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Article Citation - WoS: 88Citation - Scopus: 124Improving Sustainability in the Tourism Industry Through Blockchain Technology: Challenges and Opportunities(Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2022) Erol, Ismail; Neuhofer, Irem Onder; Dogru, Tarik (Dr. True); Oztel, Ahmet; Searcy, Cory; Yorulmaz, Ali C.The tourism industry is extremely important to the world economy; yet, the industry falls short when it comes to economic, social, and environmental issues. Blockchain as an information technology can be utilized to help solve these issues and establish sustainable tourism globally. However, the challenges to blockchain adoption in the tourism industry have not yet been examined systematically. The goal of this study, therefore, is three-fold: we first identify the challenges to blockchain using literature review and expert opinions. Then, we examine them using the proposed rough Interpretive Structural Modeling - Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication based on expert judgments. Finally, we link these challenges to diffusion of innovation theory. The results suggest that "lack of technical maturity" and "lack of interoperability" are the most important challenges of blockchain in the tourism industry. The findings of the study support macro- and micro-level decision-making in tourism industry's prospective applications of blockchain.Article Breaking the Cycle: A Systemic Analysis of Socio-Technical Barriers and Policy Priorities for Biomass Technology in an Emerging Economy(Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2026) Oztel, Ahmet; Erol, Ismail; Benli, Tolga; Ar, Ilker MuratThis study addresses the critical challenge of slow biomass technology adoption in emerging economies, using Türkiye-with a potential of 3.9 MToe annually-as a representative case. Despite its promise for clean energy and rural development, adoption is stifled by a complex web of socio-economic and cultural barriers. Moving beyond isolated analyses, this research employs a novel Interval-Valued Picture Fuzzy Interpretive Structural Modeling and Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification approach to model the interdependencies and uncertainties among 17 key barriers identified from literature and expert input. The findings of this study provide a strategic hierarchy for policymakers, revealing that weak regulatory frameworks, gender roles, health concerns, cultural taboos around waste use, and land-use conflicts are the fundamental driving barriers that perpetuate dependent challenges such as high costs and low awareness. To break this cycle, we propose a targeted policy framework prioritizing robust regulations with financial incentives, genderinclusive training programs, public health campaigns, and community-based ownership models. These interventions offer a systemic roadmap to accelerate sustainable biomass adoption, directly supporting progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 12 (Responsible Consumption), and 13 (Climate Action) in Türkiye and similar emerging economies where comparable socio-technical conditions prevail.Article Citation - WoS: 14Citation - Scopus: 15Supply chain resilience in the tourism and hospitality industry: A comprehensive examination of driving and restraining forces(Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2024) Erol, Ismail; Oztel, Ahmet; Dogru, Tarik; Peker, Iskender; Neuhofer, Irem Onder; Benli, TolgaSupply chain disruptions and a lack of resilient supply chains have adverse impact on the global economy. Particularly, complex nature of the tourism and hospitality industry makes it even more susceptible to failure when supply chain resiliency is rather low or does not exist. However, despite its significance, a comprehensive and systematic examination of building resilience in tourism and hospitality supply chains (THSCs) is lacking in the extant literature. The purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive framework that outlines the driving and restraining forces for building resilient THSCs. The decision framework proposed in this study integrates rough interval valued neutrosophic (RIVN) force field theory of change with RIVN-ISM-MICMAC methodology. The results showed that the restraining forces, such as lack of effective regulations and incentives and effective organizational and supply chain policies are the primary factors that constrain improving resilience in THSCs. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.Article Mixed Method Investigation of the Major Challenges to the Sustainable Deployment of the Electric Vehicle Charging Station Network in Türkiye(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2025) Erol, Ismail; Oztel, Ahmet; Peker, Iskender; Ar, Ilker Murat; Benli, Tolga; Turan, IsmetCharging the increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs) in use requires the deployment of EV charging station networks (EVCSN). However, there are various challenges to deploying EVCSN in a sustainable manner. T & uuml;rkiye, a developing country, should also build a robust EVCSN to encourage future adoption of EVs as the country's market for EVs has been rapidly growing. The literature review concludes that no previous study has systematically explored challenges to the sustainable deployment of EVCSN. The goal of this study is, therefore, twofold: first, it identifies those challenges through the lenses of commonly used theories. Second, it explores them using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework that incorporates a rough-derived interval-valued neutrosophic set (R-IVN)-based ISM into MICMAC. By deriving interval neutrosophic information from single-valued expert inputs using rough number operators, the proposed approach more accurately captures epistemic uncertainty and variability in expert judgments compared to conventional interval-based models. The method is further validated through a novel Dice-S & oslash;rensen similarity index-based simulation approach. The findings of this study suggest that developing government policies and regulations and addressing the existence of vertically integrated companies are the critical challenges with higher driving powers. These findings provide key responsibilities for stakeholders, including urban municipalities, in developing guidelines for EVCSN deployment.

