Strategic human capital management for a new University: a case study of Suan Dusit Rajabhat University

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the key success factors (KSFs) that determine the direction and context of a new university, Suan Dusit Rajabhat University (SDU), to formulate strategic human capital management (SHCM) for the university, and also to recommend a proposal for the human resources (HR) structure and systems that supports SHCM for a new university.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used mixed methods. There were four steps, including documentary research to develop a draft of SHCM prototype, in-depth interview and knowledge-sharing technique with 17 key informants to develop the underlying final SHCM prototype, collecting the quantitative data from a questionnaire to develop a prototype of SHCM, and validation and confirmation of the suitability and feasibility of SHCM for a new university by using a focus group and knowledge-sharing technique with 14 HR experts and re-confirm for practical implementation with SDU’s executive team.

Findings

The four KSFs were university positioning, talent capability, harmonization, and transformation. The SHCM formulation was categorized into two sections: components including strategy on thinking and planning, implementation and measurement; and procedures including HR policy committee, strategic and operational HR management. The HR proposal for implementation was emerging.

Originality/value

The tacit knowledge in SHCM, including human capital-centric driving for KSFs and innovative HR in university transformation comprising of the strategic and operational levels, was revealed.

Citation

Thienphut, D., Jiamprachanarakorn, S., sirasirirusth, j. and Boonloisong, R. (2015), "Strategic human capital management for a new University: a case study of Suan Dusit Rajabhat University", Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. 19 No. 1, pp. 108-120. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-10-2014-0432