Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to propose a value chain model for the Higher Education context. The findings are
derived from a comparative study of English and Jordanian Higher Education. The model is supportive of
strategic management and a strategic cost analysis, if the appropriate information is provided and accessible.
Access was one limitation in this study, which is why no cost analysis can be reported. Initial data collection
took place in the Business/Management division of an “old” English University. Then, the developed model was
tested in a different, the Jordanian, environment, in order to determine its general applicability. All participants
of the three divisions were interviewed and qualitative methods were used to analyse the data. Thus, the model
was developed by analysing empirical data, and using suggested models from two different studies. It offers a
contribution to identifying competitive advantage in Higher Education on the basis of resources and capacities,
in line with the resource-based theory, which presents the theoretical context of this study. Furthermore, it seeks
to contribute a new approach to the value chain model for Higher Education institutions. The value chain
approach is considered most useful for strategic management and planning. As the first part of study was
undertaken in England, and then applicability of the model was tested in Jordan, findings are generalisable.

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