The impact of strategic planning on achieving the competitive advantage A field study in Yemeni civil universities

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the impact of strategic planning, with its dimensions (environmental analysis, strategic orientation, and strategy formulation), in achieving a competitive advantage, with its dimensions (efficiency, quality, renewal and innovation, and responsiveness to customer needs), in private universities in Sana’a, Yemen. The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach, using a questionnaire as the research instrument. The study population consisted of 338 academic and administrative leaders from eight private universities that have been established for 15 years or more and have their main headquarters in Sana’a. The study employed a census survey, with 287 valid questionnaires available for analysis, representing 85% of the study population. The results showed a statistically significant impact of strategic planning on achieving a competitive advantage in Yemeni private universities. The study recommended several measures, including enhancing current strategies, adopting flexible strategies capable of adapting to internal and external environmental changes, improving universities' responsiveness to customer needs, developing educational programs that align with labor market requirements, continuously enhancing quality, and expanding employee participation in strategic planning processes.