A Model for the Establishment of a Book Center for Higher Education Institutions in the Eastern Region Network

Abstract

รูปแบบการจัดตั้งThe purpose of this research was to study a model and missions of a book center for higher education institutions in the Eastern region network. In order to fulfill this objective, this research employed a qualitative research methodology. Key-informants are 17 authorities and experts in administrating higher education institutions in the Eastern region network. The data had been collected by taking in-depth interviews with Delphi Technique. Data was statistically analyzed by using median and interquartile range. Research results was verified and rectified by approaching opinions from 6 authorities (who were at least assistant professor and experienced in publishing books or textbooks). The research found that, to develop a model of a book center for higher education institutions in the Eastern region network, stakeholders should fulfill 4 main tasks as the followings: 1. Upstream activities should focus on a manuscript of books and textbooks: 1) a search for instructors or academics who had empirical and well-known publications with academic standard; 2) a writing of manuscript; and 3) a value enhancement on books and textbooks matching with readers’ needs. 2. Midstream activities should focus on a publishing process of books and textbooks: 1) a process on publishing manuscript, designing cover, formatting content, and choosing proper paper; 2) a publishing process must be modern, accurate, fast, and neat; and 3) a production should be colorful, attractive, and adorable for enhancing value-added products. 3. Downstream activities should focus on selling concerning on: 1) books and textbooks with accuracy and correct specification; 2) stocks, stores, and a center located at Burapha University; and 3) pre-sales, mid-sales, and after sales services with efficiency and service-mind officers. 4. Others relevant issues were those of: 1) in terms an administrative structure, a board committee of a book center for higher education institutions in the Eastern region network should be collected from representatives from each member. They should be mutually responsible for formulating management policies from upstream, midstream, and downstream; 2) in terms of collective investment, institution with high budgets should invest more than those who had lower budgets. A board committee might consider for an establishment of cooperative unit; and 3) in terms of profit sharing, a board committee must concern on investing proportions corresponding with initial budgets. Notwithstanding, a book center network should stand on non-maximizing profit organization.