Lessons Learned of Integrated Sub-district Economic and Social Upgrading Project: University to Tambon (U2T), Khorum Sub-district, Phichai District, Uttaradit Province

Abstract

                   This study is descriptive qualitative research aimed to lesson learn from the work process, the successes factors, the project obstacles, and the effects of project on the community which resulting from the implementation of the Integrated Sub-district Economic and Social Upgrading Project: University to Tambon, Khorum Sub-district, Phichai District, Uttaradit Province. Data were collected from 2 groups of informants: 1) a group of working groups on the Integrated Sub-district Economic and Social Upgrading Project: University to Tambon, and 2) a group of project stakeholders. The data collections were employed with 15 informants through focus group discussion and analyzed the data by using content analysis.

                   The lesson learned of the project can be summarized into four main themes. First, the prominent of the working process which consists of clearly selection project manager and working groups, empowerment of working groups, teamwork, using social capital, and the success of the project can be extended to sustainability. Second, the key success factors include clarity and honesty of operations, the pride of the working group, and the involvement of the community. Third, the project obstacles such as distrusting of some people in the community and budget management did not follow the planning. Fourth, the effects of project on the community include feeling engagement of the community, the creating for conducting the products, community products more standardized, more integrated and collaborative of the community, and upgraded the working of local government organizations.    

                   Suggestions: the information gained from the lesson learned can be used as a guideline for implementing projects that focus on improving the quality of life of the people in the community by allowing the community to participate in the design of the project and be the project operator in order to increase the potential of the community sustainably.