Analysis Analysis of Budget Management at Faculty of Social Administration, Thammasat University

Abstract

            This study examines the budget management of the Faculty of Social Administration at Thammasat University. The research aims to: 1) analyze the outcomes of the Faculty's income budget administration during this period, 2) forecast the trends in income and expenditure for the fiscal years 2024 to 2027, and 3) to propose guidelines for budget management that are efficient and responsive to the strategic goals of the Faculty of Social Administration. The analysis utilizes data from the income budget management plan and actual financial outcomes, classified by the Faculty’s core mission activities during the 2017-2023 period. Descriptive statistical methods, including averages, percentages, and budget comparisons, are employed using Microsoft Excel. Additionally, linear trend forecasting with the Forecast function is applied to predict future financial trends.

            The findings reveal that, between 2017 and 2023, the Faculty's budget management resulted in an annual surplus of 9.98 million baht. However, actual income consistently fell short of the planned income by an average of 0.75 million baht annually, while actual expenditure was notably lower than the planned budget by 14.69 million baht per year. Forecasting for the fiscal years 2024-2027 indicates a continuing decline in both actual income and expenditure. The study found a continuous downward trend in both real revenue and real expenditure every fiscal year. Real revenue decreased by an average of (-9.04%) per fiscal year, and real expenditure decreased by an average of (-2.78%) per fiscal year. Based on the forecasting model using the data and assumptions in this study, it was found that if the environmental factors remain the same, the Faculty may have a tendency for revenue to be lower than expenditure during the fiscal years 2024–2027.

            Based on these findings, it is recommended that the Faculty of Social Administration establish a more aligned budget framework, ensuring income and expenditure allocations reflect the projected financial trends. Additionally, the Faculty should develop strategies to generate supplementary income and encourage its departments to seek alternative funding sources to mitigate the expected deficit. The forecast reflects potential trends based on historical data, and is not a guarantee of future performance