Mahmood Bakhshinejad
Abstract
Since the classical economics, the model of competitive advantage at different levels (national, industry, firm) has been considered
attentively by experts in economics and management. In recent years, one pivotal issue in the field of management has been the
identification of competitive advantage sources and the breakthrough strategies for its preservation and development. The main
purpose of this article is to explain one of the popular theories concerning the competitive advantage model, that is Porter’s model,
to show whether it is applicable in a country like Iran, which possesses a highly dominant government-based economy, or not.
Besides, if it requires any modification in its pattern, what form of modification should it comprise? In terms of methodology, thus,
this may be deemed an applied developmental research. Primary data targeted was obtained by means of a quantitative survey using
a questionnaire technique of data collection. The questionnaire survey took place in the period from 10/2010 to 6/2011 and a total of
109 firms (undertaking their activities in the territory of the Iran) were involved. The results of the study show that Porter’s model
in both the upstream and the downstream forms must become developed and rectified. Ultimately, the most advantageous shape of
the model for detecting the sources of competitive advantage in bottled drinking water industry is offered.
Key words:
Bottled water; Competitive advantage; Business activities; Edge resources; Ira