History of IMCA
Management consulting has existed in Iran for many decades, both at the national policy level and within private industry. However, the modern and structured form of the profession dates back only a few decades. In earlier periods, foreign consulting firms played a significant role in major national sectors such as oil, steel, energy, telecommunications, and in developing national economic plans. Several international firms, especially in financial management and accounting, have even established offices in Iran.
With the growth of industrial activities and the transfer of experience from the former Plan Organization to the Ministry of Industries and Mines, the Industrial Consulting and Advisory Center was established in the late 1950s. Shortly afterward, various managerial associations emerged, followed by the founding of the Industrial Management Organization (IMI) in the early 1960s. This institution played a major role in institutionalizing management consulting in Iran by delivering consulting projects in areas such as industrial studies, plant design, maintenance systems, warehousing, finance, commerce, and organizational development.
The establishment of the Industrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran (IDRO) further strengthened this evolution by expanding industrial capabilities and connecting Iran’s industries with advanced economies. As a result, demand for professional consulting services increased substantially.
Following the 1979 Revolution, some consultants emigrated, and consulting services were partially sustained through university faculty members supporting industries. As management systems such as budgeting, warehousing, financial systems, and payroll became more widely adopted, and management training expanded, a new generation of young, educated professionals gradually entered the consulting field—though the profession had yet to become fully structured.
During the second decade after the Revolution, national reconstruction efforts and the development of the First and Second Five-Year Development Plans created strong demand for consulting services. The Third Development Plan introduced even more comprehensive requirements. Meanwhile, global developments and the need to integrate with international industrial systems—especially through product quality standards and quality management systems such as ISO 9000—encouraged professionals to seek international expertise and highlighted the need for a formal professional association to represent consultants.
Formation of the Iran Management Consultants Association (IMCA)
The idea of establishing a national association for management consultants began with a general meeting initiated by a group of consultants in collaboration with the Engineering Services Office of the Ministry of Industries. In this meeting, the following individuals were elected as the founding board:
- Dr. Bani Asadi – Iran Industrial Foundation
- Mr. Jalal Behbahani – Iran Industry and Management Company
- Mr. Siyah Makuan – Noavaran Company
- Mr. Khoramabadi – Iranian Productivity and Study Center
- Mr. Vakili – Yegan Company
The Industrial Management Organization (IMI)—which had also conducted a national consultation with management consultants—joined the founding group shortly afterward.
After several sessions of discussion and drafting, the founding board developed the association's bylaws in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. The association was officially registered on September 6, 1998 (1377/06/15) under the name:
Iran Management Consultants Association (IMCA)
as an official employers' professional association.