The Success Factors and Problems in the Project Management at Mahidol University International College

Abstract

This research on the success factors and problems related to project management at Mahidol University International College aims to: 1. Study the factors that lead to the successful management of projects, and 2. Study the problems and the solutions to solve the problems in project management. Qualitative research methodology was used in this research. Data was collected by conducting interviews with the projects managers at Mahidol University International College in the budget year of B.E.2559-2560 (2016-2017) as the sample population.  The research tool used in this research was an interview record form which was analyzed by descriptive interpretation. The research results are summarized as follows.  It was found that the factors contributing to successful  project management in the personnel aspect included; support’s acknowledgement of the project’s importance, the network of the executives or superiors, the ability of the project manager or the main project operator to comprehensively study and understood the contents of the project well, and the collaboration of internal and external staffs as a good team. In the budget aspect, the most significant success factor was careful management of the budget.  In the process aspect, the success factors were clarity of organization policy, good and comprehensive planning of the project, flexibility of project operation, and the ability to solve problems well.  In other aspects, a success factor was the provision of clear and thorough communication and public relations. These are the factors that lead to the success and achievement of the objectives of the project management at Mahidol University International College.  From the interviews, it was found that the problems in the personnel aspect were caused by changes in policy and inappropriate job assignment. In the budget aspect, the problems were the inadequate rate of compensation for the guest speaker and the insufficient budget.  In the process aspect, the problems were the incomprehensive and vague project planning and objective setting, lack of participation of  the target group,  the guest lecturer could not come as scheduled, inability to achieve the KPI that had been set in advance, and the lack of attention from the target group. In other aspects, a noted problem was the change of technology.