Report on the Training Course on

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

6 -17 July 2015

1) INTRODUCTION

SMEs are vital to the economic development and play an important role in
contributing significantly to the economy and can provide a solid foundation for the
progress of innovative businesses as well as establishment of existing ones for future
development of some countries.

Thailand International Cooperation and Development Agency (TICA) and the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand approached the Faculty of Business
Administration, Kasetsart University, Thailand to design a training program which
will create and develop its high-level Small and Medium Enterprises Training
Program to support countries in Africa by nurturing and strengthening of Small and
Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which can contribute significantly to overall
advancement. A program entitled “Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) of
Thailand” was accordingly designed and successfully held from 6 – 17 July 2015 at
the Faculty of Business Administration, Kasetsart University.

The Training Program was attended by nineteen participants from different countries
in Africa and different organizations namely: one (1) participants from Ministry of
Industry, Commerce, Investment and Digital Economy, Morocco; two (2) participants
from Ministry of Trade and Industry, Lesotho; three (3) participants from Ministry of
Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Uganda; two (2) participants from Ministry of
External Relation and Cooperation, Comoros; two (2) participants Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Senegal; two (2) participants from Ministry of Industry and Private Sector
Development, Magdagascar; four (4) participants from Industrial Modernization
Center, Ministry of International Cooperation, and Social Fund Development, Egypt;
and three (3) participants from Institutes for Promotion SMEs, Mozambique.

1.1) Program Rationale

The training course on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) of Thailand was
designed to expand the scope of the paradigm of public administration in various
government agencies. The viewpoint of this course was focused on government
officials with knowledge of the Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of
Thailand that includes the introduction of theoretical knowledge and applied
appropriately under the corporate environment that is vigorous. Specifically, the aim
of this training course was: (1) develop and strengthen knowledge about the
management of SMEs, (2) enhance the capacity of developing countries in the African
region, and (3) promote cooperation development between Thailand and countries
participated in the study through the exchange of experiences and perspectives of
development cooperation.
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The course was consist of three main parts are as follows: (1) the participants were
provided the knowledge and understanding of the principles of Small and medium-
sized enterprises (SMEs) of Thailand, (2) learned the principles and methods of the
concept of SMEs, Entrepreneurship and Venture Initiation, Marketing Strategy and
Management, Operations Management, Enterprises in Agricultural Processing and
Success, and successful experiences of SMEs, and (3) the participants were able to
apply philosophical concept tool to analyze and evaluate information and opening
views related to the science of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) of
Thailand to be deployed substantially.

1.2) Program Designed

With the rationale described above, the program was accordingly designed. Table 1
shows the Training Course Program that comprises of 8 topics: (1) Concept of SMEs,
(2) Entrepreneurship and Venture Initiation, (3) Marketing Strategy and Management,
(4) Operations Management, (5) Enterprises in Agricultural Processing, (6)
Development of Information Systems for SMEs, (7) Development Vision of the
Entrepreneur of SMEs, and (8) Successful and successful experiences of SMEs. Each
topic comprises of 6 hours lectures.

Table 1: Training Course of the Program

Day Lesson Hour

1 Concept of SMEs 6
 Definition of SMEs
 Characteristics of SMEs
 Importance of SMEs in Economy
 Problems and limitations of SMEs in general
 Overview of Thailand SMEs

2 Entrepreneurship and Venture Initiation 6

 Business opportunities and competitive situations
 Starting up business and business venturing
 Strategic Management for Entrepreneurs
 Business Plans for New Business Entity
 Case Study

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 3 Marketing Strategy and Management 6
 Marketing Plan for SMEs
 Marketing Strategies for SMEs
 Financial Planning and Control
 Social Media for SMEs
 Case Study

4 Operations Management 6
 Logistic System Development for SMEs
 SMEs Promotion Policies
 Financial Support for SMEs
 Information Technology in SMEs
 Case Study

5 Enterprises in Agricultural Processing 6

 Overview of Thailand Enterprises in Agricultural
Processing
 Agricultural Processing Promotion Policies
 Information Technology in Agricultural Processing
 Case Study

6 Development of Information Systems for SMEs 6

 Overview Technology Promotion Agency
 Technologies for Information Management
 Trend of Using Technology for SMEs
 Case Study

7 Development Vision of the Entrepreneur of SMEs 6

 Impacts on Thailand SMEs
 Studying the Strategic Trade
 Processing of Strategic Development
 Case Study

8 Successful and successful experiences of SMEs 6

 Successful experiences of SMEs
 Unsuccessful experiences of SMEs
 Preparing for Future of Trade and Investment in SMEs
 Discussion: Business SMEs in Africa

Total Hours: 48

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The classroom session facilitators were mostly from the Faculty of
Business Administration, Kasetsart University, one invited lecturer from Agro-
Industrial Technology, Agro Industry, Kasetsart University, one from Institute for
Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ISMED), Thailand. The complete list of
course facilitators is in Appendix A.

Table 2 shows the Training Course Schedule of Activities. The program was strictly
followed as planned.

Table 2: Training Course Schedule of Activities

Date Topics Session Facilitators

Mon, 6 July 2015 Concept of SMEs Dr. Chodechai Suwanaporn
Tue, 7 July 2015 Entrepreneurship and Venture Initiation Dr. Suparerk Sooksmarn
Assoc. Prof. Chuenjit
Wed, 8 July 2015 Marketing Strategy and Management
Changchenkit
Development of Information Systems for
Dr. Ek-Anong Tangrukwarasakul
SMEs
Thu, 9 July 2015
Ms. Jittima Krissadanont and
Field Trip: Klong Phadoong Krung Kasem
Team
Fri, 10 July 2015 Field Trip: Pattaya - NongNooch Garden
Field Trip: Pattaya - Floating Market Ms. Jittima Krissadanont and
Sat, 11 July 2015 - The Sanctuary of Team
Truth
Sun, 12 July 2015 Holiday
Operations Management Dr. Supachart Iam-Ratanakul
Mon, 13 July
2015 Ms. Jittima Krissadanont and
Field Trip: Pratunam Market
Team
Vision Development of the Entrepreneur of
Tue, 14 July 2015 Mr. Poompan Mingkwan
SMEs
Agricultural Processing Enterprise Asst. Prof. Chutima Waisarayutt
Wed, 15 July
2015 Ms. Jittima Krissadanont and
Field Trip: China Town Market
Team
Successful and Unsuccessful experiences
Director of ISMED
of SMEs
Thu, 16 July 2015
Ms. Jittima Krissadanont and
Field Trip: KU Dairy Factory
Team
Field Trip: Ayutthaya
- The Historic City of Ayutthaya Ms. Jittima Krissadanont and
Fri, 17 July 2015
- Arts and Crafts International Centre of Team
Thailand

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1.3) Methodology

1.31. Blended-learning participatory approach

The training program is constructed on a blended-learning participatory approach. A
blended learning systems combine face-to-face instruction with computer-mediated
instruction like PowerPoint presentation, online video and related websites about the
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) of Thailand. Also, an interactive lecture
was facilitated by session facilitators who examined the topic of the training from a
comprehensive theoretical viewpoint down to case studies examining real world
implementation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) of Thailand. The
presentations were amplified by cluster exercises and frequent discussions with the
participants which serve to contextualized the topics being examined and the
participants were allowed to ask questions, add comments, and suggestions during the
discussion.

1.3.2 Study tour

Emphasizing the theoretical overviews and the topics were presented, study tours form
an important part of the training methodology utilized by the Faculty of Business
Administration. Participants were able to relate what has been seen and discussed in
the training program with actual examples. Under this program a study visit was
planned to provide relevant experiences. The specific objective of the visit is to
enhance the skills and knowledge of the participants to gather and learn the experience
Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of Thailand and adopt for back home
application. Participants visited various Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
institutions and other institutions providing SMEs services in Thailand.

The participant was exposed to the famous local shops of SME’s in Thailand such as
Chinatown, Pratunam, and Jatuchak market wherein they can observe and shops
SME’s products.

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Furthermore, the places wherein participants visited during the training program were
as follows:

(1) Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden in Pattaya City, Chonburi is a botanical
garden and tourist attraction, one of the leading tourist site of Southeastern region
where there are more than 2,000 tourists visiting from all over the world. During the
visit, the participants were oriented how this Tropical Botanical garden was started
from as Small-Medium Enterprise until they become successful,

(2) The Pattaya Floating Market is the biggest floating market in the world featuring
more than 100 shops selling native food and Thai handicrafts. During the visit
participants were oriented to the history of this floating market and they enjoyed
shopping with the SME’s shops of Thai handicraft.

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(3) The Sanctuary of Truth is a gigantic wooden construction which covers the area of
more than two Rais. The top point of the building is about 105 meters high. It was
constructed to withstand the wind and sunshine on the seashore at Rachvate Cape,
Tumbon Naklea, Amphur Banglamung, Chon Buri Province. During the visit
participants were oriented how this temple was built and actual observation of wood
curving.

(4) Kasetsart University Dairy Center is a university dairy and a bottle water
production center. During the visit, the participants were oriented about the overview
of the centers and observed the actual production.

(5) SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (Public Organization)
SACICT was established with the objectives to promote and support the integration of
vocations leading to the creation of folk arts and crafts in line with Her Majesty Queen
Sirikit’s projects as well as to promote their marketing domestically and
internationally. During the visit, the participants were exposed to all SME’s shops of
local Thai handicraft.

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(6) Ancient Ruins of Ayutthaya are the ruins of the old city were preserved in the
Ayutthaya historical park, which is recognized internationally as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.

2) EVALUATION OF THE TRAINING COURSE

The Faculty of Business Administration Kasetsart University (seminar organizers)

used an evaluation form for the assessment of the training course on Small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). There were fourteen scale questions: six questions
measured aspects of the seminar organization and management. Its components
starting from level 5 being excellent and level 1 being need improvement. Eight
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questions focus on the participants agree and disagree (agreement scale) about the
program and the rate of the presenters respectively. Additionally, assessment question
is provided for further comments, suggestions and recommendations or ideas they had
subsequent to the training course.

Table 3 shows the aspects of seminar organization and management. It was reflected
that the majority of the participants considered the aspects of seminar organization and
management as highest scale. Since the duration of the training course was limited
only for 10 days the participants rated the space of seminars was 42%.

Table 3: Aspects of seminar organization and management

Scale (5-highest, 1-lowest)

5 4 3 2 1
Delivery and seminar style 11(58%) 6 (32%) 2(10%)
Organization and flow 11 (58%) 8(42%)
Quality of information presented 12(63%) 7(37%)
Pace of seminars 8(42%) 11 (58%)
Open to question 10(53%) 9(47%)
Knowledge of topic 12(63%) 5(26%) 2(11%)

Table 4 shows the aspects of the training program, it was reflected that 37% of the
participants strongly agree that they met the training expectations, 63% of the
participants strongly agree that the training provides good information, and 47% of the
participants strongly agree that the training improved their skills and the materials
were practical.

Table 4: Aspect of the training program

Strongly Strongly
Agree Undecided Disagree
disagree
Agree
The training met my expectations 7(37%) 12(63%)
Training provides good information 12(63%) 7(7%)
Training improved my skills 9(47%) 10(53%)
Materials were practical 9(47%) 10(53%)

It was shown in table 5 the rate of the presenter, it was reflected that 53% of the
participants strongly agree that they held their interest to the presenter, information
was presented effectively, and answered questions adequately. While 58% of the
participants strongly agree that presentation were organized.

Table 5: Rate of the presenter

Strongly
Agree Undecided Disagree Strongly disagree
Agree

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Held my interest 10(53%) 9(47%)
The presentation was organized 11 (58%) 8(42%)
Information was presented effectively 10(53%) 9(47%)
Answered questions adequately 10(53%) 9(47%)

Overall, the 19 participants were asked to evaluate the whole training program: 3 or
32% participants evaluated the training program as excellent, 13 or 68% participants
evaluated the training program as very good, and 3 or 32% participants evaluated the
training program as good only.

3) RECOMMENDATION

The positive aspects of the training course program on Small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs) on Thailand participated by African delegates replicated or merged
in current related conditions in different states in Africa. The training program
framework interventions are currently available to the participants to support and
develop the SME’s in their countries.

While the participants were satisfied on the inputs, process and outputs of the
program, there is always room for improvement. Detailed recommendations are in the
summary of evaluations of participants. Follows this recommendation, is a
commendation on the greatest cooperation of the participants who were well-focused
on their objectives in which the success of the program is highly attributed to. There
was a complementary sharing of responsibilities between the training management
and the participants. It was a very satisfying working relationship.

4) APPENDICES

Appendix 1

COURSE FACILITATORS

Topics Session Facilitator

1. Concept of SMEs Dr. Chodechai Suwanaporn

10

2. Entrepreneurship and Venture Initiation
3. Marketing Strategy and Management
4. Development of Information Systems for
SMEs
5. Operations Management
6. Vision Development of the Entrepreneur of
SMEs
7. Agricultural Processing Enterprise
8. Successful and Unsuccessful experiences of
SMEs
Appendix 2
Course Management:
1. Associate Professor Sasivimol Meeampol
Dean, Faculty of Business Administration, Kasetsart University
Email: fbussas@ku.ac.th
Tel 0 2942 8777 ext. 1111 Mobile no. 081 345 3232
Executive Vice President, Corporate
Strategy
PTT Public Company Limited, Thailand
Dr. Suparerk Sooksmarn
Expert in SMEs Venture, Assistant Dean
for Business Administration, Faculty of
Business Administration, Kasetsart
University, Thailand
Assoc. Prof. Chuenjit Changchenkit
Expert in Marketing Management,
Lecturer of Marketing Department,
Faculty of Business Administration,
Kasetsart University.
Dr. Ek-Anong Tangrukwarasakul
Expert on Management Information
System, Computational Management,
Lecturer of Management Department,
Faculty of Business Administration,
Kasetsart University.
Dr. Supachart Iam-Ratanakul
Lecturer of Marketing Department,
Faculty of Business Administration,
Kasetsart University.
Mr. Poompan Mingkwan
Asst. Prof. Chutima Waisarayutt
Lecturer of Agro-Industrial Technology,
Agro Industry, Kasetsart University
Mr. Suwanchai Lohawatanakul
President of Institute for Small and
Medium Enterprises Development
(ISMED), Thailand.
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2. Dr. Suparerk Sooksmarn
Assistant Dean for Strategic and Physical Development
Faculty of Business Administration, Kasetsart University
Email: fbussrs@ku.ac.th
Tel 0 2942 8777 ext. 1328 Mobile no. 08 1487 3931
3. Ms. Jittima Krissadanont
Human Resources Officer
Faculty of Business Administration, Kasetsart University
Email: fbusnai@ku.ac.th
Tel 0 2942 8777 ext. 1170 Mobile no. 08 7800 3018

4. Mr. Joefrey B. Geroche

Academic Specialist
Faculty of Business Administration, Kasetsart University
Email: fbusjrg@ku.ac.th
Tel 02 942 8777 ext. 1152

5. Miss Aree Sisangmuk

Administrative Officer
Faculty of Business Administration, Kasetsart University
Email: fbusars@ku.ac.th

6. Miss Suvaree Puanglub

Administrative Officer
Faculty of Business Administration, Kasetsart University
Email: fbussvr@ku.ac.th

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