2003: Master of Science in Museum Studies, University of Leicester, UK
2018: Ph.D.in Technology Management, Graduate School of Technology Management, Ritsumeikan University
Why did you choose Ritsumeikan MOT for pursuing your Ph.D.?
I chose Ritsumeikan MOT because the international program is well-known. In Japan, there are not many universities that offer an international program especially in the field of Technology Management. Furthermore, I like location in Kansai area because it’s convenient for travelling and exploring Japanese culture when I have free time. Another key reason is that a majority of faculty members have international background in their education and research achievements.
What do you think about advantages studying in Ritsumeikan MOT?
The best advantage of studying in Ritsumeikan MOT is that I could have a fulfilling research life. Along with high quality research facilities that assist my study, I was able to be tutored very well from my supportive supervisor. Weekly assignments and discussions bring me up with new ideas and knowledge concerning my research topic; I have succeeded to write up and give an academic conference paper in the first semester.
Tell us about your research project.
For my research project, I studied which factors affect the learning of science museum staff.
Focusing, then, on two of these factors, organizational culture and knowledge management, I did the comparative studies among two science museums in Thailand and one science museum in Singapore.
What are you doing now?
Currently, I am the Head of the Exhibition Development Division at the National Science Museum, Thailand, whose main task is to produce exhibitions that can effectively communicate science to our visitors.
How are you using what you have learned in your job?
Given that science museum work is rarely taught by formal education and that, to build an exhibition, my colleagues and I need to exchange knowledge with staff from different sections, learning from practice and collective experience is very important in our environment.
Therefore, science museums should recognize how to foster their staff learning process.
From my research, I found that an organizational culture that enhances staff cooperation and an effective system to store knowledge are very important. As such, since I came back to my position at the National Science Museum, Thailand, I’ve been promoting this kind of cultural change within my section and I’m planning to improve how knowledge is stored, as well.
Later, I wish I could extend these methods to other sections.
Any advice to the current students?
I would say that PhD study is very tough but once you accomplish it you will be very happy and very proud of your work. Please don’t give up in case of difficulties. PhD life is to learn how to solve problems and to overcome your mind and your weakness. Be passionate in your research and, finally, the PhD degree will be yours.
Alumni
Given that science museum work is rarely taught by formal education and that, to build an exhibition, my colleagues and I need to exchange knowledge with staff from different sections, learning from practice and collective experience is very important in our environment.
Therefore, science museums should recognize how to foster their staff learning process.
From my research, I found that an organizational culture that enhances staff cooperation and an effective system to store knowledge are very important. As such, since I came back to my position at the National Science Museum, Thailand, I’ve been promoting this kind of cultural change within my section and I’m planning to improve how knowledge is stored, as well.
Later, I wish I could extend these methods to other sections.
I would say that PhD study is very tough but once you accomplish it you will be very happy and very proud of your work. Please don’t give up in case of difficulties. PhD life is to learn how to solve problems and to overcome your mind and your weakness. Be passionate in your research and, finally, the PhD degree will be yours.