Determination of the factors affecting the speed of the carpet manufactoring firms to international markets

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the factors affecting the speed to markets. In this study a qualitative descriptive research approach has been employed in the analysis of data. The data were gathered by means of a semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher. The study group consisted of 17 representatives of carpet manufacturing firms in Gaziantep. The data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive analysis techniques. The findings of the study indicated that awareness of the principles and strengths and weaknesses of the firm by the employees affects the relationship with the customers in a positive manner. It was also revealed in this study that flexibility of the firm in case of change will contribute to the competition power of the firm. On the other hand, this study also indicated that a computer based data system of the firm will increase the speed of the firms to international markets, since e-commerce is so popular in today's world. The participants of the study pointed out that developing new products in line with the expectations of the customers will increase the speed of the firms to international markets, since quality produts with lower prices are always preferred by the customers. The participants indicated that the use outsource will not contribute to the firms' overall performances. According to the findings of the study, the combination of low prices – high quality – and new products will increase the speed of the firms to international markets. The participants stated that participation to international fairs and similar activities also increase the speed to international markets. It was also found in the study that customs regulations, quality standards, political unstability, high taxes, and coatas are the main obstacles in entering international markets. The midle east countries, USA, and other Europe countries are indicated by the participants as the fastest entered countries. It is concluded in this study that price policy, quality development studies, and organizational infrastructure are the factors which affect the speed of the firms to international markets the most; and the use of outsource and the supply chain are the factors which affect the speed of the firms to international markets the least. At the end of the study, some suggestions are made to manufacturing firms and future researchers on the basis of the results reached.