English abstract
The study aimed to develop a strategy to enhance the global
competitiveness of higher education institutions in the Sultanate of Oman
by exploring the current status of the main and supporting activities in
higher education institutions using the value chain approach, and
identifying the requirements and obstacles to achieving global
competitiveness associated with the main and supporting activities in
these institutions from the point of view of the study sample.
In achieving its objectives, the study adopted mixed-methods
design based on individual interviews with a sample of (20) higher
education leaders, as well as a questionnaire administered to a sample of
(261) members of the academic staff in higher education institutions. The
results of the study showed that the infrastructure in higher education
institutions needs further development to keep pace with the digital
transformation and the rapid global developments. It has also been shown
that there are deficiencies in the academic support services for faculty
members, especially with regard to the exchange of experiences between
faculty members in different universities. Moreover, more efforts need to
be exerted to move from traditional teaching methods, and link education
to industry and the labor market. With regard to scientific research, the
results showed weak budgets related to scientific research, lack of research
grants, and scarcity of data centers that contribute to providing researchers
with statistics.
The study came up with a proposed strategy based on the results of
the reality analysis through the field study in the Omani context, using the
value chain approach. The proposed strategy was based on some
theoretical premises, and its dimensions consisted of the vision, mission,
values, strategic directions, and goals aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the
National Education Strategy 2040, and the dimensions of competitive
advantage.
