Sources of competitive advantage in the field of higher education. Case Study: Transilvania University of Brasov

• Author: Boscor D.
• Pages: 379-384

Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov

Series V: Economic Sciences • Vol. 8 (57) No. 2 - 2015

Sources of competitive advantage in the field of higher

education. Case Study: Transilvania University of

Brasov

Dana BOŞCOR1

Abstract: The field of higher education is facing new challenges at world level. Universities

have to find new sources of competitive advantages in order to develop and grow. The

competition from online courses at low prices might become a threat but reputation of

universities and accreditation systems are helping universities to face new challenges.

Universities should adapt to the new compatitive landscape and should use new strategies in

the field of human resources, cost reductions,research, partnerships with companies and

other universities..

Key-words: universities, strategies, online courses,costs

1. Introduction

In the field of higher education there is a trend to develop research universities and

the competition between countries is increasing because high skilled people and

higher value added products can help nations to gain competitive advantages.

In the european models of higher education the state has a well defined role

through financing and tuition fees paid by students are very low. In the american

model students have to pay high tuition fees in universities but they can have access

at loans and grants from the government, that is why a mixed funding system has

been developed. A similar system is used in Britain where fees can be covered with

a loan from the government, repayable by the student after graduation if the level of

the salary exceeds a certain limit. In USA students have access at loans for

universities but they have to repay them irrespective of their earnings. The american

higher education system is considered very expensive and inequitable.

The private sector is very active in higher education in many countries like

USA, Britain, while in other countries like Germany education is considered a

public good.

1 Transilvania University of Braşov, dana.boscor@unitbv.ro