The establishing an academic network of the Boromarajonani College of Nursing Khon Kaen Alumni Association

Abstract

The purpose of this research and development were: 1) to study the development of establishing an academic network of the Boromarajonani College of Nursing Khon Kaen Alumni Association, 2) to use the utilization of this novel network model on establishing an academic network, and 3) to evaluate the strategies of establishing an academic network. The target group consisted of 297 members of Boromarajonani College of Nursing Khon Kaen Alumni Association. The data collected with questionnaire and in-depth interview. The quantitative data were analyzed by mean, standard deviation, and qualitative data were analyzed by using content analysis. The research was divided into 3 phases: Phase 1 development of establishing an academic network, in which it was comprised 3 steps. The 3 steps were: 1) preparing, 2) doing, and 3) evaluating. Phase 2 building and using an academic networking model, in which it was comprised 4 steps. The 4 steps were: 1) analyzing research documents, lesson-learned on development of academic network 2) building the model 3) implementing a pilot study (draft) 4) implementing the model. Phase 3 strategic evaluations, which were consisted of 2 steps: 1) concluding and evaluating an academic network 2) strategic applications to expand networks.

The results of the study revealed that 1) model of establishing an academic network of the Boromarajonani College of Nursing Khon Kaen Alumni Association emphasized on enhancing the abilities of outstanding alumni, which shared experiences of learning to teamwork, 2) having the academic network of the Boromarajonani College of Nursing Khon Kaen Alumni Association has the academic work of the network members, and public activities for alumni. In addition, the model was appropriated at a high level by the in-depth interviews with academic network members, and 3) the strategies to expand the network were: 1) motivating the members of the organization, 2) deployment of the guidelines to the members, 3) creation of a network system to encourage the sharing of knowledge, 4) creation of a mechanisms to encourage continuity, and 5) supporting of process in leader team to encourage ongoing learning.

The results can be used as a guideline for creating networks on one or other of organizations.