Developing a Management Model for Community Product Entrepreneur Groups Toward Sustainability, Ban Ton, Thungthong Subdistrict, Ban Khwao District Chaiyaphum Province

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the operational status of management models among community product entrepreneurs, 2) examine the challenges, obstacles, and needs related to the management models of these entrepreneur groups, and 3) propose guidelines for developing sustainable management models for community product entrepreneur groups in Ban Ton, Thungthong Subdistrict, Ban Khwao District, Chaiyaphum Province. Quantitative data were collected from a sample of 103 members of the Ban Ton community product entrepreneur group, while qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 12 participants and focus group discussions with 20 participants. The research employed statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, alongside a synthesis of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to summarize the findings in essay form.

The research results indicated that the overall operational status of the management models received a "high" average score. Most of these groups were initially formed due to inspiration from government support, which began with participation in training programs and receiving materials for product manufacturing. However, the products created were often sold as supplementary items to the main products, such as silk, and thus served more as complimentary gifts for customers or souvenirs for visitors rather than generating significant additional income. For the management models to achieve sustainability, it was recommended that government agencies play a mentoring role by enhancing the groups' product development skills and improving their management efficiency.