History of the Industrial Management Organization
The Industrial Management Organization was originally established in the early 1960s under the name Iran Industrial Advisory Center, as an initial initiative to support the country’s industrial development. Recognizing the need for qualified Iranian professionals, the center’s foreign consultants recommended establishing an independent team of Iranian experts to take an active role in its operations.
In the following years, the need for an independent organization within the Iran Industrial Advisory Center became increasingly evident. As a result, the center was restructured and officially began operating as the Industrial Management Organization (IMO), with Engineer Niyazmand appointed as its first Managing Director.
The organization’s first Board of Directors included representatives from the Plan and Budget Organization, the Ministry of Industries, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industries. The laboratories affiliated with the original center later became the foundation of what is now known as the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research.
Following Engineer Niyazmand’s appointment as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Deputy Minister of Industries, Engineer Jamshid Gharajedaghi assumed the position of Managing Director of the organization.
During its early years, the Industrial Management Organization benefited from the expertise of international consultants, particularly the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). This collaboration enabled the organization not only to deliver professional services but also to facilitate the transfer of technology and technical knowledge.
One of the major challenges during this period was striking a balance between advisory support and professional consulting services. Over time, the organization recognized that providing services free of charge created challenges for both the service provider and its clients. It became clear that this approach diminished the perceived value of its expertise and services. Consequently, the organization adopted a new policy requiring clients to pay for the services they received, encouraging them to engage as committed customers.
During this period, several key developments accelerated the organization’s growth and expanded its service capabilities. These included collaborating with internationally renowned experts such as Russell L. Ackoff, transitioning from a functional organizational structure to a matrix structure, and introducing an innovative employee compensation system designed to attract and retain highly qualified professionals.
In the years following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, and throughout the Iran–Iraq War, the organization successfully continued its operations despite the considerable challenges arising from the country’s circumstances. It maintained its position as the largest and only self-sustaining institution dedicated to providing management services.
Following the end of the war, the Industrial Management Organization focused on expanding its activities by recruiting new talent and strengthening its network of Iranian and international consultants and specialists. These initiatives enabled the organization to broaden its operations, advance its strategic objectives, and further fulfill its mission.
Industrial Management Organization of Isfahan
The Isfahan Branch of the Industrial Management Organization (IMO) was established in 1996 through the collaborative efforts of distinguished academics and experienced management professionals.
With approximately a quarter-century of operations in Isfahan Province, the organization has equipped more than 8000 managers across the industrial, commercial, and public service sectors with up-to-date, practical management knowledge.
Through dozens of consulting and system design projects, the organization has made significant contributions to the development and implementation of management systems in companies and institutions.
It has also played an important role in fostering a culture of management education, consulting, and research across businesses, institutions, and government organizations, while contributing to the advancement of the country’s educational system.
What Does the Name “Industrial Management Organization” Mean?
At first glance, the name Industrial Management Organization may suggest that its services are exclusively intended for the industrial sector and manufacturing enterprises. However, the organization was originally established to serve as a national center for promoting the principles and practices of scientific management.
Its fundamental mission has been to apply modern management principles, originally developed through industrial practices, across three key areas: management consulting, education, and research.
By taking into account Iran’s unique economic, cultural, and organizational characteristics, the organization seeks to adapt scientific management approaches to the specific needs of Iranian institutions, organizations, and businesses. Its ultimate goal is to help improve their operational performance, efficiency, and productivity.
A closer examination of the organization’s diverse client base and the services it has provided over more than four decades demonstrates that its activities extend far beyond the industrial sector.
Its clients have included major government ministries, such as the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, and Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
The organization has also served a wide range of public-sector institutions, large industrial and service enterprises, and private-sector manufacturing, industrial, and service companies.
Through this extensive experience, the Industrial Management Organization strives to act as a catalyst for organizational change, contributing to the improvement of information and operational systems across both the public and private sectors, at organizational and broader institutional levels.
Industrial Management Organization Logo
The Industrial Management Organization’s logo is inspired by an ancient seal found on pottery discovered in the Lut Desert of Kerman, as well as among the archaeological remains of the ancient site of Habij.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the civilization that once inhabited this region is that, despite being subjected to repeated invasions by various groups, no evidence of weapons has been found among its archaeological remains.
This absence of weapons may reflect the peaceful nature of these people and their appreciation for knowledge and learning.
Mission and Objectives of the Industrial Management Organization of Isfahan
Our Mission
With over ۶۰ years of active involvement in Iran’s economic and social development and a strong track record in education, consulting, and research, the Industrial Management Organization (IMO) is committed to strengthening management capabilities, driving organizational transformation, and improving organizational performance.
Our mission is to contribute to the country’s economic and social development through management consulting, education, and research, while empowering business leaders across organizations of all sizes to navigate emerging challenges and prepare for future opportunities.
We also strive to support businesses in developing and implementing effective strategies for organizational change, enhancing their performance, efficiency, and productivity.
Furthermore, we are dedicated to advancing the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required by organizational leaders and managers to succeed in both current and future business environments.
Through specialized consulting and research, we assist managers and policymakers in identifying emerging issues and challenges, evaluating strategic options, and making informed decisions that contribute to sustainable organizational development.
Our Objectives
- Supporting public and private organizations in improving their management systems, processes, and practices.
- Enhancing organizational efficiency through the development and implementation of effective educational and training programs.
- Assisting managers and policymakers in identifying operational gaps, challenges, and bottlenecks in project implementation through specialized management consulting and research.
Founders of the Industrial Management Organization
Masoud Heydari
Faculty Member at the Industrial Management Organization (IMO).
Widely recognized as the Father of Negotiation Studies in Iran.
Iranian Deputy Secretary-General of the Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD).
Senior Consultant and Associate Senior Analyst at the Industrial Management Organization, specializing in technology transfer, industrial cooperation, international negotiations, and international contracts.
Farhad Malek
Management Analyst at the Industrial Management Organization (IMO) in 1973.
Master’s Degree in Management from A.D.L., USA.
Assistant Manager of the Maintenance Department at Blair Electronics Company in the United States.
Designed and implemented dozens of projects focused on developing and revising organizational strategies, structures, salary and compensation systems, and personnel policies across public- and private-sector organizations in the service, industrial, commercial, and educational sectors.
Bijan Khorram
Deputy Managing Director of the Industrial Management Organization (IMO) in 1973.
Master’s Degree in Management from A.D.L., USA.
Faculty Member at the Industrial Management Organization from 1971 to 2025.
Executive Committee Member of the Society for General Systems Research (SGSR) in West Asia.
Director of the Club of Rome’s Third Research Project for the Middle East and North Africa.
Distinguished Professor and Instructor in Systems Thinking.
Certified Achievement Motivation Trainer, authorized by Professor David McClelland, Chairman of the Department of Psychology and Director of the Center for Research in Personality at Harvard University, with an affiliation to the Management Development Center in Poland.
Parviz Joorabchi
Deputy Managing Director of the Industrial Management Organization (IMO) in 1973.
Degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Missouri, USA.
Director of the Training Center at the Industrial Management Organization.
Regional Deputy Manager at Confection Company in the United States.
Deputy Representative of Iran to the Asian Productivity Organization (APO).
Member of the Board of Directors of Iran Metal Industries Joint Stock Company.
Consultant to the Government of Pakistan on the establishment of a national productivity center.
Jamshid Gharajedaghi
Managing Director of the Industrial Management Organization (IMO) in 1973.
Degree in Systems Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1963.
Systems Thinking Expert, Professor, and Author at the Interact Institute, USA (1987–۲۰۲۴).
Representative of the Iranian Government to the Asian Productivity Organization (APO).
Senior Systems Engineering Specialist at IBM.
Member of the Central Council of Universities and Higher Education Institutions in Iran.
Regional President for West Asia of the Society for General Systems Research (SGSR).
Akbar Kiafar
Deputy Managing Director of the Industrial Management Organization (IMO) in 1973.
Master’s Degree in Management from A.D.L., USA.
Financial Consultant to George Fry & Associates in Iran.
Managed hundreds of research, analytical, and management consulting projects.
Consultant to the Government of Pakistan on the establishment of a national productivity center.
Member of the Board of Directors of Shahdsaz, Iran Metal Industries, Simansaz, and Systems Development companies.
Services of the Industrial Management Organization of Isfahan
