Identifying the Factors Influencing the Achievement of Competitive Advantage in the Production of Barberry in South Khorasan: A Qualitative Approach

جغرافیاوتوسعه ناحیه ای

Article 7, Volume 22, Issue 4 - Serial Number 49, February 2025, Pages 177-216   

Document Type: Research

DOI: 10.22067/jgrd.2024.88815.1450

Authors

Esmat Najafi Arkhodi¹; Mehdi Mahmoodzadeh Vashan^{* 2}

¹PhD student in Business Management, Birjand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Birjand, Iran

²Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Birjand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Birjand, Iran

Abstract

South Khorasan, as a major producer of barberry, accounts for more than 95% of the world's barberry production. With its unique features, this product is considered one of the competitive advantages of Iran and South Khorasan. Due to the region's climatic conditions and water resource constraints, this province is not suited for cultivating several strategic crops. However, it provides optimal conditions for barberry cultivation. Enhancing the quantitative and qualitative development of this product can improve the competitiveness of the barberry farming and production industry in the region. This product plays a crucial role in preserving and developing local and indigenous resources, further strengthening its comparative and competitive advantages. Therefore, this study seeks to identify the key factors underpinning the competitive advantage of barberry production, emphasizing local and indigenous capacities in South Khorasan Province. This qualitative research employs the grounded theory strategy and the systematic design of Strauss and Corbin to develop a conceptual model. Data were collected from scientific and library sources, databases, and structured interviews with 25 experts in the field. The interview data were analyzed using MAXQDA software, providing 418 initial codes categorized into 100 sub-themes. The consistent sub-themes were further integrated into 22 key components and then classified into five main codes. The findings suggest that holding effective training programs for farmers on cultivation and maintenance techniques, providing financial support and credit facilities to barberry farmers and traders, and conducting market research to understand customer needs and competitors, improving marketing strategies and participating in industry-related events, exhibitions, and festivals are recommended to further introduce this product to national and international markets.

Keywords

Barberry; Competitive Advantage; Local and Indigenous Capacities; Grounded Theory; South Khorasan Province

References