Content analysis of architectural theses of Khon Kaen and Mahasarakham universities (Thai)

Abstract

This study considered the architectural type, project site, references in terms of type, language and year of publication of architectural theses from Khon Kaen and Mahasarakham Universities, including the correlation with the aims of the curriculum and professional needs. The number of architectural theses considered was 326, with 284 coming from Khon Kaen University and 42 from Mahasarakham University. The data was analyzed using the SPSS/PC+ computer program as percentages. The results of the research concerning architectural type and project site showed that most of the theses from Khon Kaen and Mahasarakham Universities concerned entertainment venues (at 41.9% and 50.0% respectively) in the Northeast (44.7 and 71.4% respectively), followed by commercial and industrial buildings. Religious buildings had the lowest rate from both institutions. Information used for references in architectural theses was mostly government publications (39.0%), general books (28.1%) and theses (19.9%) from Khon Kaen University, while those from Mahasarakham University were mostly general books (41.6%) followed by government publications (22.3%) and theses (20.7%). As to audiovisual materials, all theses from both institutions referenced maps and building plans. Similarly, all theses from both institutions referenced material from the internet. Architectural theses from Khon Kaen University referenced 67.5% of material in Thai, and that published between 1992 and 1996 the most (44.5%). English material was referenced at 32.5%, with 39.7% being published between 1987 and 1991. Architectural theses from Mahasarakham University referenced Thai material the most (85.6%) published between 1997 and 2001 (47.0%) followed by English material (14.4%) published between 1992 and 1996 (30.2%). When considering whether architectural theses from Khon Kaen and Mahasarakham Universities are in line with the aims of curriculum and professional needs, it was found that in general they were in line with all the aims of the curriculum.