Abstract:
The purpose of this research were to: 1. analyze and synthesize education management of readiness preparation of Thai workforce in accounting for the ASEAN Community; 2. develop a non-formal education management model of readiness preparation of Thai workforce in accounting for the ASEAN Community; and 3. study the factors and conditions in implementing a non-formal education management model of readiness preparation of Thai workforce in accounting for the ASEAN Community. The study was a qualitative research to describe the relevant circumstances by using the content study, case study concerning best practices in education management on accounting, and in-depth interviews with 20 purposive selected samples as key informants. Besides, 13 experts were also participated in the focus group discussions to review the drafted model and consider factors and conditions in implementing the model. The results of the research were as followings: 1. Education management consisted of: 1.1 policies that supported the development and enhancement of the competence of the workforce to meet the international standards; 1.2 Thai workforce in accounting that needed continuity professional development in order to be comparable with the international accounting standards; 1.3 the attributes inherent in the readiness of workforce in accounting in accordance with the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement which consisted of educational background, career licenses, experiences, continuing professional development, and accreditation of ethics, and professional qualifications which consisted of accounting knowledge, specialized knowledge, professional skills, English skills, and learning skills; 1.4 education management which consisted of curriculum, qualifications as required , contents, learning activities, and evaluation. 2. A non-formal education management model consisted of: 1) the 4 policies levels, namely ASEAN Community level, national level , Federation of Accounting Professions level , and workplace and organizations level; 2) the 6 steps of the processes of the model which consisted of 2.1 needs assesments by identifying the occupation, prerequisite knowledge, analyzing current performances, examining future tasks, and assessing essential needs; 2.2 planning by determining expected outcomes, prioritizing tasks, and selecting content and learning methods; 2.3 developing a competency based curriculum by setting objectives and assessment criteria; 2.4 preparation by making tests, teaching manuals and learning materials and medias, and examining and adjusting them; 2.5 implementation with coaching by arranging groups, identifying problems, organizing processes, implementing and making conclusion; 2.6 evaluation and report; 3) The qualifications of readiness of Thai workforce in accounting consisted of the qualifications according to ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement, and qualifications in accounting profession skills which were up to date knowledge, specialized knowledge, accounting profession skills, working skills, English skills, and learning skills. 3. The factors and conditions in implementing the model were: 1) policies 2) learning content 3) learning materials 4) motivation 5) participation from all relevant entities 6) development of the continuity of learning in accounting profession and the conditions of model implementation which were awareness of learners, sequential processes, instructor, and the ongoing follow-up and evaluation.