Question

Explain how the use of information system in higher learning institution can bring about a competitive advantage.

Answer 1

This paper reports on a study highlighting on the effective usage of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, with a special focus on Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). ERP system has been one of the most widespread business management software, providing benefits of real-time functions and continuous communication for business in large organizations. Moreover, implementing ERP has an effect on the whole organization such as process, people, and culture. Using Resource-Based View (RBV) theory to describe firm’s integrated resources, firm’s capabilities and therefore firm’s core competencies that ultimately become the source of competitive. RBV is used to analyze the business value of IT in along with the ability to align business processes through organizational strategy. This paper aims to focus on the benefits gained for Higher Education Institutions from implementing ERP and therefore, gaining a competitive advantage. This can encourage other HEIs to adopt ERP system as a tool to achieve a Competitive Advantage, especially in Egypt.