Development of a Database System for Enhancing the Thesis Process of Graduate Students, Faculty of Public Health, Mahasarakham University
Keywords:
Database System Development, Thesis Process, Graduate StudentsAbstract
This research and development study aimed to: 1) investigate problems in the thesis process with a sample of 113 graduate students, 2) develop a thesis process database system with a sample of 10 graduate students, and 3) evaluate its effectiveness with a sample of 30 graduate students, lecturers, and academic staff. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and One-Sample t-test statistics. The results were as follows.
1. Overall, the problems in the thesis process were at a moderate level (M = 3.36, SD = 0.67). Major problems were found at a high level in terms of the convenience of the petition status tracking system (M = 4.32, SD = 0.52), access to information regarding the petition submission process (M = 4.25, SD = 0.51), and clarity of required documents and forms (M = 3.90, SD = 0.82). Problems at a low level included convenience in submitting thesis-related petitions (M = 2.01, SD = 0.80), understanding of the thesis process (M = 2.04, SD = 0.74), and receiving guidance and consultation regarding thesis preparation (M = 2.20, SD = 0.74).
2. The database system was designed and developed using PHP as the programming language and XAMPP for database management. The thesis process database system comprises three subsystems. PHG-1 is used for requesting thesis title approval and advisor appointment, PHG-2 for requesting thesis proposal and examination approval, while PHG-3 is the channel for a thesis defense examination approval. The overall system efficiency was rated at a high level.
3. The overall effectiveness of the thesis process database system was rated at a high level (M = 4.48, SD = 0.54). The highest levels of effectiveness were found in system operational flexibility (M = 4.68, SD = 0.46), system suitability for current operational conditions (M = 4.56, SD = 0.49), and accurate retrieval of student database information (M = 4.54, SD = 0.50).
Program coordinators should adopt a thesis-process database to monitor and support students’ thesis progress and ensure timely graduation.
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