal competence and technical competence were in the first to third priorities, respectively. The results of factor analysis for the validity of the competencies framework also showed that the twelve components of competencies have the accuracy to evaluate and predict the entrepreneurial competencies of rural women and the competencies framework in the research was approved. Generally, it can be concluded that the women facilitators have a desirable variety of entrepreneurial competencies. Therefore, it can be expected that there is the necessary capability and capacity in women facilitators to play an effective role in the process of entrepreneurship development and employment of rural women.

The main purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between entrepreneurial marketing dimensions and firm performance in greenhouse units in Mazandaran province. It is an applied study in goal with a descriptive-correlational nature that was conducted by the survey methodology. The required data were gathered using the quantitative research approach. In this research, the effect of variables such as proactiveness, focus on opportunities, risk-taking, innovation, customer orientation, resource leveraging, and value creation in greenhouse firms were investigated on some aspects of the performance as dependent variable. The statistical population was all managers of these firms out of whome 255 manager were selected as the sample randomly based on the Cochran's formula. Data were collected with a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by a panel of entrepreneurial and agricultural economy experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was estimated at 0.70-0.95 for different section using Cronbach’s alpha. The data were analyzed through SPSS and partial least square (PLS-SEM) approach. Based on the findings, the performance of the greenhouse firms had a significant relationship with proactiveness, focus on opportunities, risk-taking, innovation, resource leveraging, and value creation, but there was no significant relationship between customer orientation and firm performance. In a general conclusion, it can be concluded that applying entrepreneurial marketing in greenhouse firms can improve their performance.

The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship of emotional intelligence and organizational commitment with agriculture experts’ creativity and innovative behavior. The statistical population included all experts in Agriculture Jihad Organization of Hamedan Province (N=400). Totally 187 agriculture experts were selected as sample using proportional stratified sampling method. Data were collected through a questionnaire. The content and face validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by a panel of experts and its reliability was confirmed and evaluating measurement model and using Cronbach’s alpha. The results of structural equation modelling indicated that emotional intelligence and organizational commitment were directly and positively related to experts’ creativity and innovative behavior. The mediation analysis revealed that emotional intelligence was also indirectly related to experts’ creativity and innovative behavior through organizational commitment. In sum, the research model was able to explain about 36% and 30% of the variance in employees’ creativity and innovative behavior, respectively. Totally, the results of this research showed that attention to experts’ emotional intelligence and organizational commitment can influence their creativity and innovative behavior, and therefore their improvement should be considered by managers.

In recent years, a group of researchers have believed that entrepreneurial activities lead to environmental degradation. However, some researchers have argued that despite the negative effects of some entrepreneurial activities on society and the environment, entrepreneurs still play an important role in guiding business activities towards sustainability, especially social and environmental sustainability. In particular, relying on the capacities and capabilities of rural communities, recognizing new opportunities and growth of innovations adapted to local community condition can reduce these negative effects and also create opportunities for sustainable employment, income generation and sustainable development in rural areas. Researchers refer to sustainable entrepreneurship as a catalyst and a major impetus for sustainable development. In recent decades, sustainable entrepreneurship has been a growing research stream and it is time to pay more attention to sustainable entrepreneurship in the literature. Among the areas that need more detailed and in-depth study in sustainable entrepreneurship is among the research fields that needs more rogue and in-depth investigations. This is about a set necessary factors in order to integrate sustainability in entrepreneurial businesses. Furthermore, it is relevantly more important in rural areas due to the direct relationship of most of rural businesses with natural resources. Accordingly, the present study discusses the requirements and conditions for sustainable development in entrepreneurial activities in rural areas and seeks to provide a suitable integrated model for entrepreneurship development in rural areas based on sustainable rural development and sustainable entrepreneurship.

The present study aims to design a comprehensive model of sustainable entrepreneurship development in rural businesses and identify the strategies essential for achieving entrepreneurial sustainability using a qualitative research approach and grounded theory. The statistical population of this study consisted of outstanding entrepreneurs with characteristics such as knowledge and experience in the field, willingness and sufficient time to participate in the research and effective communication skills in Hamedan Province. In this study, 10 people were selected and in-depth interview was used as the main data collection technique. Data was analyzed in a sequence of open coding, axial coding and selective coding. In order to increase the validity of this research, we selected research participants from outstanding entrepreneurs who both work in the field of rural and agricultural businesses, and also have sufficient scientific knowledge on sustainable development issues and the process of entrepreneurship development and rural business creation. In-depth interviews were used to collect and record the required information. In order to verify and avoid research bias, the model and the result obtained by the research team were continuously compared with the aim and checked if there is any part in the report and model that indicates a potential bias by the researchers? Based on these checkups, some reflections were considered in the process.

According to the results of the present study, the model of sustainable entrepreneurship development in rural businesses in a narrative manner and based on a ground theory is as follows: Regarding to our understanding of sustainability and its aspects as well as the requirements for entrepreneurial businesses to adhere to responsible environmental, socio-cultural and ethical actions in order to achieve sustainability and fulfill their obligations to society and the environment.  The findings show the development of rural business activities towards principles and values of sustainability requires strengthening individual factors of business owners and employees, organizational and environmental factors of enterprises.  In other words, provided that such conditions and factors are given, the growth and development of behavioral patterns based on sustainability in various economic, social and environmental dimensions in rural businesses will be possible. Internalization of such behavioral patterns also requires appropriate measures and strategies implementation such as empowering relevant institutions, enhancing media performance, continuing policies to promote sustainable entrepreneurship, strengthening cultural contexts, applying supportive policies, facilitating the access to credit and capitals, and developing educational programs, and human resource management strategies to establish responsible values in the organizational culture. Institutionalizing sustainability patterns in rural entrepreneurial businesses will lead to more sustainable rural economic growth, job creation, environmental adaptation, ensuring future access to key natural resources, satisfying social groups, achieving competitive advantage, cost savings, and improving product quality.

The main purpose of this study was to examine the effect of innovation climate on agriculture experts’ innovative behavior by focusing on the mediating roles of psychological capital and creative self-efficacy. The statistical population included all agriculture experts in Agriculture Organization of Hamedan Province (N=400), from which 178 agriculture experts were selected as the statistical sample. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. The results of structural equation modeling indicated that psychological capital and creative self-efficacy were significantly related to agriculture experts' innovative behavior. In addition, the results showed that innovation climate was directly and positively related to agriculture experts’ creativity. The mediation analysis revealed that creative self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between innovation climate and agriculture experts’ innovative behavior. These findings help to better understand the mechanism of effect of climate innovation on agriculture experts' innovative behavior. The theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.

The purpose of this study was to explain the economic, social and political structure of poverty in the village of Shamshir with a fundamental theory approach. The main question of the research was what factors explain the economic, social and political structure of poverty in Shamshir village? Research in terms of applied purpose, qualitative research method, methods used to collect data; Observation, unstructured interview, note-taking and focus group and data analysis method is the foundation of data theory. The research sampling was done using purposive sampling approach and theoretical sampling method and rural poor were interviewed under the auspices of the Imam Relief Committee and the Welfare Department of Paveh city. Interview data were analyzed in three stages of open, axial and selective coding to classify concepts and categories. Open codes containing 70 concepts and central codes including 24 categories were identified in the form of six dimensions of paradigm model including causal conditions, contextual conditions, main phenomenon, implicit conditions, strategies and consequences. Finally, government support, private and cooperative companies, and the economic policies of the government and other institutions are strategies to reduce poverty in Shamshir village.

Therefore, changing the approach of universities from educational and research planning to approach Creating a university entrepreneurial ecosystem has attracted the attention of the world's leading universities. Due to the lack of experience in the agricultural sector, the ecosystems of the fledgling agricultural business system should be identified using the teachings of pioneering entrepreneurship departments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ecological model of university entrepreneurship system based on Eisenberg model and with emphasis on higher education in the country from the perspective of experts in start-ups, which was practical in terms of purpose and was implemented using a questionnaire. The statistical population of the study included 1550 graduate students from five universities of, using the Bartlett table, 315 of them were performed by cluster method with appropriate proportion and sampling. To measure the validity of the research instrument, a diagnostic validity method was used, the value of which was higher than AVE≥0.5 for acceptable structures. In order to determine the reliability, a composite reliability method was used, the value of which was higher than CR≥0.6 for the studied structures and was acceptable. The value of the sequential theta coefficient was also calculated for structures higher than θ≥0.7 In order to process the data, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used.

Nowadays, the importance of supply chain research in the agricultural sector is emphasized by numerous researchers. They believe that the supply chain is a key factor in maintaining the competitive advantage of farmers' products on the market. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze agribusiness supply chain risk vulnerability with grounded theory approach in Hamadan province.The population was greenhouse owners which 14 of them were selected through a typical case purposeful sampling and revelatory case purposeful sampling method as the sample of the study. Semi-structured interviews were used as the research instrument.In this study, qualitative approach and the grounded theory method (including 3 stages: initial open coding, pivotal and selective stages) were used for risk identification. Initial open and pivotal coding included 40 concepts and 49 categories, respectively, that at the end, they were divided into four selective categories including product risk, supply, distribution, and customer in the form of internal and external risks for each one.In this study, the pivotal code in the grounded theory was product risk (internal and external risks). Therefore, the findings of this study suggest: A practical approach to risk management and supply chain vulnerability assessment.

Entrepreneurship is an important issue that has been raised in all aspects of economic and social development. Now the most important question in the communities, especially in developing countries is how people can be entrepreneurs and how can they create entrepreneurial opportunities. Nowadays because of technological development people can communicate with each other in many different ways, that virtual social network is one of them. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explain the Determinants for entrepreneurial behavior of members of agricultural social networks. This study was among members of social networks "entrepreneurial knowledge exchange". The population was included 180 members and study sample was calculated 126 members using simple random sampling. The assessment tool in this study was a questionnaire which its validity was confirmed by experts and its reliability was confirmed through pilot testing and Cranach's alpha was between 0.76 - 0.93. The analysis of regression showed that virtual social networking features, some entrepreneurial characteristics such as risk, identify and evaluate opportunities and incentives can predict 76.6 percent of the variation in entrepreneurial behavior as a dependent variable. It recommends identifying and evaluating entrepreneurial opportunities by identifying the types of opportunities and familiarizing them with possible conditions and opportunities and how to identify them.

This study aimes to find solutions for empowering Poultry cooperativesin in Hamedan province. Data are collected from 54 Members of the Board of Poultry cooperatives in Hamedan province. Data collection tool is a questionnaire that its validity is confirmed by panel of experts and the reliability is tested by cronbach's alpha coefficient (α=0.85). According to factor analysis results, main solutions for empowering Poultry cooperatives are classified in four factors such as: “Reforming supportive systems”, “Empowering managers”, “Developing Education and research” and “Modifying production and consumption structure”. These four factors totally could explain 56% of the variances of the strategies for empowering Poultry cooperatives. Also confirmatory factor analysis with LISREL showe the good fitness of model (RMSEA=0.011، AGFI=0.90 GFI=0.86). According to research finding, some solutions are recommended for modifying supportive system, empowering cooperation management, redesigning production and marketing system and improving productivity in Poultry cooperatives.

The main purpose of this research was to analyze the role of environmental factors on digital entrepreneurship intentions by students of computer science using the theory of planned behavior. In this research, environmental factors were integrated into the planned behavior theory. The statistical population of this study was 483 computer science students in four universities in Hamedan Universities. A sample of 150 students was selected through random sampling method. The required data were gathered by using a questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was verified by a panel of experts and the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used for its reliability. In order to analyze data, correlation coefficient, multivariate regression and path analysis were used. Results of regression analysis showed that all three motivational variables, namely attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavior control, have a positive meaningful relationship with students’ entrepreneurial intention. Also the control of perceived behavior played the strongest role in this regard. Results also showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between the variables like entrepreneurship culture and government policy with the digital entrepreneurship intention variable, but the results indicate that the academic environment does not have a direct effect on the students' digital entrepreneurship intention.

The main purpose of this research was to examine the role of cooperatives functions in strengthening entrepreneurial characteristics and opportunity identification competencies of rural women in Kermanshah province. This study was conducted in a survey method using the views of 131 rural women members of rural cooperatives. The data gathering tool was a questionnaire that its validity was confirmed by a panel of experts in the field of entrepreneurship and co-operative and Cranach’s alpha method was used to calculate the reliability of the instrument that the values obtained showed the relevance of questions and items for different sectors of the questionnaire. Based on correlation coefficients, a positive and significant correlation was found between all aspects of cooperative functions with strengthening entrepreneurial characteristics and opportunity identification competencies of rural women as two dependent variables. Regression analysis also showed that the three functions of cooperatives like market supply and development, strengthening personal motivations and capabilities, and providing capital and production infrastructure can explain 58.2% of changes of strengthening entrepreneurial characteristics as dependent variable. Also 42.7% of changes in rural women’s opportunity identification competencies explained by three functions like market supply and development, providing capital and production infrastructure, and education and information related functions.

The aim of this study was to investigate the women cooperatives problems via focusing on the managers’ needed capabilities by qualitative method. Observation and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. The population were executive managers of women cooperatives in Hamedan province (55 executive managers), who were interviewed as all the numbers. The deductive content analysis, coding and classification methods was used to analyze the data. The results showed that the problems of women cooperatives included: restrictions within the family, worry about the life responsibilities, support organizations poor performance, financial problems, gender discrimination, poor health, worrying about the future and weaknesses in communication. The problems could be more generally fit into four categories: the problems of psychological, sociological, economic and administrative entity. Finally, these four categories  could be classified in two general categories, problems with interpersonal and intrapersonal problems.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sustainable rural quality of life index in Iran during the period of 1991-2016 and to measure the effects of various government investments on this index.
Design/methodology/approach: The data were collected from the Statistics Center, the Central Bank and the World Bank. The value of the quality of life indicator was calculated using the software Eviews during the course of the study. The effect of independent research variables including government investment in agriculture, education, health, and rural development using the ARDL model in Microfit software is estimated.
Finding: The results of the model estimation in the short run indicate that every 1 percent increase in government investment in agricultural sectors was 0.55 percent, health and treatment 0.54 percent, education 31.3 percent, increase the quality of life respectively. But investment in rural development does not affect quality of life in the short term but investment in rural life does not affect in the short term. In the long run, every 1% increase in investment in agricultural sectors is 0.65%, health and treatment 0.64%, education 45.0% and 32% in rural development in improving quality of life and its sustainability respectively.
Research limitations/implications: Access to statistics is very difficult and has been obtained through reviewing all budget rules for the research courses.
Practical implications: Strategy for employment to villagers with the support of public policy, based on qualify for investment, jobs, and services in rural areas contributes to the strengthening of agriculture, the changes in agricultural production and natural resources, the creation of jobs in non-farm income and as a result, the increased demand for local agricultural and non-agricultural products.
Originality/value: Considering sustainable factors in evaluating quality of life and the effect of government investment in rural life by the applied method are the advantages of this study that has not been studied in previous studies.

There is a strong need to influence both speed and direction of innovation and technological change in agriculture. An Agricultural Technological Innovation System (ATIS) is a collaborative arrangement bringing together several organizations working toward innovational-technological, managerial, organizational, and institutional change in agriculture. The purpose of this study was to identify and explain functional implicationsaffecting the development of the agricultural technological innovation system.
This research paradigm was in the form of exploratory phase mixed method with qualitative to quantitative data connection approach. The statistical sample of the qualitative section, consists key members of the nanotechnology and biotechnology committees of Ministry of Agriculture-jihad (35 people) which 12 persons were interviewed by using purposive sampling technique, and quantitative section of research consists the members of nanotechnology and biotechnology of agricultural sector committees (117 people), which were all enumerated. To achieve the reliability and validity of the qualitative section of research three-dimensional vision technique wasused. And at the quantitative section, Cronbach's alpha test and opinions of subject experts were used. Cronbach’s alpha and ordinal theta were 0.78 and 0.89, respectively.
After the discovery of 30 subsidiary elements in form of 7 main factors achieved from a qualitative section of research using Atlas.ti5.2 software (research-development implications, Institutional-Structural implications, Legal-policy implications, business-marketing implications, innovational-technological implications, credit- financial implications, extensional - educational implications), finally, at the quantitative section of research using SPSS, the total variance explaining by the identified factors, measured. According to the results of exploratory factor analysis, research – developmentimplications, explained the 17.23% of the total variance the functional implications of agricultural technological innovation system development. This research finding was consistent with researchers results of Abdi and Hassanzadeh (2), Farshad et al. (10) and Sharifzadeh et al. (24). Legal - policy implicationswas the second factor with 15.58% of the explained variance the implications of the development of agricultural technological innovation system. This research finding was consistent with the results of researches were carried out by Temel et al.(25), Bergek et al. (4), Hekkert and Negro (12), Abdi and Hasanzadeh (2), Meigounpoory et al. (19), Farshadet al. (10) and Sharifzadeh et al. (24).Business -marketing implicationsis composed of variables likerisk decrease on investment in agricultural businesses, Price balance of agricultural products (increase or decrease cost of production because of the lack of proper cultivation, increase cost of production inputs and tensions in the global rate of products) and scientific management in the agricultural production farmlands with 12.32 percent of explained variance the implications of agricultural technological innovation development as the third important factor was classified. This section of findings was in agreement with research’s results of Temel et al. (25), Cristina and Patarapong (8), Negro et al. (21), Momeni and Alizadeh (20), Abdi and Hasanzadeh (2) and Meigounpoory et al. (19). Institutional - structural implications werethe fourth factor of the implications of development of agricultural technological innovation, which explained 10.68 percent of total variance. This finding of the study was consistent with the results of research Cristina and Patarapong (8), Negro et al. (21), Momeni and Alizadeh (20), Meigounpoory et al. (19), Farshad et al. (10), Sharifzadeh et al.(24 ). Innovative - technical implications as the fifth factor of the implications of agricultural technological innovation development with important variables like proportionment between technological innovation and the needs of farmers demand and the predicate the impact of events on technological innovations such as climate change explained 8.21% of the total variance that this finding was consistent with research results of Farshad et al. (10), Sharifzadeh et al. (24).Extensional - educational implicationswereclassified as the last of the implications to technological innovation system for agricultural development that this finding matches with the results of Hekkert and Negro (21) and Momeni and Alizadeh (20).
The results showed that 7 of the mentioned factors, explained at about 78.35% of the total variance of functional implications affecting the development of agricultural technological innovation system. To verify the structure validity of a questionnaire and fitness of model to measurement the functional implicationsimportance of agricultural technological innovation system development, collected data analyzed by the software of LISRELwin8.8 through confirmatory factor analysis that the results of various fitness indicators showed that the model is based on an acceptable level (df/x2=1.785, Goodness of Fit Index=0.93, Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index=0.96, Comparative Fit Index=0.93, Incremental Fit Index=0.95, Root Mean square Residual=0.06, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation=0.056).

The main purpose of this applied research was to assess and analyze the performance of agricultural cooperatives in Hamedan Province based on combined evaluation model. The research paradigm was mixed method (Qualitative and Quantitative) in some phases. In qualitative part of the research, Delphi technique was used in order to distinguish suitable indexes for assessing successful cooperatives. In this phase, 26 specialists were selected as purposive sampling. In quantitative phase of the research, a survey were used for assessing agricultural cooperatives based on defined indexes in last phase. A questionnaire were used as main tool in this phase. A sample of 86 managers of agricultural cooperatives were selected randomly. Assessing performance of agricultural cooperatives by TOPSIS method showed that for identifying successful agricultural cooperatives, six group of indexes such as economic, social, legal, managerial, educational and individual were needed. Based on TOPSIS results, cooperatives of Hamedan Township was in the first rank. After that, the cooperatives in Bahar and Toyserkan Township have second and third rank. The results also showed that the rank of Townships were different based on different indexes. There was not an appropriate distribution of facilities and opportunities in all Townships of the province.

In Iran, zagros forests are important in terms of size, plant diversity and their impacts on the lives of local people and economic security. Thus, the preservation of these forests is imperative and governmental natural resource organization implements some different plans with local people cooperation. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors affecting the level of local people’s participation in forest protection plans in Gilan e Gharb County.
This study was a descriptive- correlational research which was done through a surveying methodology in Gilan e Gharb (Kermanshah province). The statistical population of this descriptive-correlational study included 550 local people in Gilan-e Gharb County. According to Morgan’s table, a sample of 220 local people was chosen through random sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire as a main research tool. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by a panel of experts and its reliability was determined using Cronbach's Alpha test (0.75). Pearson correlation formula and multiple regression analysis were run to analyze the data. SPSSwin20 was used to do statistical analysis.
Results showed that the level of people’s participation and cooperation in different actions of forest protection plans were low. There was also a significant and positive relationship between some independent variables like age, education level, and occupation, number of livestock, cultural and social characteristics of the population, economic dependence on woods and forest, organizational communications and knowledge about forest with participation in conservation forest projects as dependent variable. The result of multiple regressions indicated that organizational communications and knowledge and information had significant effects on people’s participation in the forestry projects. Totally, 29% of people’s participation was explained by organizational communications and knowledge and information.
In total, the research results showed that the level of local people’s participation in the forest protection plans was low. This means that protection plans should focus on new motivations to improve people’s participation. In addition, findings showed that socio-cultural characteristics, knowledge and information are two important factors affecting the level of participation in forest protection plans. Therefore, to improve people’s participation, it is necessary to focus on improving the level of knowledge and information of local people, explaining the role of people in forest protection plans and using the capacity of local institutions. Another way to foster people’s participation is to increase local people’s interaction with relevant organizations and institutions.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure are those incrusted in the said as assurance in the way of criteria and environmental regulations in various plans of the past and its main aims is to predict, recognize, including an analysis in detail of all the positive and negative impacts of a plan on the natural and human environment. The purpose of current study was to Environmental components (physical, ecological and socio-cultural) assessment of Feyzabad irrigation and drainage network in Fars province. In this study, ICOLD Matrix method has been used. In this method the environmental components of each project activity in the construction and operation phases were measured. Finding revealed that plans impacts were positive in environment (힏 score). While, the socio-cultural, ecological and physical components respectively are allocated ퟎ, -13 and -26 scores. In other words, the existence of negative impacts on the environment, substantial positive impacts will be seen in the region. Therefore, implement of Feyzabad irrigation and drainage network in Fars province with standards is permissible. According to results, some recommendations have been presented at the end of article.

The main purpose of this study is to analyze the obstacles to the participation of the rural community in rural master plans for the development of Hamedan County.
The statistical sample of the study was selected among the rural population in Hamedan County. 120 individuals were selected randomly according to Cochran formula. The data was collected through participants response to questionnaires, the validity of which was tested and confirmed by a panel of experts and its reliability was checked by cronbach's alpha coefficient (α=0.85).
According to factor analysis results, obstacles to the participation of the rural community in such plans could be catagorized under four titles:•Disregard for people’s competence
•Lack of awareness, motivation and competence
•Poor performance of executive organizations
•General dissatisfaction of the Public with the plans
Among these factors, “Disregarding people capabilities” was determined as the most influencing factor. Overall, these four factors could explain 42.3% of the variances of obstacles to community participation. Based on the results, some solutions were recommended for the omprovement of the community participation in rural master plans.

Weak relationship and linkage between universities and industry sectors is one of the challenging issues. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges and solutions for effective and sustainable linkage between branches of Applied Science and Technology University and industry sectors. In this study Delphi technique was used. The experts’ panel included staff managers and head of sub- branches of Maharat Institute of Applied Sciences. This study was done during three steps. In the first step, 47 challenges and 30 solutions were identified as the items. In the second step, challenges and solutions were asked through a five-point Likert questionnaire and it submitted to the research population. Then the data were collected and analysed. The items with less than 80 percent agreement by panel were omitted. The remaining items were classified in different categories. Based on research results, most challenges were related to structural field and most of proposed solutions were in the field of providing and developing infrastructures. At the end, according to the results, applicable recommendations were presented.

The main purpose of this survey research was to distinguish and analyze the most important barriers of collaboration between university and industry. The statistical population of research was academics in Bu-Ali Sina University and Hamedan University of technology. 108 people were studied randomly according to Cochran sampling formula. Data collection tool was a questionnaire that its validity was confirmed by a panel of experts and the reliability was tested by cronbach's alpha coefficient (α=0.90). According to factor analysis results, barriers of university – industry collaboration were classified in six factors like: “weakness of linking substructures”, “weakness of equipment and financial needs”, “industry distrust to university and new sciences”, “cognitive dissonance”, “inefficient legal systems and collaboration incentives” and “weakness in university education and research programs. Totally these factors could explain 49.7% of the variances of university – industry collaboration barriers. Based on the results, some solutions were recommended for improving collaboration of universities and industries.

The aim of this research is a feasibility study of smart schools program (SSP) in Agricultural Technical High Schools (ATHS) of Kermanshah and Lorestan provinces. For this purpose the current possibilities and conditions of the ATHS have been examined in terms of infrastructural level, users' awareness and the teaching-learning environment. The research typology is a quantitative method through a surveying study. The statistical population was three groups include 1) administrators, 2) the students, and 3) the trainers with a number of 7, 563 and 85, respectively. Of those a number of 7 administrators, 228 students, and 71 trainers were selected as the samples. The data were gathered by research-made questionnaires and the assessment checklists. The questionnaire's questions were confirmed in terms of reliability and validity. The results showed that the level of infrastructure (hardware, software, and financial) as well as the knowledge level of trainers and students to SSP requirements were too low. The results revealed that the teaching-learning conditions to start the SSP at the ATHS were not in a proper status while the attitude of both trainers and students was positive towards the SSP.

The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers of local people's participation in forest conservation plans. The research population included 240 Local rural households in Gilan – e – Gharb, Kermanshah. A number of 144 people were randomly selected using Morgan's sampling size table. A questionnaire was used as a main tool in this study. The content and face validity of the questionnaire was verified by a panel of experts. The reliability of the questionnaire estimated by Cranach's alpha coefficient (0.737). Factor analysis was used for finding the most important barriers. Four key factors were identified as the most important barriers in people participation programs in forest conservation plans. These factors were socio-cultural, economic, organizational and educational barriers.

Today، The use of the Internet in the university is a major issue. The purpose of this study was the study of students'' attitudes towards the use of internet in education at Azad University Graduate Students in Kermanshah. The current research study done by a surveying method is a type of applied، descriptive and correlation research. The statistical population was the graduate students in Azad University of Kermanshah (N=996). Of those students 269 were selected based on the Morgan''s Table and a stratified sampling method. The researchers tool was a questionnaire structured into five parts: the first part included the demographic features of the respondents as the independent variables; the second part was the dependent variable section which included 20 questions about the students'' attitudes in regards to the use of internet، other sections included the students'' attitudes regarding internet as an instructional tool (4 question)، internet as a research tool (8 questions)، and internet as a communication tool (8 questions). The questionnaire''s questions were validated by the experts'' reviewing from both Azad University of Kermanshah and Bu Ali Sina University. The Cronbach''s alpha coefficient was used to assess the reliability of the questionnaire and it was 87 percent. In addition، Mann-Whitney، Kruskal-Wallis، and Spearman correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data (P=0. 05). Also it used SPSS software (Version19) for analysis. The results showed that the students have suitable attitudes towards the use of the Internet in education. The findings of the Mann-Whitney test showed no significant difference between students who use computers and those who do not use personal computers. The Spearman correlation coefficient showed a significant correlation between Internet use and students'' attitudes. In addition، a significant correlation was observed between the Internet as a source of research (rs=0. 164، P= 0. 036) and communication recourse (rs= 0. 717، P= 0. 000) with students'' attitude. In general، it was found that students have a positive attitude towards the use of Internet in education، however a slightly lower positive attitude about the use of the Internet in education to use in research activities and communication tools.