The School of Political and Social Sciences, University of Phayao, organized the Strategic Planning Review, Benchmarking Study Visit, Lessons Learned, and Strategic Plan Development Project for Fiscal Year 2026 from 18–21 May 2026 in Chiang Mai Province. The project aimed to strengthen institutional capacity in strategic planning, enhance organizational learning, and empower faculty members and staff to effectively drive the Faculty toward sustainable excellence.
The project was led by Associate Professor Dr. Montra Pongnil, Dean of the School of Political and Social Sciences, together with the Faculty's executive team, academic staff, and support personnel. Participants engaged in collaborative discussions to review organizational performance, exchange experiences, and develop strategic directions that respond effectively to the evolving higher education landscape.
The program focused on reviewing the Faculty's strategic plan implementation, analyzing internal and external environments through SWOT Analysis and PESTEL Analysis, and collaboratively developing strategic priorities, goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), and major initiatives for the Faculty. Through participatory workshops and reflective learning sessions, participants synthesized lessons learned and formulated practical strategies designed to strengthen organizational performance and ensure long-term sustainability.
As part of the program, participants conducted benchmarking visits to two leading organizations recognized for excellence in strategic management: Mae Hia Municipality and the Division of Strategy and Planning, Office of the University, Chiang Mai University.
At Mae Hia Municipality, participants learned about the municipality's Smart City Strategy and Data-Driven Governance approach, including environmental analysis for strategic planning, evidence-based policy decision-making, and best practices in sustainable urban development. The study visit provided valuable insights into how data can be effectively utilized to formulate policies and improve public administration.
The delegation also visited the Division of Strategy and Planning at Chiang Mai University, where they exchanged knowledge on institutional strategic planning mechanisms, policy deployment, performance monitoring and evaluation, and organizational engagement strategies that encourage staff participation in achieving institutional goals. These best practices offered practical approaches that can be adapted to further strengthen the Faculty's strategic management system.
This project reflects the School of Political and Social Sciences' strong commitment to organizational development through participatory planning, benchmarking with leading institutions, and continuous organizational learning. By integrating best practices and developing a responsive strategic plan aligned with a rapidly changing environment, the Faculty continues to enhance the quality of its management and advance toward sustainable organizational excellence.