RESEARCH OVERVIEW

Organizational readiness for AI in railway freight-demand forecasting

A readiness assessment of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways across organizational, technological, human, governance, and ethical dimensions.

Research question

To what extent is the railway organization ready to apply artificial intelligence to freight-demand forecasting, and where are the main readiness gaps?

Objective

The study evaluates organizational readiness rather than developing a forecasting algorithm. The aim is to identify the capabilities and constraints that shape successful AI adoption.

Methodology

Applied, descriptive-survey research using a 35-item five-point Likert questionnaire administered to 11 experts with substantial knowledge of the subject.

Seven readiness dimensions

  1. Data readiness
  2. Data governance
  3. IT infrastructure
  4. Human resources
  5. Strategy & management support
  6. Culture & change management
  7. Security & ethics

Key findings

3.75Data readiness was the strongest dimension.
3.09Data governance was close to the threshold.
2.98Culture and change management remained a near-threshold capability.
2.89Security and ethics also remained near the threshold.
2.45IT infrastructure showed a lower readiness level.
2.31Strategy and management support was among the weakest areas.
2.20Human resources was the lowest-scoring dimension.