Imam Sadiq UniversityStrategic Management Thought2383-089119420251222Policy Argument Analysis of Student Assessment and Admission Policies: Problem Reframing and a Policy ProposalPolicy Argument Analysis of Student Assessment and Admission Policies: Problem Reframing and a Policy Proposal7826310.30497/smt.2026.250685.3749FAMohammadsadeghTorabzadeh JahromiPhD in Public Administration and Researcher at the Development Center of Imam Sadeq University, Tehran, Iran.0000-0002-4046-0090RezaAliakbarGraduated with a Master's degree in Islamic Studies and Business Administration from Imam Sadeq University, Tehran, Iran.0000-0002-3840-4663Seyyed AlirezaSajadiehAssistant Professor, Department of Public Policy and Administration, School of Public Administration and Organizational Sciences, College of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.0009-0000-9677-4788Journal Article20260707The student assessment and admission system constitutes one of the most critical policy instruments in higher education, with ramifications extending far beyond the university matriculation process to shape the orientation of general education, the behavior of educational stakeholders, and the quality of national human capital. Despite successive reforms in recent decades, systemic challenges persist, underscoring an imperative to fundamentally rethink the underlying logic governing this system. Aiming to critically analyze the current assessment and admission model and propose a comprehensive framework for its reconfiguration, this paper adopts a policy argument analysis approach.Through the systematic evaluation of policy documents, extant literature, and international benchmarks, it dissects the competing arguments surrounding various alternative models.The findings demonstrate that resolving the current predicaments necessitates transcending piecemeal, incremental adjustments in favor of a coherent, multilevel, and competency-based paradigm. Such a model must effectively align the objectives of the general education system, the distinct prerequisites of higher education institutions, and the broader imperatives of educational governance.Accordingly, this study offers strategic policy implications for the systemic redesign of the student assessment and admission framework in Iran.The student assessment and admission system constitutes one of the most critical policy instruments in higher education, with ramifications extending far beyond the university matriculation process to shape the orientation of general education, the behavior of educational stakeholders, and the quality of national human capital. Despite successive reforms in recent decades, systemic challenges persist, underscoring an imperative to fundamentally rethink the underlying logic governing this system. Aiming to critically analyze the current assessment and admission model and propose a comprehensive framework for its reconfiguration, this paper adopts a policy argument analysis approach.Through the systematic evaluation of policy documents, extant literature, and international benchmarks, it dissects the competing arguments surrounding various alternative models.The findings demonstrate that resolving the current predicaments necessitates transcending piecemeal, incremental adjustments in favor of a coherent, multilevel, and competency-based paradigm. Such a model must effectively align the objectives of the general education system, the distinct prerequisites of higher education institutions, and the broader imperatives of educational governance.Accordingly, this study offers strategic policy implications for the systemic redesign of the student assessment and admission framework in Iran.https://smt.isu.ac.ir/article_78263_f14c7e7aa74404ac7c8e4df584b2ec99.pdfImam Sadiq UniversityStrategic Management Thought2383-089119420261222Investigating the Pattern of Organizational Climate Impact on Various Types of Workplace Deviant Behavior in Tehran Government OrganizationsInvestigating the Pattern of Organizational Climate Impact on Various Types of Workplace Deviant Behavior in Tehran Government Organizations7827710.30497/smt.2026.250336.3727FAHamedAbbaspourAssistant Professor, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Farhangian University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.0000-0002-2917-9548SaraTouriPhD student in Behavioral Management, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20260519One of the major challenges faced by contemporary organizations is the prevalence of organizational misconduct. The emergence of such behaviors can hinder the proper functioning of organizations, reduce revenues, damage organizational reputation, and impose adverse consequences on society. Among the organizational antecedents influencing deviant behavior, organizational climate plays a significant role. The aim of this study was to Investigate the Pattern of Organizational Climate Impact on Various Types of Workplace Deviant Behavior in Tehran Government Organizations. In terms of purpose, this research was explanatory and predictive, and in terms of application, it was applied research. The study adopted a quantitative approach, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to test the hypotheses. The required data were collected through questionnaires administered in governmental organizations located in Tehran and analyzed using PLS software version 3. The findings indicated that a dysfunctional climate had the strongest positive effect on interpersonal deviant behavior, while a transcendental climate had the strongest negative effect on deviant behavior against organizational image.One of the major challenges faced by contemporary organizations is the prevalence of organizational misconduct. The emergence of such behaviors can hinder the proper functioning of organizations, reduce revenues, damage organizational reputation, and impose adverse consequences on society. Among the organizational antecedents influencing deviant behavior, organizational climate plays a significant role. The aim of this study was to Investigate the Pattern of Organizational Climate Impact on Various Types of Workplace Deviant Behavior in Tehran Government Organizations. In terms of purpose, this research was explanatory and predictive, and in terms of application, it was applied research. The study adopted a quantitative approach, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to test the hypotheses. The required data were collected through questionnaires administered in governmental organizations located in Tehran and analyzed using PLS software version 3. The findings indicated that a dysfunctional climate had the strongest positive effect on interpersonal deviant behavior, while a transcendental climate had the strongest negative effect on deviant behavior against organizational image.https://smt.isu.ac.ir/article_78277_e024d3bbd71c5a4ae35488026288b153.pdfImam Sadiq UniversityStrategic Management Thought2383-089119420251222Presenting a Model of the Impact of Customer Orientation, Supplier Collaboration, and Information Technology Skills on Competitive Advantage and Market-Driven Innovation through the Mediation of Big Data Culture and Digital Strategy AdoptionPresenting a Model of the Impact of Customer Orientation, Supplier Collaboration, and Information Technology Skills on Competitive Advantage and Market-Driven Innovation through the Mediation of Big Data Culture and Digital Strategy Adoption7828810.30497/smt.2026.250506.3739FAHosseinAzizianMaster's Student in Business Administration, Shahed University, Tehran, IranEbrahimZarepourAssistant Professor, Department of Business Management, Faculty of Governance, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.0000-0002-0205-9757Journal Article20260610The present study aimed to investigate the effect of customer orientation, supplier collaboration, and employees' IT skills on big data organizational culture and acceptance of digitalization strategy on competitive advantage and innovation of market-oriented business. The research was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-correlational in terms of method, and data were collected through a questionnaire. The statistical population of the study included all employees of Ofogh Kourosh branches in Tehran. The sample size was determined based on the Morgan table as 385 people, who were selected using the multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data analysis was performed with SPSS and Amos statistical software. The research findings showed that customer orientation, supplier collaboration, and employees' IT skills all three have a significant and positive effect on big data organizational culture, and this data-oriented culture directly strengthens the acceptance of digitalization strategy. Also, customer orientation, supplier collaboration, and adoption of digitalization strategy positively and significantly affect market-driven business innovation and competitive advantageThe present study aimed to investigate the effect of customer orientation, supplier collaboration, and employees' IT skills on big data organizational culture and acceptance of digitalization strategy on competitive advantage and innovation of market-oriented business. The research was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-correlational in terms of method, and data were collected through a questionnaire. The statistical population of the study included all employees of Ofogh Kourosh branches in Tehran. The sample size was determined based on the Morgan table as 385 people, who were selected using the multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data analysis was performed with SPSS and Amos statistical software. The research findings showed that customer orientation, supplier collaboration, and employees' IT skills all three have a significant and positive effect on big data organizational culture, and this data-oriented culture directly strengthens the acceptance of digitalization strategy. Also, customer orientation, supplier collaboration, and adoption of digitalization strategy positively and significantly affect market-driven business innovation and competitive advantagehttps://smt.isu.ac.ir/article_78288_5ca9cfeaec4e6225b6db813bd7c3121e.pdfImam Sadiq UniversityStrategic Management Thought2383-089119420251222Analyzing the Vote Winning Patterns of Tehran Representatives in Iran’s Twelfth Parliament Based on Newman’s Political Marketing ModelAnalyzing the Vote Winning Patterns of Tehran Representatives in Iran’s Twelfth Parliament Based on Newman’s Political Marketing Model7829410.30497/smt.2026.250608.3745FAJavadHosseiniMember of the faculty of Imam Sadiq University (peace be upon her)0009-0005-4897-161XMohammadhosseinMotamediMember of the student of Imam Sadiq University (peace be upon her)0009-0000-3950-6138Journal Article20260721This study examines the voting pattern of Tehran representatives in Iran’s Twelfth Parliamentary Elections, focusing on the role of individual factors, personal branding, and campaign strategies within a list-based electoral system. Drawing on Newman’s political marketing framework, it explores how voters balance individual candidate evaluations with loyalty to electoral lists, particularly in a context of declining turnout and vote fragmentation.<br><br><br><br>The research employs a qualitative case study design. Data were collected through document analysis and semi-structured interviews with candidates, campaign activists, and political analysts, and analyzed using three-stage thematic analysis.<br><br><br><br>Findings suggest that the “individual–list” model best explains electoral behavior in Tehran: although voters align with electoral lists, their final choices depend on individual candidate assessments, with preferential voting playing a decisive role. Personalized campaigns, engagement with opinion leaders, continuous reputation-building, and negative campaigning were identified as key factors of success.<br><br><br><br>Overall, the study highlights the need to integrate individual and collective strategies in Tehran’s electoral competition and demonstrates the explanatory value of Newman’s framework in the Iranian context.This study examines the voting pattern of Tehran representatives in Iran’s Twelfth Parliamentary Elections, focusing on the role of individual factors, personal branding, and campaign strategies within a list-based electoral system. Drawing on Newman’s political marketing framework, it explores how voters balance individual candidate evaluations with loyalty to electoral lists, particularly in a context of declining turnout and vote fragmentation.<br><br><br><br>The research employs a qualitative case study design. Data were collected through document analysis and semi-structured interviews with candidates, campaign activists, and political analysts, and analyzed using three-stage thematic analysis.<br><br><br><br>Findings suggest that the “individual–list” model best explains electoral behavior in Tehran: although voters align with electoral lists, their final choices depend on individual candidate assessments, with preferential voting playing a decisive role. Personalized campaigns, engagement with opinion leaders, continuous reputation-building, and negative campaigning were identified as key factors of success.<br><br><br><br>Overall, the study highlights the need to integrate individual and collective strategies in Tehran’s electoral competition and demonstrates the explanatory value of Newman’s framework in the Iranian context.https://smt.isu.ac.ir/article_78294_d54e2b7f535145ba5032c5fe49f9bdad.pdfImam Sadiq UniversityStrategic Management Thought2383-089119420251222Identifying Key Questions in Explaining the Framework of Public Policy FormulationIdentifying Key Questions in Explaining the Framework of Public Policy Formulation7829510.30497/smt.2026.250067.3715FAAkbarSaeidiDepartment of Public Administration
Faculty of Management and Accounting
Allameh Tababa'i University0009-0009-5169-3584DavoudHosseinpourDepartment of Public Administration
Faculty of Management and Accounting
Allameh Tababa'i University0000-0001-6286-4726Journal Article20260421Public policy formulation, the core phase of the policymaking process, is a complex stage where potential solutions to public issues are designed, evaluated, and proposed. Scholarly literature frequently relies on simplified models like the “policy cycle,” which, despite their utility, inadequately capture the real-world dynamics of this process. This research aims to transcend these models by identifying the fundamental questions that constitute a comprehensive framework for policy formulation. Employing qualitative thematic analysis of seminal texts in policy process studies, the research reveals that this framework can be understood through five overarching concepts and their corresponding central questions: Genesis: How does formulation emerge and begin? Actors: Who participates in the formulation? Content: What is being formulated? Technique: How is formulation conducted? Context: In what setting does formulation take place? This set of questions offers a powerful analytical tool for understanding, comparing, and evaluating diverse formulation processes, enabling analysts and policymakers to approach its complexities with a more systematic and profound perspective.Public policy formulation, the core phase of the policymaking process, is a complex stage where potential solutions to public issues are designed, evaluated, and proposed. Scholarly literature frequently relies on simplified models like the “policy cycle,” which, despite their utility, inadequately capture the real-world dynamics of this process. This research aims to transcend these models by identifying the fundamental questions that constitute a comprehensive framework for policy formulation. Employing qualitative thematic analysis of seminal texts in policy process studies, the research reveals that this framework can be understood through five overarching concepts and their corresponding central questions: Genesis: How does formulation emerge and begin? Actors: Who participates in the formulation? Content: What is being formulated? Technique: How is formulation conducted? Context: In what setting does formulation take place? This set of questions offers a powerful analytical tool for understanding, comparing, and evaluating diverse formulation processes, enabling analysts and policymakers to approach its complexities with a more systematic and profound perspective.https://smt.isu.ac.ir/article_78295_bcd13a93bcd0fda6a7996530529cf225.pdfImam Sadiq UniversityStrategic Management Thought2383-089119420261222Systemic Analysis of the Consequences of Unethical Political Marketing in Elections: A Case Study of East Azerbaijan ProvinceSystemic Analysis of the Consequences of Unethical Political Marketing in Elections: A Case Study of East Azerbaijan Province7829610.30497/smt.2026.250585.3741FASeyed MahdiAziziAssistant Professor, Department of Decision Sciences and Complex Systems, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Management, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran.0000-0002-3324-9422AliMassoumi SisMaster's student in Islamic Studies and Management, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran.0009-0001-5549-3506Journal Article20260617Elections, as a key mechanism of political participation, are continuously shaped by political action and competition. Unethical political marketing, beyond immediate electoral effects, can undermine public trust, social capital, and governance quality through complex, delayed mechanisms. This study provides a systemic analysis of such consequences within East Azerbaijan Province’s electoral context. Using a qualitative approach grounded in soft systems thinking, data were gathered from literature reviews and semi-structured expert interviews, then analyzed via interactive modeling. Findings reveal that deceptive practices—including public misinformation, vote buying, character assassination, exploitation of social divisions, illicit funding, and electoral integrity breaches—are causally interconnected. These behaviors reproduce systemic outcomes such as declining political trust, weakened responsible participation, erosion of ethical norms, and reduced social capital. The comprehensive model illustrates that unethical political marketing is not a set of isolated acts but a self-reinforcing systemic phenomenon. Through feedback loops, it perpetuates itself within the political and social arenas, highlighting the need for holistic interventions that address root causal structures rather than symptomatic symptoms alone.Elections, as a key mechanism of political participation, are continuously shaped by political action and competition. Unethical political marketing, beyond immediate electoral effects, can undermine public trust, social capital, and governance quality through complex, delayed mechanisms. This study provides a systemic analysis of such consequences within East Azerbaijan Province’s electoral context. Using a qualitative approach grounded in soft systems thinking, data were gathered from literature reviews and semi-structured expert interviews, then analyzed via interactive modeling. Findings reveal that deceptive practices—including public misinformation, vote buying, character assassination, exploitation of social divisions, illicit funding, and electoral integrity breaches—are causally interconnected. These behaviors reproduce systemic outcomes such as declining political trust, weakened responsible participation, erosion of ethical norms, and reduced social capital. The comprehensive model illustrates that unethical political marketing is not a set of isolated acts but a self-reinforcing systemic phenomenon. Through feedback loops, it perpetuates itself within the political and social arenas, highlighting the need for holistic interventions that address root causal structures rather than symptomatic symptoms alone.https://smt.isu.ac.ir/article_78296_bd3e00590cfec12f945a73355681af3f.pdf