Guidelines to improve the communication channels to the public for attracting new students to Tai Mueng Industrial and Community Education College in Pang-nga
Abstract:
The purposes of this research were to examine the customer behavior and channels to receive the information for attracting new students, and to propose some suggestions for improving the communication channels based on the customers needs. The sample of subjects consisted of 400 people in Pang- nga. Questionnaires were used to collect the data for this study. The data was then analyzed by computer and shown as frequency, percentages, and Chi-square. The results of the analysis were as follows:
Many of the respondents watched Television Channel 7 from 5.01 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. and their favorite program was the news. They also listened to the Na Teuy Community Radio Station FM 105.6 MHz from 5.00 a.m. to 12.00a.m. Many of them read Thai daily newspapers, and Thai Rat was found to be the most popular newspaper. The favorite magazine was found to be the Monthly Manager Magazine. Besides these, the respondents also surfed the internet whenever they were free every day. It was also found that the most attractive spots for advertisements and posters were on the streets and at the intersections where they could easily be seen. The mixed marketing factors affecting the reception the information about attracting new students consisted of the following: The advertisement factor was found to be brochures, posters and billboards. The distribution channel factor was found to be from the college staff members and an information booth center at the Turtle Festival The personnel factor was found to be friendly staff members who are available to give advice about preparation for college studies. The promotion factor was found to be scholarships offered, and student loans. The marketing factor was found to be direct communication to the respondents by sending letters and brochures to their homes. Regarding the needs of the respondents about the information for potential new students of Tai Mueng Industrial and Community Education College, it was found that they needed to know the information about the programs around May to September. They also needed to know about the qualifications the college provided, as well as the readiness of the buildings and equipment. Most of the respondents were interested in short-term training. They expected to get jobs or own their business after graduation. The results of this research will be beneficial for Tai Mueng Industrial and Community Education College, for improving its recruiting strategies as follows: 1) Advertisement: the college needs to use various medias based on the customers interest 2) Public Relations: the college should use the radio channel from 05.00 a.m. to 12.00a.m to inform the public about their enrollment plan and invite the successful graduates to talk about their studies and businesses. 3) Personnel: the teachers as well as the students, who will inform the public about the college enrollment should be well selected. 4) Promotion: the college should provide student loans and places for local companies to send their employees to study. 5) Marketing: the college should send the brochures directly to private homes and set up information booths at fairs and festivals. 6) Distribution: the college should seek various ways to communicate the information to the public.