Factors determining sustainable competitive advantage for the institute of advanced technology ltd

Abstract

This study was aimed at identifying the factors determining sustainable competitive advantage for The Institute of Advanced Technology Ltd guided by the theory of Sustainable Competitive Advantage Seeking and maintaining sustainable competitive advantage has become the concern of every organization that is alert to the realities of the industry. It is neither acceptable to assume that that good products will sell themselves nor advisable to imagine that the success today will be carried forward into tomorrow. The objective of this study was to determine the factors that provide The Institute of Advanced Technology Ltd with sustainable competitive advantage within its industry. The research design adopted in this study was a case study of the Institute of Advanced Technology Ltd (IAT) which is a middle level tertiary training institution located in Nairobi, with branches in Nakuru and Mombasa. The data was collected from 5 managers namely: The Dean ICT programs IAT campus, The Operations Manager F.nd User and Corporate Training IAT Pension towers, The Test center Manager IAT, The Center Manager IAT Yaya center and The Front office Manager IAT Thika road campus. The managers were selected on the basis of availability and willingness to assist. The data was analyzed by use of content analysis due to the fact that the data was qualitative in nature. This study established that there are various factors that determine sustainable competitive at IAT. They are quality management systems, convenient locations, market relevant programs, customer care, international affiliation, collaboration with local universities, teaching for understanding teaching methodology and issuance of workbooks and training materials. It was also established that the environment is dynamic thus the need to improve on these factors. The factors determined had a positive effect on organizational performance and profitability. The respondents recommended that the quality management system should be improved further to ensure total employee involvement in all its processes, staff development, intensify marketing activities and expand the institution into a university. The objective of this study was achieved.