A STUDY OF CURRENT CONDITIONS AND DESIRABLE CONDITIONS IN THE PRODUCTION OF SEMICONDUCTOR ENGINEERING GRADUATES UNDER THAILAND’S HIGHER EDUCATION SANDBOX INITIATIVE

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the current and desirable conditions underlying the production of semiconductor engineering graduates under Thailand’s Higher Education Sandbox initiative. A two-phase mixed-methods research design was employed. In Phase 1, qualitative data were gathered from 12 key informants, comprising human resource managers and production managers from six semiconductor enterprises, purposively selected for their direct involvement in graduate recruitment. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews to elicit industry perspectives and expectations regarding graduate competencies. In Phase 2, quantitative data were collected from a population of 372 administrators, deans, curriculum-responsible instructors, and academic staff across 14 higher education institutions within the Consortium. A sample of 193 respondents was determined, and 158 valid responses were obtained using a five-point Dual Response Scale questionnaire assessing current and desirable conditions. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and the Modified Priority Needs Index (PNI_Modified) to identify priority areas requiring development. Phase 1 findings revealed that industry stakeholders identified a need for supplementary technical knowledge, particularly in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Six Sigma methodologies. Phase 2 findings indicated that all seven factors influencing graduate production exhibited a high current condition, whereas the desirable condition was rated at the highest level across every factor, reflecting a substantial evelopmental gap. The three factors demonstrating the greatest priority needs were curriculum objectives (PNI_Modified = 0.28), instructor readiness (PNI_Modified = 0.27), and student activities (PNI_Modified = 0.26). Further analysis indicated that the identified weaknesses were localized to specific sub-issues rather than reflecting deficiencies across entire factors. Based on these findings, the study recommends that institutions strengthen public relations efforts to enhance curriculum visibility among target groups, recruit qualified industry experts to serve as special lecturers addressing instructor shortages, and design student development activities explicitly aligned with evolving industry requirements.