INFORMATION MODEL OF BUDGET MANAGEMENT FOR RAJAMANGALA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study factors related to budget information, create a suitable model for managing the modern state budget of Rajamangala University of Technology. This research is a qualitative study, conducted using the Delphi Technique, collecting data from key informants directly involved in budget management at the university, including Vice Presidents, and Directors of Policy and Planning, totaling 17 individuals throughout 9 campuses of Rajamangala University of Technology. NVIVO software was utilized in data analysis. Primary data contributors were gathered through purposive sampling using in-depth, open-ended interviews as the data collection technique. The statistical measures employed included percentages, means, medians, modes, standard deviations, and interquartile ranges. The research findings indicate that the budget management information system model for Rajamangala University of Technology comprises four processes as follows: (1.) Budget Request Preparation Process; 1.1) Aligning national, ministerial, regional, provincial, and university-level strategic policies  plan and prepare the budget to ensure compatibility, 1.2) Utilizing university group policies and analyzing essential internal and external environmental data to develop comprehensive project plans, aligned with long-term strategies, meeting the organization's mission, 1.3) Considering and selecting suitable items as guidelines for budget preparation, 1.4) Appointing a budget committee with clear roles and suitability in terms of policy, focus areas, indicators, prioritization, and/or integration of plans/projects to be implemented. (2.) Budget Allocation Process; 2.1) Departments are designated  to develop operational and budgetary plans under efficiency-enhancing measures, 2.2)  Budget committee meetings are required to formulate operational and budget plans, 2.3) Criteria are appropriately specified for budget allocation, 2.4) Budget is allocated according to the goals of University Group, 2.5)  The process defines for reviewing and approving the operational plans, allowing units to select projects based on the specified criteria, 2.6) The department chooses projects based on the goals of University Group 2. (3.) Budget Expenditure Process: Budget Expenditure Process According to Project/Program and Budget Changes; 3.1) Organizing a process for proposing project approval before expenditure, with steps for adjusting expenditure details if necessary, 3.2) Setting up a process for monitoring budget expenditure on a quarterly/half-yearly basis, 3.3) Specifying the creation of projects for budget approval considerations before project implementation,  3.4) Committees are required to prepare a summary of the follow-up results for management decision-making, 3.5) Preparation of reports tracks expenditure/payment quarterly/half-yearly, 3.6) Establishing guidelines for managing remaining funds and requesting cross-plan expenditures, focusing on the needs and necessities of the departments, 3.7) Specifying methods for managing remaining funds and requesting cross-plan expenditures. (4.) Process for Monitoring Budget Expenditure According to Project/Program: Presenting to the University Management Committee (Chief Executive Officer: CEO) and the University Council; 4.1) Operational reporting results in cases where operations deviate from objectives, 4.2) Creating periodic reports on budget expenditure tracking results, 4.3) Appointing a committee overseeing  budget expenditure, defining roles and responsibilities clearly, and implementing a monitoring mechanism to align with the goals of University Group 2, 4.4) Implementing oversight measures in cases where operational results deviate from objectives on a quarterly basis, 4.5) A system and mechanism  establishment   reports  operational and budget expenditure results, in  accordance with the measures for overseeing budget adherence, on a quarterly basis.

Keywords:  Budget Management, Information Model, Budget Information