English abstract
This study investigates the role of strategic planning for scientific
research to achieve comparative advantage at Sultan Qaboos University
(SQU), from the points of view of deans, assistant deans, heads of
departments (HOD), assistants to heads of departments, and Research
Center Directors (RCD). It uses Porter's Five Forces Framework. The
study followed descriptive research methodology and used a survey to
collect data from (91) leaders at SQU. Results show that the overall role
of strategic planning for scientific research to achieve comparative
advantage at SQU was at the moderate level, according to the research
sample. Results also indicate significant differences between the study
sample, based on the nature of their jobs in the fifth force of Porter, the
bargaining power of suppliers/ researchers, favouring College Deans and
RCDs. It also indicates significant differences between the study sample,
based on gender favouring females in the second force, threat of new
entrants/universities. Moreover, it indicates significant differences
between the study sample, based on types of colleges' specialization, in
the first force, threat of substitute research services favouring scientific
colleges and in the third force, intra-indusaty rivalry favouring humanities.
The study provides some recommendations for SQU to improve its
competitive advantage in research, most important of which are: (1)
support the budget allocated for science research and increase it to support
SQU to execute its scientific research plans and programs, (2) activate
collaborative research partnership between SQU and research institutions
nationally and internationally, and (3) link SQU strategic plan for research
with Oman future vision 2040.
