Creating the Program Learning Outcomes in Accordance with the Outcome-Based Education (OBE): A Case Study of Master of Public Administration Program in Public Policy and Local Government Management Songkhla Rajabhat University

Abstract

This research aimed to study program learning outcomes (PLOs) of the Master of Public Administration Program in Public Policy and Local Government Management using qualitative research methods. The stakeholders were identified as follows: 1) high influence and high impact stakeholders, consisting of thirteen government employers; 2) low influence and low impact stakeholders, consisting of six private employers; 3) low influence but high impact stakeholders, consisting of thirty-six academics and undergraduates; and 4) high influence but low impact stakeholders, consisting of the National Strategy (2018-2037), Policy and Strategy of Thailand HESI (2020-2027), Songkhla Province Development Plan (2023-2027), Songkhla Rajabhat University Development Strategy (2023-2027), Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Development Strategy (2023-2027), and sixteen administrators and instructors. The research tool was a semi-structured interview form. The data triangulation was used to check for accuracy and reliability. Data analysis used qualitative interpretation. The research results found that program learning outcomes (PLOs) were: PLO1: Relate concepts and theories of public administration as a basis for designing public policies; PLO2: Apply communication skills and tools or information technology through research process for public policy to expertly analyze local problems; PLO3: Design public policies to expertly manage local problems; PLO4: Integrate all the parts of knowledge to solve local problems under the principles of good governance; PLO5: Express being a moral and ethical person dedicated to the benefit of the local area; and PLO6: Create new knowledge in public administration through communication and information technology skills in designing public policies to solve local problems through a research process with morality and ethics.