Significance of Quality Assurance Mechanisms in University Strategic Management: An Advisory Model for University Managers in Kenya

Quality Assurance in university management has been perceived differently in different institutions. This study focused on the position of quality assurance in strategic management aimed at pursuit of sustainable competitive advantage. The study incorporated both descriptive and explanatory designs. Structured close ended Likert type questionnaire was used to collect primary data in a census survey from 324 managers in public and private universities in Kenya. Secondary data was collected from universities’ records, and the Commission for University Education in Kenya. Variable characteristics were analyzed using means and standard deviations. Pearson’s product moment correlation analysis was used to test relationships between variables; while multiple, hierarchical regression analysis were used to test the moderating effect of quality assurance mechanisms on sustainable competitive advantage in Kenyan universities. The study results yielded a positive and statistically significant moderating effect of quality assurance mechanisms (explained variance1.3% {R square change}; beta=0.125 and p value < 0.05 beta=0.159 and p value<0.05) on the relationship between strategic factors and sustainable competitive advantage. All calculations were done at a confidence level of 0.95 and alpha level of 0.05. The study results were used to develop an advisory model for university managers who wish to lead their institutions towards sustainable competitive advantage. Keywords: Sustainable competitive advantage, Quality assurance mechanisms, strategic factor