Pathology and Strategy Development for Coastal Cities in Boushehr Province

جغرافیاوتوسعه ناحیه ای

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 20 February 2025

Document Type: scientific-research article

DOI: 10.22067/jgrd.2025.91790.1525

Authors

Seyed Taha Mousavi¹; Azita Rajabi^{* 2}; Naser Eghbali³

¹PhD Student, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Central Tehran Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

²Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran)

³Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Central Tehran Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The City Development Strategy (CDS) offers a framework for creating advanced, sustainable, and livable urban areas. In Iran, urban development plans have faced challenges in achieving their objectives due to a lack of effective problem identification and practical solutions. This research aims to develop urban development strategies tailored for coastal cities within Boushehr province. It focuses on identifying, analyzing key factors, and offering actionable solutions. This study employs an applied research approach with descriptive-analytical methods, utilizing both library research and field data collection. Data analysis was conducted using SWOT, QSPM, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via PLS Smart software. The study identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) related to the development of Boushehr's coastal cities (Boushehr, Ahram, Borazjan, Khormoj, Bandar Dayyer, Bandar Kangan, Bandar Genaveh, Kaki, Jam, Ab Pakhsh, Choghadak, Vahdatiyeh, Bonak, Nakhl Taghi) through expert interviews with officials and specialists. These SWOT factors were weighted and ranked based on expert opinions to derive a weighted score for each factor. The higher combined scores for weaknesses (2.794) and threats (3.582) indicate significant challenges in the development of these coastal cities. However, existing strengths and opportunities can be leveraged to mitigate weaknesses and threats. The weighted scores for opportunities and strengths were 3.559 and 2.213, respectively. The Internal Factors Evaluation (IFE) matrix score (5.007) and External Factors Evaluation (EFE) matrix score (7.141) suggest that a competitive-aggressive strategy is suitable for the development of Boushehr's coastal cities, although other strategies should also be considered. Overall, the primary weaknesses and threats to the development of Boushehr's coastal cities revolve around environmental concerns and achieving sustainable employment.

Keywords

Urban Development Strategy; Pathology; Coastal Cities; Boushehr Province