Investigating the effect of factors and variables of international competitiveness for food industry companies in Iran with a futures research approach (Case study: Khuzestan food industry)

The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyze the factors and variables which can influence on international competitiveness of food industry companies in Khuzestan province. This research is an applied, descriptive and correlational research, and the futures research approach is performed for it. Research hypotheses have been achieved from a qualitative stage that uses theories and experiences of food industry experts. The data required to test the hypotheses were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. The statistical population of this research consists of business, marketing and export managers of Khuzestan food industry companies, which are sufficiently familiar with market and industry conditions and specifications of foreign buyers. The number of these experts was 250. Using a Georgian and Morgan formula and cluster sampling method, a sample of 157 people has been selected. The validity of the questionnaire was verified by referring to a prototype and its reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. The research results indicate that 8 factors including the cost of products, product quality, to have advanced technology in company, the presence of expert human resource, efficient marketing management, to have famous brands in the company, high quality packaging, and easy access to high quality materials can have effect on creating an effective competitive advantage for food industry companies of Khuzestan Province. Also, according to these results, the effect of competitive advantage on international competitiveness of companies has been approved.