Identification and Analysis of Stakeholders in Mashhad’s Shohada Square Project based on Fuzzy Clustering

The Shohada Square project, which is among the large-scale urban projects, includes a variety of uses. One of the challenges facing this project has been the managers' low-risk power and the limited participation experience between urban managers and stakeholders within the project area. One of the basic steps in the stakeholder communication management process is prioritizing key stakeholders. In this regard, first, by reviewing the existing literature, the indicators of stakeholder prioritization were identified. Then, the stakeholders were grouped using fuzzy cluster analysis (FCM). This research is applied in terms of purpose and is quantitative in nature. The results of this research showed that cluster A has stakeholders with the highest level of power and willingness. Cluster B has stakeholders with low power but a high average level of willingness, and Cluster C has stakeholders with a medium level of power and relatively high willingness. Cluster D also has stakeholders with low power and willingness. The municipality, Project Management, and Khorasan Razavi Governorate have the highest level of belonging to cluster A. Also, contractor companies and consulting companies have the highest level of belonging to cluster C. The Water and Sewerage Organization, Gas Company, and Electricity Distribution Company belong to Cluster B, and the Finance and Tax Affairs Organization, Astan Quds Razavi, and Endowments and Charity Affairs Organization have the highest level of belonging to Cluster D. The results of this research provide the opportunity to identify key and effective stakeholders to request the required inputs and increase support for the project during its implementation, and to apply appropriate communication strategies to each stakeholder group.