University Decision Support Model
The proposed model is developed to help students in University Selection. The proposed system aids the decision maker in making his or her preferred decision. Preferences will have a number of inputs; those are as result of particular fields entered into the model. The inputs have particular scores university fee – 9, postgraduate employment – 7, Location – 5, reputation – 3 and social life – 3. The DSS models deals with decision making capabilities based on choosing among a large number of programmes based on types of fields with respect from different aspects from various universities.
The system is developed using a database that contains all the admission criteria for the three universities build up. Later, the model processes the information with the database to produce the best possible suggestions to the user. This is shown by the diagram in Fig. 1.
The diagram the user enters the university fee, postgraduate employment, location, reputation and social life. The model results are divided into three each give the scores of each university based on the inputs. The purpose of grouping the in this case is to minimize the number of outputs thus, resulting in fuzzy sets. This process allows a complex decision to be decomposed into it smaller units which are less complex and easy to understand (Yasin et al, 2011).
(Yasin et al, 2011)
The model matches the results stored in the database contain all aspects of the university. The qualified choices are filtered by specific attributes entered by the user. The weights of each attributed have been preset for the model results, university fee, postgraduate employment, location, reputation and social life (Yasin et al, 2011). These weights have been pre-determined by experts. Then, the model engine calculated the possible alternatives with the prescribed weights of the attributes. Later, the model ranked and suggestions are produced. The choices that are only applicable to university fee, postgraduate employment, location, reputation and social life would be justified. Other attributes that are not related to the attributes will not be weighted by the model.
The problem of the university selection is divided into three as follows
Alternatives (S), let S= {S1, S2, S3, S4 ….Sm}
Attributes (R) let R = {R1, R2, R3………Rn}
Weight of attributes (w), let w= {w1, w2, w3 … wn}
Decision matrix, let C= [Cij]
The matrix forms the easiest and simplest way to understand the model problem. Specifically, the problem with j alternatives {S1, S2, S3, S4 ….Sm} which are evaluated by n attributes {R1, R2, R3………Rn} which can be represented in a geometrically. In this case, all alternatives are defined offered by the three universities in the United Kingdom and the attributes are university fee, postgraduate employment, location, reputation and social life (Yasin et al, 2011). Nevertheless, before the decision is arrived at, the calculation of the attributes of the results must be performed. The results are transformed to numerical so that they can be represented using the decision matrix
In the following equation rk represents the results and qn represents the minimum requirements. Therefore, the decision matrix can be defined.
To perform ranking of the alternatives, the decision matrix is normalized into a matrix B. This is due to the fact that attributes are immeasurable by using the decision matrix A. Thus, in this case formula 3 and 4 are used to perform normalization operation on the matrix A.
Lastly, the alternatives of the decision matrix B can then ranked by using the formula below
Selecting an institution for higher learning in the United Kingdom has become increasingly challenging in light of the growing competitiveness among the universities. A Management Information System Decision Support Model basing on results of previous research relating to factors that affect student’s choice of University. The model is designed and developed to justify the ultimate choice of university. There is comparison of three major UK universities (Huddersfield, Bradford and Cambridge) basing on five major factors: University fee, postgraduate employment, Location of the university, reputation, and social life. The ratings of these factors in terms of importance to students in choice of university are University fee – 9, postgraduate employment – 7, Location – 5, reputation – 3, and social life – 3. Finally, the paper adopts an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)-based decision model to facilitate the decision-making process.
Selecting an institution for higher learning in the United Kingdom has increasingly challenging in light of the growing competitiveness among the universities. The decision support model is based on results of previous research relating to factors that affect student’s choice of university. The model is designed and developed to justify the ultimate choice of university. There is comparison of three major UK universities (Huddersfield, Bradford and Cambridge) basing on five major factors: University fee, postgraduate employment, Location of the university, reputation, and social life. The ratings of these factors in terms of importance to students in choice of university are University fee – 9, postgraduate employment – 7, Location – 5, reputation – 3, and social life – 3. The user will enter input about the university and the model will perform computation on the best university and justify the decision based on the inputs. The model has produced a reliable and reflective suggestion. The first criterion offers a suggestion of the university that has the lowest fees. Logically, the university that has the lowest fees the student could easily pay his or her tuition fees. The second criterion was based on postgraduate employment. This suggestion will offer the candidate the highest success of employment after graduation. Other attributes like location, reputation and social life following respectively with associated weights. Overall, this ranking sequence produced by the model is first logical and dependable. Lastly, it’s hoped that such systems will benefit students, especially in choosing the university and decision support systems.
University Fee
The university fee factor is ranked the most significant by students, with a numerical value of 9, to the university choice decision process.
A major cost-related factor that informs a student’s choice of university is financial assistance afforded to students. The financial factor is therefore an external influence that affects the student decision-making process and relates to affordability of the university fees as well as financial aids. In this regard, the decision is based on the availability or lack thereof of financial aid awards, with the institution offering the best financial assist appealing to more students.
The University of Bradford has a program to provide a varied range of scholarships designed to assist students during their time at the University (Ward, 2013). Prospective students are allowed to apply for more than one kind of scholarship, from which they can be awarded only one.
University of Cambridge charges tuition fees of £9,000 a year. However, students with a family income below £25,000 would pay £6,000 and be afforded a bursary amounting to £1,625. In addition, students are means-tested for reductions where their family income is under £43,000. The £9,000 fee is a flat rate for only UK and European Union students but is charged in exceptional circumstances. Students are not required to pay their tuition fee upfront instead they are allowed to take a loan for entire cost of the fees until graduation and earning a minimum salary currently at £21,000. The maximum fee charged at Cambridge is justified for the institution’s commitment to excellence, as a lesser fee would translate into reduced costs and thus quality. The university is not open to part-time work arrangement due to the belief that its students need not to work during term-time (Ward, 2013). The broad range of financial support afforded to its students is meant to give the learners an appropriate work-life balance. Students of Cambridge University are eligible to a number of job opportunities at the University such as working at College library, College bar, or as student helper during university open days.
Postgraduate employment
The University of Bradford is committed to producing employable graduates as evidenced by its ethos ‘Making Knowledge Work.’ Bradford has one of UK’s best graduate employment record due to its focus on courses for graduate employment and the Careers Advisory Service. Most of Bradford’s undergraduate courses come with placement opportunities and students are allowed opportunity to gain part-time work (Ward, 2013). Postgraduate students receive additional support from the Career Development Advisors working in partnership with the graduate to offer relevant advice to the graduate.
According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), University of Cambridge graduates are among the most employable nationwide. A massive 95.2 percent of the graduates landed employment six months after completing their degrees. The success of Cambridge is attributed to its strategy to admit the most academically and highly motivated students its course, give inspiring teaching along with exceptional personal support, together with a broad range of opportunities to acquire relevant skills after graduating.
University of Huddersfield has also relatively high postgraduate employment rates. The university is known for its great commercial focus coupled with extremely strong links with industry. In 2012, Huddersfield University was ranked among the top 10 in England for both postgraduate employability, student placements in industry as well as the number of either student or graduate business supported (Ward, 2013).
Location of University
Students usually consider the location of the university in making their choice of university to advance their education. The aspect of location relates to the distance from home and neighborhood of the learning institution itself. It refers to the actual distance between the student’s zip code and the university zip code (Ward, 2013).
The University of Bradford main campus is located close to the action of the Bradford’s city in West Yorkshire, north of England. The city Bradford is one of the largest cities in Britain and a great place to both live and study. The other campus of University of Bradford, The School of Management is located in parkland which is about 2 miles from the city. This location is characterized by gorgeous historic buildings as well as state-of-the-art facilities. Generally, the university is strategically placed with sufficient transport links which enables students to go anywhere they want with relative ease. West Yorkshire is serviced by hundreds of buses in addition to the 66-station train network. The cities of Manchester and Dales are within travelling distance for either a day or night out. Trains and coaches are also available to link directly to London. The city of Leeds is also about 20 minutes away by train. Walking to the University from the Travel Interchange only takes about 15 minutes. The University of Bradford’s student union offers free bus services each weekday during the term time. The Students’ Union is highly committed to safety of students using the bus service. In fact, Bradford is one of the least expensive student cities across the UK.
Cambridge University is located in the east of England. The area is characterized by its rather unique identity as well as typically English heritage. Cambridge city is renowned world over as among Great Britain’s most attractive and romantic cities. Locate in the centre of rural England, surrounded by a scenery of glorious countryside, Cambridge University’s location is excellent for international study. The institution is located just 80km from London, providing students with a rich cultural, historical and educational experience (Ward, 2013). The Cambridge environment is great for student to play football, hold picnic and engage in social chats.
University of Huddersfield is located in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire with extra campuses in Oldham and Barnsley. Its town campus is located just a few minutes walk from one the major town in the UK. The university is conveniently located to serve all the major centres to the north of England. The institution is at the heart of motorway and rail networks.
Social life
The social aspect is equally important during a decision making process relating to the choice of university. This is especially the case because a complete wonderful collegiate or university experience involves successful study, making friends as well as forming social networks (Ward, 2013). In choosing a university, therefore, students consider an higher learning institution that offers the best social life as well as a solid on-campus network.
The social life at Bradford University is relatively super. There is a nice cheap Campus pun, with good going on’s besides being highly friendly, safe and fun. Student Central that is housed in Richmond building has a number of clubs and bars on the basement level. They offer fantastic student-priced drinks together with some great entertainment. A different social event is lined for every day throughout the week such as Rock Mondays; Karaoke, Cocktails and Mocktails on Thursdays; and Pub Quiz on Sundays.
University of Cambridge also offers great social life for students. The university offers a broad variety of evening and weekend social activities. During the summer, for instance, students get to participate in University-run events, exhibitions, as well as music festivals. Cambridge University has plenty on-site tea/coffee shops, on-site pubs offering relatively cheap drinks (Ward, 2013). The Cambridge college environment is also well set up for holding great parties with DJ’s. Friday nights are Queens’ ents and Churchill Pav while King’s Ents and Clare Cellars are held on Saturday nights.
At the University of Huddersfield, a memorable social life is facilitated by the Students’ Union which is on hand to help then during their time at the institution. There are several bars that are in close proximity to the campus, with the main bar central located directly opposite the campus off Queensgate. The Students’ Union has its own bar that offers relatively cheap drinks.
Conclusion
In the above case the university chosen using the model was Huddersfield University. The university scored highly in the university fees charged. The university fees were the lowest. It score was average in the postgraduate employment as compared with the rest of the universities. Location was another aspect investigated both Bradford and Huddersfield University scored highly. Both universities were located in Yorkshire and were in close proximity to my home. On the other hand, Huddersfield University scored poor in reputation and social life. Nevertheless, given the high ranking of university fee, postgraduate employment and location Huddersfield University was chosen by the model.
References:
Yasin, S., Noor, M.N., & Mamat, M. (2011). Decision Support System for Choosing Undergraduate Course using Fuzzy Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) Method. Journal of International Studies.
Ward, S. (2013). A Student’s Guide to Education Studies. London: Routldge.
