Competitive strategies and barriers to achieving competitive advantage: a study of Irish veterinary practices [printed text] / Kevin McNamara, Author ; IBAT College Dublin, ; Darren Devereux, Thesis advisor . - 2013 . - 184 p. : ill. (col), includes bibliographical references pp. 123-140, and abstract ; 31 cm.
ISSN : DISS8
Dissertation (MBA) -- IBAT College Dublin, 2013.

Keywords:	Veterinary,  Competitive  Strategy,  Advantage,  Barriers
Class number:	658
Abstract:	Background As the Irish Veterinary industry continues to evolve and take shape under challenging economic conditions and the advent of increased competition. Intensifying competition and a rapidly changing environment have left many in the veterinary industry struggling to survive nd searching for the route back to success. Aim of the Study The purpose of the study was to examine how Irish Veterinary practices can/ or do achieve a competitive advantage within their industry, the competitive strategies used to exploit them and an analysis of the barriers preventing others from doing so. Design An exploratory research design was used. A mixed methods approach incorporatin qualitative and quantitative research was the chosen methodology for this research study. Data was collected using a combination of a focus group, a questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Findings This research emphasises the importance strategic planning has for the Irish Veterinary Practice. In particular it has researched the key areas of competitive advantage and business level strategy (competitive strategy). The findings identified that the development of competitive strategies can be a difficult process for many Iish veterinary practices. This is due in part to the lack of understanding of the straegic process involved or more worryingly due to practitioners failing to see the importance of developing a sustainable competitive advantage for their Practice. Relevance in Practice This paper takes the framework of strategy as the main argument to explain competitive status of a business. It sheds llight on different perspectives on strategic sources ranging from Porters industry analysis to resource based view as a means of generating and sustaining business compeititve advantage. The internal sources of competitive advantage are crucial factors to success.