International Programs Management in Thai Private Universities

International Programs Management in Thai Private Universities

แนวทางการบริหารจัดการหลักสูตรนานาชาติ

                                         ของมหาวิทยาลัยเอกชนไทยมหาวิทยาลัยเอกชนไทย

 

จรัญญา เทพพรบัญชากิจ

Jaranya Thepphornbanchakit

 นักศึกษาปริญญาเอกสาขาวิชาการวิจัยและพัฒนาการศึกษา คณะศึกษาศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่

Ph.D. Student, Program in Research and Education Development, Faculty of Education, Chiangmai University, Thailand 

วารสารมหาวิทยาลัยพายัพ ปีที่ 23 ฉบับที่ 2 (มกราคม – มิถุนายน 2556)

Payap University Journal Vol.23 No.2 (January – June 2013)

 

วิเคราะห์และนำเสนอบทความ โดย  Wannarasmi  Chanthakut

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to study international programs management in higher education in Thailand and to study the effective guidelines for Thai private universities in managing international programs. The documents on international programs management within universities were collected. Moreover, in-depth interviews among nine experts in managing private universities, private university administrators, and scholars teaching in private universities were conducted. After that, the content analysis was employed. It was found that there were four major patterns of managing international programs within Thai universities. Each pattern consisted of six main elements and six program management conditions. The guidelines for private universities in managing international programs were supposed to give precedence to five programs management which were academic management, general management, research management, finance management, and human resource management. Additionally, there were suggestions for private university administrators where in charge of international programs management in that they were supposed to consider and employ the guidelines gained from this research in order to promote the efficiency of their management.

Research Conceptual Framework

This study examines the impact of globalization on the management of international programs in Thai private universities. It emphasizes five key components: academic management, general administration, research management, financial management, and human resource management. The goal is to enhance the quality of education to meet the demands of international competition and strengthen the global competitiveness of Thai private universities.

 

📗📖Related Theories and Literature

The research incorporates the following theories and management frameworks:

1.   Private University Management Policies: Adherence to the National Education Act B.E. 2542 (1999) and the Private Higher Education Institution Act B.E. 2546 (2003) to foster flexibility, academic freedom, and quality assurance systems.

2.   Thai Qualifications Framework for Higher Education (TQF): A critical standard    for developing graduate quality and curriculum standards.

3.   Educational Quality Assurance: Utilization of internal and external evaluation         systems to uphold standards.

4.   Standards-Based Curriculum: Focus on aligning content, learning processes, and    assessments with the curriculum's objectives.

 

✅Definitions of Key Terms

• Private University: A higher education institution established under the Private Higher Education Institution Act B.E. 2546 (2003).
• International Program: A program with content or instruction emphasizing international standards and characteristics, using English or other foreign languages as the medium of instruction. 

📐📇Research Methodology

This qualitative research collected data from documents and conducted in-depth interviews with nine experts in private university management. These included university administrators, lecturers, and scholars. The data were analyzed using content analysis to address research questions related to effective management and strategies for improvement.

🔑🔆Findings or New Knowledge

·         ☑ Management of International Programs in Thai Private Universities

1.   Four Major Models Identified:

o   Programs managed independently by Thai universities.

o   Programs collaboratively managed among domestic universities.

o   Programs managed in collaboration with international universities.

o   Programs operated as international university institutions.

2.   Key Components:

o   Effective curriculum management.

o   Development of modern and market-relevant curricula.

o   Management of diverse personnel.

o   Optimal utilization of resources.

o   Enrichment activities for academic and cultural experiences.

·         ☑ Management Guidelines

1.   Academic Management: Develop curricula aligned with labor market needs,           emphasizing contemporary teaching practices and English as the primary language     of instruction.

2.   General Administration: Promote domestic and international collaboration               networks and adapt to globalization trends.

3.   Research Management: Focus on market-relevant research with potential for           commercialization.

4.   Human Resource Development: Enhance the expertise of administrators and           faculty to ensure competitiveness at the international level.

5.   Financial Management: Invest in educational technology and generate revenue         through innovation.

This research highlights the importance of strategic management and innovation in enhancing the quality and competitiveness of international programs in Thai private universities, ensuring their relevance in a globalized educational landscape.