Integrating a maturity model roadmap with MCDM: a tailored digital transformation framework for a developing country

Purpose This study develops a context-specific digital transformation (DT) maturity model and phased implementation roadmap tailored for developing countries, using Iran and MAPNA Group as the case. By applying the TOE framework, it overcomes the limitations of existing technology-centric models designed primarily for advanced economies. The core contribution to performance management is identifying performance-critical DT enablers and clarifying their causal effects on productivity and organizational outcomes under severe resource, institutional and infrastructural constraints typical of developing contexts. Design/methodology/approach A novel hybrid MCDM methodology integrating Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM), DEMATEL–ISM and best-worst method (BWM) within a unified framework was employed. Expert judgments from senior managers and engineers at MAPNA Group, Iran, provided empirical data. Causal relationships, hierarchical structures and priority weights were derived through systematic matrix calculations and consistency checks, ensuring methodological rigor and practical relevance. Findings Organizational culture and leadership emerged as the strongest causal drivers of successful DT. Key independent enablers include leadership commitment, employee ICT competencies, and data-driven culture, whereas smart supply chains and integrated digital planning are highly dependent performance outcomes. The resulting roadmap emphasizes that organizational readiness and low-cost digital initiatives (e.g. cloud solutions) must precede capital-intensive Industry 4.0 technologies in resource-constrained and institutionally complex environments. Originality/value Most DT maturity models have been developed for advanced economies and fail to address the technological, organizational and environmental barriers prevalent in developing countries. This study delivers the first empirically validated, TOE-based maturity model and prioritized roadmap explicitly designed for such contexts. Its key contribution to performance management is providing a practical decision-support tool that identifies high-impact enablers, reveals causal performance drivers, and offers an actionable roadmap, enabling managers to systematically improve productivity, efficiency, resilience and Industry 4.0 readiness in resource-constrained settings.