Development of an Information System for Personnel Management in Schools under the Surat Thani Primary Educational Service Area Office

This research aimed to develop and evaluate an Information System for Personnel Management (ISPM) tailored for schools under the Surat Thani Primary Educational Service Area Office. Employing a research and development (R&D) methodology, the study was conducted in three phases: (1) a needs analysis through in-depth interviews with 12 school administrators to identify problems and system requirements; (2) system development using the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) model, followed by expert validation from seven IT professionals; and (3) implementation and effectiveness evaluation with 17 school personnel over a one-month trial. Results from Phase 1 indicated fragmented and inefficient practices, with most schools relying on manual or semi-digital tools. In Phase 2, the developed system was rated highly appropriate across dimensions such as data security (M = 4.95, SD = 0.53) and usability (M = 4.83, SD = 0.38). Phase 3 findings confirmed the system’s effectiveness, with an overall satisfaction rating of M = 4.82 (SD = 0.37). The study contributes to the field by offering a full-cycle model of ISPM development grounded in actual school needs and validated through expert and end-user feedback. Limitations include the restricted trial scope and short duration, suggesting the need for future research on scalability and long-term use. The system provides a practical solution for enhancing personnel data management in Thai schools and potentially across broader educational contexts.