The Development of Certificate Program in Business Administration Co-operatives for Savings Cooperatives and Credit Union Cooperative by Using Backward Design

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study 1) the opinions towards the desirable characteristics of graduates, 2) the educational needs in each course set and the type of education offered, and 3) the guidelines for development of the cooperative business administration diploma program for savings cooperatives and credit union cooperatives. This research was a quantitative research by using survey research methodology. The population of this study was personnel of savings cooperatives and credit union cooperatives. The sample size was determined by using the formula of Cranmer with the tolerance level of 0.05. The samples in the study of 400 people were obtained by using purposive sampling. Data was collected by using questionnaires. The statistics used for data analysis were frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and content analysis. The results of the study revealed that 1) the 7 desirable characteristics of the graduates according to the curriculum were: (1) well-rounded and experienced characteristics, overall, were at the high level. They could apply the knowledge, theories, and experience gained from their studies to their work in the cooperative management. (2) Problem solving characteristic, in general, were at the highest level by adopting the knowledge into real practices. (3) Responsibility characteristic, overall, was at the highest level with the responsibility over organization/cooperative. (4) Good human relation characteristic, overall, was at the highest level which meant they could work well with others. (5) Appropriate communication ability and technology usage, overall, was at the high level with good communication skills. (6) Distance learning and self-study skills, overall, were at the highest level in the aspect of having the determination and diligence in the study. (7) Morality and ethics characteristics, overall, were at the highest level in the aspect of honesty and trustworthy. 2) Educational needs in each course set. The first set of courses that people were interested in learning was general knowledge about cooperative course. For the subjects with the most interest were the management and cooperative operation subjects. The activity model that was used to learn was mutual learning activity model by reading teaching materials, performing extra-curricular activities, having midterm exam and final exam. 3) Guidelines for curriculum development by educational institutions/agencies that should be organized were for Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. In regards to the content related to management and cooperative business administration, the study method that was used through online training, television programs with expert instructors in the field of cooperative management. Most of the students were cooperative officers and should be able to have a comparable course transfer.