Abstract:
This research aimed to study the management of synthetic badminton courts in
the Bangkok Metropolitan area. The study examined the management of 4 resources -
humans, budgets, venues and equipment - which are essential for component
management. The management was combined with a marketing mix theoretical basis.
For the qualitative research, interviews were conducted with owners or managers of 7
courts along with 7 employees of each, which made 14 interviewees in total. For
quantitative research, questionnaires were answered by 330 members of those 7
courts.
The results show that there are two types of personnel management, family
business management and system approach. 4-10 staffs were usually employed
depending on management, sufficiency and appropriateness. Staff recruitment has
been done through two systems, patronage system and merit system. The performance
appraisal of all courts has not reached the standard. The revenue of the firms is mainly
obtained from court rental and training fee. Mostly, they emphasize service location.
High density living areas with fewer marketing competitors are preferable, as well as
those with convenient transportation. Most of the owners/managers love the sport thus
they are not so much concerned with income. Some propose it as a business giving a
chance for people to have exercise. Some seriously provide professional training or
customer satisfaction, it was found that clients were highly satisfied with the products
and the marketing channel while the satisfaction with price and promotion was
moderate.
The suggestion is that there should be intensive training for staff in order to
acknowledge all issues concerned including equipment. The management system
should be clear and practical. The maintenance of all equipment as well as the courts
floor should be arranged. Public relations may be conducted through competitions.
The competitions should be coordinated with the government and private
organizations concerned. Modern competitions, e.g. Trick Shot, may be used. All
activities should regularly be announced to the surrounding living areas. This would
give the court recognition.