European Research Center for Information Systems (ERICS) and its Competitors - Essay Example

European Research Center for Information Systems (ERICS). Competitor European Research Center for Information Systems is a gigantic network for the scientist that works internationally conducting research in the field of information systems. The institution was founded in 2004 at the University of Munster, Germany with the objective of connecting research in the field of Information Systems with Computer Science, Business, Communication Science, Mathematics, Management, and Law. ERICS have spread its roots in most of national and international institutions of higher learning in the field of Information Systems.

As such, it has been an internationally accredited institution in the field of Information System. In the current systems of globalization where information spread fast, the choice of institution one can join is determined by a number of factors. How an institution structures the systems determines its competitive edge in a highly dynamic market. In this case, ERICS faces competition from such institutions such as PSB Academy in Singapore. PSB is an internationally accredited institution, operating out of two campuses, the Henderson and Delta, Singapore.

It was established in 1964 and has seen its name grow taking 30, 000 students annually in Degree, post-graduate and corporate levels programs. For educational programs, this is conducted through its School of Engineering, Business, Information Technology and Physical Sciences. In addition, the institution owns Center for Foundation Studies and Center for English Languages Studies that offers varying programs to cater to the needs and interests of the students. Just as like ERICS, PSB Academy centers in Information Technology with Business, Engineering, Physical Sciences and Mathematics.

The infrastructure and lecturers with a vast wealth of experience have kept the institution in high regards. The graduates from the institution have recorded a high absorption rate in the market than any other institution of higher learning in Singapore. The institution is a worthy competitor to the ERICS. PSB Academy has hugely marketed itself through the world of mouth from the high intake of the graduate in the job market. The employers are well versant with the institution from the student who joins the market.

The graduate are trained and skills and offer a strong marketing solution for the campus. For instance, in 2014, the institution recorded 95 % employment rate. 85 % of the graduates gained employment within the first 6 months and 3.1 on average manage to find a job (PSB, 2014). These statistics speaks volume of the quality of education in PSB Academy. This is contributed by the modern infrastructures and facilities besides the high number of lecturers within the institution working both as permanent and part-time.

The fee charged for various programs is also competitive. The products and service offered differs between the two institutions with PSB Academy having a higher number of disciplines to offer as compared to ERICS, which majorly focus on Information Systems. This has proved more valuable for the PSB and continues to offer a competitive edge to ERICS. A quick SWOT analysis of the two institutions ERIC strengths lie in the specialization in the field of Information Systems.

They work hand in hand with the majority of the institution both locally and internationally dealing with Information System. They have wide access as compared to the PSB Academy, which has just two institutions located in India. ERICS weakness is that they have no varied programs as compared to the other institution of higher learning. Only those who wish to specialize in the field of Information System may find the institution blameless. PSB Academy offers a wide range of academic course hence more favorable for graduates.

There is an opportunity for widening the range of course offered at ERICS with its vast knowledge in the science field. The institution has the credibility required as it has been recognized as a key global player in Information Systems. PSB has an opportunity to be a global player in the various programs offered by the institution that is supported by the quality and the level of education within the institution. PSB Academy failure to venture and diversify in the international markets significantly reduces its competitive advantage as compared to well-established institutions.

ERICS also, face competition from the fact that the course offered are limited to Information Systems.ReferenceYi-de, D. U., & Long-cun, S. U. N. (2012). On the internationalization of adult higher education and the PSB academy in Singapore. Journal of Hebei Normal University (Educational Science Edition), 1, 013.