The Status Quo of Competitive Advantage at Al-Azhar University from the Perspective of Academic and Administrative Leadership “A field study”

Abdo, Reda Gamal Mohamed; Farag, Heshmat Abdel-Hakam Mohamedin; Hussein, Mohamed Fathi Abdel-Fattah

doi:10.21608/jsrep.2025.462469

The Status Quo of Competitive Advantage at Al-Azhar University from the Perspective of Academic and Administrative Leadership “A field study”

Authors

¹ Management, Planning and Comparative Studies Department, Faculty of Education for Boys, Al-Azhar University Email: RedaAbdo.208@gamil.com

² Management, Planning and Comparative Studies Department, Faculty of Education for Boys, Al-Azhar University

10.21608/jsrep.2025.462469

Abstract

The present study aimed to analyze the status quo of competitive advantage of Al-Azhar University by examining the extent to which its dimensions are available. The descriptive method was employed for its suitability to the problem and objectives of the study. A questionnaire was used as the main instrument for data collection, administered to 146 academic and administrative leaders at the university. The results revealed that the overall level of competitive advantage dimensions at Al-Azhar University was “moderate,” with a mean score of (3.08). The dimension of quality ranked first with a “moderate” degree (3.24), followed by excellence in second place (3.12), cost in third (3.06), creativity and innovation in fourth, and flexibility in fifth (3.04). Efficiency came sixth (3.03), while sustainability ranked last with a “moderate” degree (3.02). In light of these results, the study recommended several methods to enhance the competitive advantage of Al-Azhar University, including strengthening the culture of quality and activating continuous monitoring and assessment systems, promoting creativity and innovation by supporting research and practical practices linked to societal and labor market needs, increasing the flexibility of regulations and policies to allow periodic development and updating of academic programs, qualifying and developing the skills of academic and administrative leaders to meet the requirements of institutional excellence, and optimizing investment in human and material resources to ensure efficiency and sustainability. Accordingly, the study contributes to presenting a practical vision for developing institutional performance at Al-Azhar University and strengthening its capability to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.

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