سمانه رییسی نافچی

The primary objective of this research is to develop future scenarios for investment in religious tourism in Saudi Arabia. Given the growing importance of religious tourism in the country's economy and its role in attracting pilgrims from around the world, this study aims to simulate and explore various future scenarios for this industry. The research employs a structural approach and scenario analysis method. Initially, key drivers affecting the future of religious tourism are identified, and based on two main variables—"Strategic Geographic Location" and "Government Policy & Vision 2030"—four scenarios for future investment in this sector are formulated. The findings of this study indicate that Saudi Arabia’s strategic geographic location and the government's development policies under Vision 2030 are pivotal factors that could significantly influence the future of religious tourism in the country. The scenarios presented in this research include "The Phoenix's Ascent" (success in implementing policies and leveraging geographic advantages), "Icarus' Fall" (challenges due to poor management and ineffective policy execution), "The Labyrinth of Daedalus" (external challenges and competition from emerging religious tourism destinations), and "Pandora’s Box" (weak infrastructure and declining geopolitical influence). These scenarios represent potential futures for the industry, considering both internal and external developments in the country. The main innovation of this research lies in using the scenario analysis method as a tool for simulating the future and combining two critical drivers—geographical and political factors to provide insights that could significantly assist strategic decision-making in this field. Additionally, the research recommends that policymakers and investors focus on strengthening infrastructure, implementing secure and efficient policies, and enhancing international partnerships to maintain and improve their position in religious tourism.

The purpose of this work is to use structural analysis to create believable scenarios of Iranian food tourism. In the present study, to formulate plausible scenarios, first by reviewing the literature and interviewing experts, 37 factors affecting food tourism were extracted. The variables affecting the future of food tourism, directly and indirectly, were calculated using a questionnaire and analysis by MICMAC software. Finally, considering the two most critical factors called food festivals and sanctions/international relations, plausible scenarios for the future of Iranian food tourism were developed. Based on the results, four scenarios are presented. These scenarios include Golden Scenario, Limited Scenario, Neglected Scenario and Chaotic Scenario. In Golden scenario, which depicts the ideal conditions, as many suitable food festivals as possible are being held in a country, and sanctions are not imposed. According to Limited Scenario, holding more and better food festivals is on the officials’ agenda, but on the other hand, the country is under sanctions and pressure. In Neglected Scenario, holding festivals is the same as in the past, and the country is not sanctioned. In Chaotic Scenario, depicting the worst-case scenario, the festival process is the same as in the past and has not been developed quantitatively and qualitatively. Also, the country is in a problematic situation of sanctions. Creating Credible The industry's major players and beneficiaries greatly benefit from Iranian food tourism scenarios, which enable them to provide flexible preparation-based programmers in response to shifting circumstances. The techniques and factors that influence the growth of the business will be known to the participants and recipients of food tourism, and this will open up a multitude of opportunities for the players involved.

The present study aimed to provide a framework for identifying the determinants affecting the export development of nanotechnology products of knowledge-based companies in the construction industry. Methodologically, the research was conducted qualitatively using a grounded theory approach. Data collection was conducted through document review and interview. The purposive and snowball sampling continued until theoretical saturation. The data analysis results were obtained in three steps of open, axial, and selective coding. During the open coding process, categories such as causal, contextual, intervening factors, strategies and actions, and consequences of export development of nanotechnology products were extracted. Then, in the axial coding stage, a link between these categories was identified within the coding paradigm. In the selective coding stage, all components of the coding paradigm were explained, and the theory was developed. After the coding process, the main categories were extracted by conducting fifteen in-depth and semi-structured interviews with practitioners and experts of nanotechnology knowledge-based companies in the construction industry. The benefits of exporting knowledge-based products and services made this a strategic issue for the industry. According to the results, the export of knowledge-based products and services had benefits, including job creation, wealth creation, economic prosperity, comprehensive corporate development, synergy, and increased exports.