Use of resource based perspective as a Competitive strategy at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology

Abstract

The RBP is an emerging competitive strategy which emphasizes that for a firm to gain competitive advantage it has to also focus on its internal firm specific factors hereby referred to as resources. Before its emergence the mainstream theory of competitive advantage was externally focused, that is, different strategies that capitalized the opportunities in the firm's environment. This research project was set up to asses the extent to which JKUAT uses the Resource Based Perspective as a competitive strategy The study also looked at the challenges JKUAT has been experiencing in the implementation of RBP competitive strategy. The study collected data on different aspects of RBP from the chairmen of departments. This is because they are the individuals who are involved in the basic administrative unit of the university, and regulate the resource acquisitions improvements and deficiencies. The study was analyzed using the mean, standard deviation, percentages and Eigen Values. The use of RBP in JKUAT has been evidenced by the internal adjustment strategies like the cultural change, consideration of resources availability '.. before strategy implementation and steady increase in its resources. The study also showed that the use of RBP as.. a competitive strategy has increased JKUA T's competitiveness in the market. The challenges have been JKUA T's processes and structures which have hindered maximum benefits of RBP.ln conclusion, the study realized that JKUAT uses RBP to a moderate extent to counter the market forces and competition. IV