Investigation of higher education private dormitories in Manisa in terms of competitive strategies

The aim of this thesis is to examine the competitiveness of higher education private student dormitories in Manisa within the framework of Porter's competitive strategies and five forces of competitiveness model. To achieve this aim, data was collected through interviews with the founding directors and managers of higher education student dormitories in Manisa. The interview questions were prepared in accordance with the Porter's generic competitive strategies and five forces model. As a result of the content analysis of the data collected from 10 dormitory managers in total, the strategies implemented by private higher education student dormitories and the forces affecting the competition were determined. According to the analyzes and evaluations made, it has been determined that the dormitories use cost leadership, differentiation and focus strategies from time to time. Among the forces affecting the competition in the sector, it has been determined that the threat of competition among existing businesses, the competitive power of customers and the threat power created by substitute products are effective. The other two strengths, the threat posed by suppliers and the threat of new businesses, were found to be less effective.The competitive power of customers and the threat power created by substitute products are among the forces affecting the competition in the sector. It has been concluded that the other three forces are the threat posed by suppliers, the threat of competition among existing businesses, and the threat of new businesses. At the end of the thesis, there are suggestions that can be useful and applicable both for the literature and for the sector and the businesses that will enter the sector. Keywords: Competitive strategies, five forces of competitiveness model, private student dormitories.