Operating Conditions, Problems and Needs to a Research Management System Faculty of Public Health, Mahasarakham University

Abstract

          This research aimed to study the operating conditions, problems, and needs of the research management system at the Faculty of Public Health, Mahasarakham University. The sample group consisted of 200 individuals, selected using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected using questionnaires with a 5-point Likert scale, and the instrument’s reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.74. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, and standard deviations. The results showed that most participants were female, aged between 30 and 39 years, and held a bachelor's degree, followed by doctoral and master’s degrees. Most participants were civil servants. In terms of academic experience, most lecturers did not hold academic ranks. On average, they had been teaching and conducting research at the Faculty of Public Health for 10.79 years and had less than 10 years of research experience. Regarding research management conditions in four key areas, the findings revealed that the formulation of strategies, policies, plans, and goals was generally clear and consistent (x̄ = 3.75, S.D. = 0.89). The implementation of these strategies, policies, plans, and goals was rated at a high level (x̄ = 3.62, S.D. = 0.92). Monitoring and evaluation of overall performance were also at a high level (x̄ = 3.70, S.D. = 0.78), as was the overall improvement process (x̄ = 3.59, S.D. = 0.85).