GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING COMPUTER COMPETENCY OF PERSONNEL IN SUB-DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS IN RATCHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

The purposes of this research were to investigate the problems and difficulties of personnel of Sub-district Administrative Organizations in Ratchaburi Province in using computers, to examine the need to develop their computer competence and to create guidelines for developing computer competence. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this study. The quantitative research was conducted using a questionnaire to collect data from 293 respondents. The qualitative research involved collecting data from 20 participants in 4 focus groups. It was found that problems and difficulties regarding computer hardware, software, management, and network systems were generally at moderate levels. The personnel has a high need to develop their computer competence in basic maintenance of computer hardware, application, and improvement of antivirus system programs. In the guidelines created for developing computer competence, a development plan comprised of 3 phases: short-term, medium-term, and long-term was proposed for management guidelines and training plans for development. Some suggested plans were the information technology competency model, the knowledge management plan in computers and information technology, and the long-term personnel development plan for competence in computers and information technology.