Abstract:
The purposes of this research were to examine the customers behaviour in choosing the services from the language schools, to investigate the factors affecting their choice, and to propose suggestions to improve the services of the language schools in Kathu Sub-district in Phuket Province. The sample subjects consisted of 400 learners, and questionnaires were used to collect data for this study. The data was then analyzed and shown as frequency, percentages, arithmetic mean, standard derivation , Chi-square and one way ANOVA . The results of analysis were as follows : most respondents were single female, aged between 21-30 years old. There were two groups of learners: students in the schools, and adults who had obtained bachelor degrees and earned 10,000-20,000 baht monthly. The most popular course was found to be English for beginners. The clients preferred the 1-4 week course, from Monday to Friday, and from 1p.m 6p.m. The most significant factor in selecting the language schools from their acquaintances.Regarding the marketing mix factors affecting the customers choice of language schools, it was ranked as follows: personnel, place, physical appearance, and price. The most effective product factor was found to be an up to date and applicable curriculum; the most effective price factor was found to be a reasonable price; the most effective place factor was found to be cleanliness; the most effective promotion factor is offering a discount to students; the most effective personnel factor is good teachers with effective teaching skills; the most effective service process factor is a convenient application process; the most effective physical factor is the appropriate size of the classroom for the number of students.Suggestions proposed by the researcher for improving the language schools were as follows; Product factor: the schools should offer the languages with a standard quality, and provide extra activities for students. Price factors: the schools should inform the students about the fees and other costs before studying, and provide various channels for payment. Place factors: the schools should be located in the center of town and offer free transportation for learners. Promotion factors: the schools should provide brochures with information with information, offer a discount and a free trial for customers. Personnel factors: the schools should focus on the quality of teachers and employ staff with good professional skills. Service Process factors: the schools should provide extra teaching for the slow learners and there should be open office hours for students when they have problems. The school should also issue certificates when students finish the course. Physical factor: the schools should be clean, spacious, and tidy. There should be sufficient parking space and waiting areas for the customers.