THE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT OF THE HAND-WOVEN COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE: A SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to investigate social network analysis for product development of the Ban Sai hand-woven community enterprise in material procurement, production planning, and product development. This study was conducted utilizing a mixed-methods approach. Social network questionnaires, observation, and in-depth interviews were used to collect data. Quantitative data was evaluated using social network analysis tools (Uci.net and Netdraw), while qualitative data was assessed using qualitative data analysis software. (Atlas.ti). A social network analysis of material procurement revealed that five groups were involved in this activity. There were two people that took part in the network analysis of production planning. However, the research findings revealed that three people were involved in product development activities. The above outcomes lead to the following suggestion. The relevant official department should encourage a group to purchase raw materials in bulk and assist the group in learning production planning skills and developing new product development knowledge.