Identification and Structural Analysis of Key Success Factors and Supply Chain Challenges in Companies Providing Technology-Based Products and Services

Mohammad Kazemi, Mahdi; Namazian, Ali

doi:10.47176/scmj.2026.1677

Identification and Structural Analysis of Key Success Factors and Supply Chain Challenges in Companies Providing Technology-Based Products and Services

Document Type : Research/ Original/ Regular Article

Authors

Mahdi Mohammad Kazemi ¹

Ali Namazian ²

¹ MSc Student in Business Administration, Faculty of Financial Science, Management and Entrepreneurship, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran.

² Assistant professor, Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of kashan, Kashan, Iran.

10.47176/scmj.2026.1677

Abstract

In today's world, technology companies face complex challenges such as rapid technological shifts, the globalization of supply chains, and the constant pressure for innovation. This research aims to identify Critical Success Factors (CSFs) and supply chain challenges within tech firms, evaluate their importance through expert consensus, and perform a structural analysis using DEMATEL (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) and ISM (Interpretive Structural Modeling). The study analyzes the causal relationships between success factors and supply chain challenges, ultimately providing a hierarchical model of influence based on these structural analyses. To achieve this, factors were first identified through a literature review and screened by experts. Subsequently, the DEMATEL technique was applied to determine cause-and-effect relationships, while the ISM method was used for structural modeling and establishing hierarchical levels. The results indicate that technology integration, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making are recognized as the primary driving (causal) factors for supply chain success in tech companies. Furthermore, challenges such as intense competition, cybersecurity threats, and intellectual property protection were identified as fundamental factors contributing to supply chain disruptions. These findings assist supply chain managers in tech firms to enhance resilience and efficiency more effectively by gaining a deeper understanding of structural relationships and focusing on root driving factors. This research also paves the way for future studies in this field.

Keywords

Supply Chain Management

DEMATEL Analysis

Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM)

Subjects

Supply chain management stimuli (including: trust, unity, partnership, cooperation, transparency, integrity, coordination, etc.)

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Volume 28, Issue 90 - Serial Number 90
Serial number 90. Spring 2026
Spring 2026
Pages 87-106

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Receive Date 02 November 2025
Revise Date 27 December 2025
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Supply Chain Management

Identification and Structural Analysis of Key Success Factors and Supply Chain Challenges in Companies Providing Technology-Based Products and Services

Volume 28, Issue 90 - Serial Number 90Serial number 90. Spring 2026Spring 2026Pages 87-106

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Volume 28, Issue 90 - Serial Number 90
Serial number 90. Spring 2026
Spring 2026
Pages 87-106