Soft Systems Methodology

The main purpose of this study is identifying influential factors on the future of spiritual tourism and formulation of plausible scenario for it. From philosophical point of view, this paper is pragmatic, exploratory from target’s point of view and it’s practical. It’s a survey research in collecting data and its methodology is mixed. In this study, by studying the literature and interviewing with experts, the factors influencing the future of spiritual tourism were identified and then, using the Cross Impact analysis approach, the data was entered into the MIC MAC software and two key factors affecting the future of spiritual tourism in Qom province. It was found out that Facilitate versus Rigor and Culture policy which were selected among the eleven final effective factors. In the next step, four scenarios are presented in this study. These scenarios include Limited liberalism scenario, Liberal world Scenario, Negligence scenario and Authoritarian Spirituality scenario.

In the contemporary day, where digital technologies profoundly impact all facets of human existence, effective policymaking in digital media is crucial. Considering the substantial influence of these media on public opinion, political and social communications, as well as their profound effects on cultural and economic aspects of societies, the imperative for a meticulous and exhaustive assessment of the policies implemented in this area is more evident. Given the intricate and multifaceted characteristics of digital media policymaking, the application of soft operational research methodologies can provide more thorough and agreeable outcomes. This research investigates the methodologies of soft systems and cognitive mapping as analytical instruments for assessing digital media policymaking. This methodology enables the identification of current concerns and issues, while also assessing capacities and potential for enhancement, thereby offering a thorough and pragmatic framework for effective policymaking in this domain. The data necessary for constructing the conceptual model of this research were obtained by examining prior studies and conducting comprehensive interviews with experts and specialists in digital media. In analyzing the present condition of the media and communication sector, a significant observation, akin to various social and cultural domains, is the occurrence of cultural lag, wherein the rapid progression of communication technologies has surpassed the capacity of society and policymakers to adjust and formulate suitable content strategies. This research indicates that modifications in the "content" domain are crucial for effective policymaking in digital media.

Given the growing demand for electricity in Iraq and the significant contribution of gas-fired power plants to electricity generation, evaluating and improving the efficiency of these units from economic, environmental, and social perspectives is an imperative. This study aims to develop an integrated framework for identifying inputs and outputs for employing Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to assess the performance of gas-fired power plants in southern Iraq. To this end, Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) was employed to identify and structure problematic factors and challenges through expert interviews. The challenges of electricity generation and influencing factors were structured as inputs and outputs. The findings revealed that the inputs and outputs of gas-fired power plants in Iraq can be defined within seven subsystems: economic, environmental, supply, human resources, technology and infrastructure, social, and managerial. The integration of SSM and DEA provides an effective framework for multifaceted performance analysis, enabling root definitions and conceptual modeling that support evidence-based policymaking, efficient resource allocation, and strategic planning for structural reform and transition toward sustainable energy within Iraq's power sector.