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Budgeting of Thai Autonomous University: Case Study of Thaksin University |
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| รหัสดีโอไอ | |
| Creator | Wasan Kanchanamukda |
| Title | Budgeting of Thai Autonomous University: Case Study of Thaksin University |
| Publisher | Asian Forum on Business Education (AFBE) |
| Publication Year | 2557 |
| Journal Title | AFBE Journal |
| Journal Vol. | 7 |
| Journal No. | 2 |
| Page no. | 148 |
| Keyword | Autonomous University,Thailand |
| ISSN | 2071-7873 |
| Abstract | The study context considered the subjects of: universities as specific institutions; the origins and operations of Thai universities; specificities of the South of Thailand (where Thaksin University is located); modernization of the sector, and university budgeting and financial management. Upon being proclaimed autonomous in 2008 the Thaksin University Council appointed a Vice President for Finance and Budgeting to introduce corporate financial systems. The experience of that appointee who is also the researcher informs the five-year narrative in this work, which is complemented by a survey of users of the new systems, and interviews of senior decision-makers at two other autonomous universities, one at a similar stage to Thaksin and the other created de novo as autonomous.It was found that budgeting in traditional public universities in Thailand is unresponsive to fiscal and educational needs. In addition, the true cost of staff employment is hidden if pension and welfare costs are not shown in university budgets and this can bias personnel decision-making. It was also found that the creation of independent entities within government universities can lead to financial irregularities and loss of academic quality control, and that such problems can be remedied within a full budgeting and monitoring approach. The five-year implementation process was judged as successful, and possibly as quick as is possible when entrenched staff behaviours are considered.The questionnaire of users within Thaksin University revealed that the allocation of the majority of funds to functional units was welcomed by staff, as were central allocations to personnel development, research and welfare provisions although central control over expenditure on capital items was criticized. The processes of the new system and their introduction were ranked highly and most considered that functional units had generally worked well within approved budgets.Overall the variations between systems employed in autonomous universities do not indicate one being uniformly superior to others, and all indicate the benefit of communication in the continuous improvement of any budget planning and monitoring. Autonomous universities now offer a useful benchmark for government universities with their higher accountability and budget-aligned plans, which are major tools for enhancing a university's quality and its sustainability. |
