The Role of ICT in Creating A Competitive Advantage in Institutions of Higher Learning in Kenya: A Case Study of United States International University (USIU)

Abstract

This study aimed to find out the role of ICT in creating a competitive advantage in institutions of higher learning in Kenya, a case study of United States International University (USIU). The objectives that guided the study were: to establish the role of ICT in achieving competitive advantage, to identify key indicators of competitive advantage, challenges of using ICT to create competitive advantage and the relationship between ICT and competitive advantage. The theory used in the study was diffusion of technology theory developed by Rogers (1983). This theory posits that potential technology users make decisions to readily adopt or reject innovations on the basis of their beliefs towards the new technology. Technology diffusion encompasses five distinct characteristics including relative, complexity, observables, trial ability and compatibility. The study applied a descriptive research design. The population comprised of 1,367 faculty and non-teaching staff as well as 6,032 students. The target population comprised of 800 non-teaching staff, 567 faculty staff from USIU and 160 students respectively. Simple random sampling ensured that all the respondents had an equal and fair chance of being included in the study. The study selected a sample size of 30% of the target population resulting to a total of 458 respondents. The study revealed that ICT eliminated redundant costs by improving operational efficiency, enhancing communication to stakeholders, increasing access to education and enhancing creation of new learning modalities. However, the institution faced a number of challenges in regards to optimal roll out of ICT systems due to infrastructural problem. The study recommended that higher learning institutions in Kenya should seek to enhance operational efficiency in service delivery by adopting ICT platforms and training users accordingly.

Description

MASTERS OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Strategic Management

Keywords

diffusion of technology, competitive advantage, role of ICT, institutions of higher learning

Citation

Imbabazi, N. L. (2018). The Role of ICT in Creating A Competitive Advantage in Institutions of Higher Learning in Kenya: A Case Study of United States International University (USIU). Daystar University, School of Business and Economics