Conceptualizing and validating resource recombination in context of higher educational institution competitiveness

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how resource recombination (RR) may be conceptualized with special reference to the competitiveness of Higher Education Institutions (HEI). Design/methodology/approach The paper consists of two main studies. Building on pertinent available literature on the subject area, a qualitative investigation was conducted with the help of a semi-structured interview guide. Findings of study one were systematically analysed against a literature derived template. Study two presents a quantitative survey investigation that follows from the codes and themes derived from study one. In study two, findings were validated and analysed with the help of structural equation modelling. Findings Study one findings identified a total of 64 individual themes representing resources (21 themes), business processes (29 themes) and complementary factors (14 themes), as elements of RR in HEI competitiveness. In study two, the measurement model for RR was found to contain five main factors, namely, asset, research and affiliation processes, automated technology management, financial support for HR and departmental initiatives mainstream staff rewards and retention and institutional brand image appeal. Practical implications A significant contribution is made to theory development in the area of RR. Other implications to HEI competitiveness in contribution to national development were offered. Originality/value The area of RR remains largely uncovered in strategic management. Conceptualizing RR in the context of HEI competitiveness is new and in the right direction to jumpstart interest in this area by proposing a validated measurement model of HEI.

Empowering resources recombination through dynamic capabilities of an enterprise

“…Accordingly, our findings are consistent with the recommendations of previous studies (e.g. Muneeb et al, 2020;Deya, 2016), which emphasize that the deployment of DC under wrong casual assumptions may have a negative impact on an HEI's competitiveness.…”

“…Competitive advantage rests to a large extent on the capabilities of the HEIs to sense opportunities for accessing and seizing new resources, and then reconfiguring them internally. Berseck and Zu Knyphausen-Aufseß (2018) and Muneeb et al (2020), suggested that higher education policymakers need capabilities to use and recombine resources efficiently while simultaneously adapting to their changing environments for HEI competitiveness. It can be argued that DCs are instrumental in determining the capacity of a firm to successfully implement actions that result in a sustained competitive advantage (Hou and Chien, 2010).…”

“…Barrales-Molina et al, 2014;Fainshmidt et al, 2019) argued that DC significantly contributes towards a firm's competitive advantage. Muneeb et al (2020) discovered that learning capabilities are more vital than firm financial resources in developing a competitive advantage, while Fainshmidt et al (2016) argued that resource integration is important to gain a sustainable competitive advantage. This makes the re-combination of current resources an important aspect for an organization.…”

“…The literature indicates that DC has a positive impact towards HEI performance. For instance, Muneeb et al (2020) demonstrated a positive impact of DC on academic research productivity. Wu et al (2015) further argued that educational environment is facilitated by DC.…”

Análisis de recursos y actividades intangibles de capital relacional en grupos de investigación.

“…Dicho potencial deberá ser superior al de las demás IES si se desea garantizar el sostenimiento de la ventaja competitiva. Más aún, la reputación implica una combinación compleja entre recursos, la interdependencia entre ellos y la gestión efectiva de actividades en todas las áreas organizacionales de la IES (Muneeb et al, 2020).…”