Journal of Business Administration and Languages (JBAL)

Developing Propositions on Firm Capabilities, Business Network, Knowledge Management Practices and Dynamic Capabilities in the Thai Textile Industry

Rachata Rungtrakulchai, Tanyaporn Kanignant — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The Thai textile and garment industry faces challenges such as declining competitiveness, productivity limitations, and supply chain instability. This research investigates the factors influencing dynamic capabilities in this industry through a multiple-case study analysis of Thai textile and garment companies. The study reviews the relationships between firm capabilities, knowledge management practices, business network, and dynamic capabilities. By analyzing these companies' experiences, the research aims to establish an operational framework and research approach for exploring the relationship between firm capabilities, knowledge management practices, business networks, and dynamic capabilities. Five Propositions were hypothetically developed. Managers can make informed decisions about resource allocation, prioritize capability development initiatives, and strategically. The findings of the proposed research framework will provide insight for managers to make decisions about resource allocation, prioritize capability development initiatives, and strategically manage network partnerships to enhance their firm's dynamic capabilities.

Developing Translation and Interpretation Services: Insights from Benchmarking Thai University Service Units

Todsaporn It-ngam, Rapeephan Kunprayoonsawat — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This qualitative study explores the potential of X University, a pseudonym for a Thai public university located in Chon Buri province, to establish a Center of Excellence in Translation and Interpretation for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and nearby communities. The objective is to develop strategies for the Center to become a pivotal agency in improving translation and interpretation quality within the EEC. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with directors and staff from four university-based service units and one professional association in Thailand, analyzed through content analysis. Through comprehensive benchmarking of these units, the research identifies key strategic, performance, process, and product dimensions that influence the effectiveness and efficiency of translation and interpretation services. The findings reveal the critical roles of a skilled translator and interpreter network, flexible administrative structures, and the integration of academic and non-degree programs in addressing market demands. The absence of formal interpreter services at the studied centers highlights a unique opportunity for X University to distinguish itself and enhance translation services in the EEC. These insights contribute to a broader understanding of how translation and interpretation impact local and global economies by facilitating international business, enhancing cross-cultural communication, and improving the quality of life through better healthcare, legal, and business interactions.

Economics of Chess Investment Based on Secondary Analysis of YouTuber Videos

Yu-Chin Wen — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This qualitative research study investigates the question about the most economical way of investing time and money in both the career and hobby of chess and to evaluate their opportunity costs. Using reflexive thematic analysis on secondary data of global chess industry experts’ commentaries and discussions on YouTube revealed 9 themes that are related to making economical investments on chess as a career or a hobby. Having a career in chess is strongly not recommended because it is filled with high risks and uncertainty that involve unstable net income, prize winnings that heavily favor the top winners, negative mindset, extra work, and marketing challenges. In contrast, in order to make economical investment in chess as a hobby, learning and becoming better at playing chess can be optimized through cost-effective self-study, interactive learning, playstyle focus, and waste avoidance. The opportunity cost of heavy investment in a chess as a career is very high which is any easier career that provides stable and higher income while the opportunity cost of minimal investment in chess as a hobby is relatively low considering the cognitive and psychological benefits of playing chess. The findings of this study revealed how to make the most economical decisions to invest time and money in the game of chess which can be applied other hobbies. The ability to make economic decisions can positively spillover to other areas of everyday life to continuously optimize the use of scarce resources, avoid unnecessary waste, and always consider opportunity costs.

Exploring the Nexus of Person-Environment Fit in Educator Workforce in Thailand

Sirinda Chitboon, Damrong Sattayawaksakul — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research aimed to examine and elaborate the relationship between the person-environment fit theory (Person-Organization Fit, Person-Job Fit, and Person-Group Fit) on employee commitment in the education sector. As educational institutions face challenges related to declining trends in workforce retention, investigating how the alignment of individual traits within the organization, job, and team influences affective commitment. The data were collected from 208 samples selected from employees at two universities in Thailand through a purposive sampling approach. Questionnaires were sent to the correspondents both online and on paper. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and regression analysis were used for data analysis. The results of the analysis showed that two out of three independent variables that are Person-Organization Fit (Beta = 0.430, p = 0.000) and Person-Group Fit (Beta = 0.258, p = 0.000) have a positive relation with Affective Commitment. However, Person-Job Fit, which did not support one of the proposed hypotheses, negatively influenced Affective Commitment (Beta = -0.106, p = 0.044).

Factors Affecting Satisfaction and Intention to Continue Using Food Ordering Application After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Chidchanok Inthong — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

From the current situation of consumers who use food ordering apps after the COVID-19 pandemic, it was found that consumer behavior has changed. This research studied the relationship between indicators related to satisfaction and intention to continue using food ordering apps in Thailand via the Grab Food platform. Data were collected using a questionnaire with a group of 660 males and females. The objective was to study the indicators affecting satisfaction and intention to continue using food ordering apps using structural equation modeling. The data analysis on the influences on satisfaction to use food ordering apps found that efficiency expectations, facilities, entertainment motivations, price value, and social influences affected satisfaction to use food ordering apps. It was also found that familiarity influenced consumer satisfaction. The data analysis on the influences on intention to continue using food ordering apps found that familiarity, satisfaction, and efficiency expectations affected users' behavior and intention to continue using food ordering apps in a statistically significant manner at 0.05.

Secondary Analysis of Interviews About the Factors Driving the Membership Growth of Chess.com

Yu-Chin Wen — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Online gaming companies focus on flashiness and continuous updates, operating more like casinos offering addictive loot boxes, but the recent rise of online chess puts that model into question. This qualitative research study investigates the question of what are the factors that increase or decrease the global number of chess players. Using reflexive thematic analysis on secondary data of interviews with global chess industry experts Erik Allebest, Viswanathan Anand, and Magnus Carlsen revealed 11 themes that affect the growth of Chess.com membership. Factors that increase chess growth were good management, passionate stakeholders, global digital culture, social media marketing, competitive events, game improvements, and India market. Factors that decrease chess growth were cheating, technical difficulties, unsustainable career, and restricted markets. Supported by passionate fans, the free, open-source, 1,500-year-old game of chess can still compete in today's online gaming industry which suggests that previous assumptions about game design and marketing should be revised.

Strategic Planning in Homemade Food Industry: A Case Study of “Mama Agym’s Business” in Batam, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia

Vily Windani, Sakchai Jarernsiripornkul — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The purpose of this study was to analyze and identify the business strategies used by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for homemade food business Fish Cake Soup “Mama Agym”, in developing business which includes marketing, production and operational distribution process. This analysis method uses descriptive qualitative research with the aim of describing the external environment, circumstances and social fact of the business. The qualitative research that seeks to collect facts and circumstances as they should be through interviews, moreover the interviews were conducted with business owners, employees, and several consumers where informants were taken using purposive sampling technique. Then identify the business's environmental conditions using SWOT analysis, Porter's Five Forces and PEST Analysis. Based on the results of evaluation analysis, the strategies that have been implemented by the business have not worked optimally and have not maximized existing resources. For example, some methods such as payment systems and distribution still do not work optimally following existing technological developments. Through this research study, researchers can provide recommendations to business regarding alternative strategic planning that can be used in the future.

Success Factors Influencing Digital Transformation: An Exploratory Study of Street Food Businesses in Yaowarat Area

Kultida Malison, Kanchaya Chaivirutnukul — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing digital transformation for street food businesses in the Yaowarat or China Town Area and propose guidelines for promoting the effective use of digital technology in this context. Data were collected from 120 street food vendors in Yaowarat or China Town Area using a mixed-method approach. The results revealed four success factors influencing digital transformation for street food businesses including 1) Learning and Growth Perspective; 2) Financial and Internal Business Process Perspective; 3) Culture and Data Security Perspective, and 4) External Environment and Policy Perspective. These findings shed light on the motivations behind the implementation of digital technology among street food business owners in Thailand. Additionally, suitable guidelines for promoting and enhancing the effective use of digital technology for street food businesses were derived from both quantitative and qualitative results including 1) The government sector or related organizations should facilitate the business owners in learning about the financial benefits and security prevention in order to increase the use of digital transformation; 2) The digital transformation should be a top-down policy since it should be driven and supported by the highest levels of leadership; and 3) The government should give rewards or some benefits for the street vendors from some competitive campaigns and facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among street food vendors in order to make them learn from culture and external environment. These guidelines aim to support street food vendors in leveraging digital technologies to improve their operations and competitiveness.

The Influence of Organizational Sponsorship and Competency that Affects Production Efficiency: A Case Study of a Japanese Automotive Parts Manufacturing Company

Krisna Lewchalermvongse, Boonyada Nasomboon — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The purpose of this research was to investigate organizational sponsorship and competency in the production efficiency of production staff at a Japanese automotive parts manufacturing company. This quantitative research was conducted using a questionnaire as an instrument to collect data from production staff in the Japanese automotive parts manufacturing company, which is a Tier 1 manufacturer. 430 samples were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, data screening, confirmatory factors analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM) using path analysis.
The causal structural relationship model of organizational sponsorship and competency in the production efficiency showed a well-fitted Chi-Square = 213.517, df = 52, Chi-Square/df = 4.106, p = 0.00, CFI = 0.96, GFI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.08, RMR = 0.03. The research result showed that 1) Organization has a direct influence on production efficiency with a value of 0.28. 2) Competency has a direct influence on production efficiency, with a value of 0.65. 3) Organization has a direct influence on competency with a value of 0.28. Equal to 0.56 4) Organization has an indirect influence on production efficiency through competency as a mediating variable with a direct influence value of 0.28, an indirect influence value of 0.36, and a total influence value of 0.64.
Therefore, it can be concluded that an organization that wants to increase production efficiency must support the resources used in the work, including support from the supervisor and support in training and development. In addition, employees must have knowledge, skills, and characteristics that are in accordance with the organization's core values.

Unveiling the Effects of Integrating an AI-Powered English Speaking Coach for Students and Specific Careers in the EDSY Program: A Study on Higher Education Students in a Thai Private University

Nattida Pucharoen — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the efficacy of an AI-powered English Speaking Coach integrated into the EDSY Program at a Thai private university, focusing on its impact on language proficiency among Thai university students. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining pre-test and post-test assessments with qualitative feedback from participants. Participants showed a significant improvement in language proficiency, as evidenced by a mean increase of 3.02 points across various CEFR levels. Thematic analysis of language competencies reveals strengths in speaking fluency and pronunciation accuracy, supported by positive participant feedback on usability and effectiveness. The study underscores AI’s potential to enhance language learning outcomes by providing personalized learning experiences and supporting broader educational goals. The integration of the AI tool supports specific educational objectives, such as enhancing students’ oral communication skills, which are critical for their future careers in fields like customer service, business, and hospitality. This AI-powered coach not only helps students practice in a controlled environment but also provides personalized feedback, thus aligning with the program’s goal to improve employability skills.