A GUIDELINE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF RESEARCH PROCESS OF STUDENTS: THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, BURAPHA UNIVERSITY, SA KAEO PROVINCE

Abstract

The research purpose was to 1) study the students’ opinions on their the research process, 2) study the research problems and obstacles, and 3) develop the research process of master degree students of Public Administration, Burapa university, Srakaew Province. The population was 50 students who enrolled in the theses course in the academic year of 2015, batch 12 and 13. The 4-level and open-ended questionnaire was used to collect data. The correlation coefficient (r) was 0.67-1.00 and the reliability was 0.82. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and frequency analysis were used to present as descriptive composition. Overall, the research found that the feedback on the research process was at the highest level, which the problems were summarized into 1) lack of knowledge and understanding in each stage of research process; 2) insufficient research period; 3) research funding; and 4) the consistency of research topics in public administration. In addition, the solutions were 1) the growth of a learning project in the research field, both in the teaching and learning courses; 2) the preparation of the research continuing process, 3) schedule in following all steps for a consultation with the advisors, and 4) the development of the selection the topic of public administration in accordance with the curriculum.