Times higher education’s administrative influence on tertiary education in Thailand: A comparative content analytical study

Abstract

This study comparatively investigates the impact of Times Higher Education (THE) rankings on tertiary education administration in Thailand, with a specific focus on the strategic management of higher education institutions. The research aims to understand THE's ranking criteria and their influence on administrative decisions, as well as the implications for university governance and leadership. Ten Thai universities were carefully selected and evaluated based on THE's World University Ranking and Impact Ranking criteria, which assess institutions' performance across teaching, research, industry collaboration, international outlook, and their contributions to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Data was collected from THE's official website. The findings of this research suggest that: Universities that prioritize research quality and international outlook tend to perform better in THE's World University Ranking; Institutions that focus on SDG-related research and outreach are more likely to excel in THE's Impact Ranking; Thai universities that adopt best practices in educational administration, such as strategic planning and resource allocation, are more likely to improve their THE rankings. By identifying effective administrative strategies, this research can inform policy decisions and support universities in achieving their goals, ultimately contributing to the development of a more competitive and sustainable higher education system in Thailand.