Student throughput variables and properties: Varying cohort sizes

Lucas C.A Stoop

doi:10.17159/sajs.2017/20170019

Abstract

   A recent research paper described how student throughput variables and properties combine to explain the behaviour of stationary or simplified throughput systems. Such behaviour can be understood in terms of the locus of a point in the triangular admissible region of the H-S plane, where H represents headcounts and S successful credits, each depending on the system properties at that point. The efficiency of the student throughput process is given by the ratio S/H. Simplified throughput systems are characterised by stationary graduation and dropout patterns of students as well as by annual intakes of student cohorts of equal size. The effect of varying the size of the annual intakes of student cohorts is reported on here. The observations made lead to the establishment of a more generalised student throughput theory which includes the simplified theory as a special case. The generalised theory still retains the notion of a triangular admissible region in the H-S plane but with the size and shape of the triangle depending on the size of the student cohorts. The ratio S/H again emerges as the process efficiency measure for throughput systems in general with unchanged roles assigned to important system properties. This theory provides for a more fundamental understanding of student throughput systems encountered in real life.     Significance:     A generalised stationary student throughput theory through varying cohort sizes allows for a far better understanding of real student throughput systems.   

Highlights

A recent research paper[1] described how throughput variables combined with throughput properties determine the behaviour of stationary student throughput systems
In the case of a 4-year degree with 8 years assumed to be the maximum time for the completion of the degree, cohort studies would require a set of eight consecutive annual intakes Ni (i=1,...,8) of different student cohort sizes
The present study has shown that the generalised theory on student throughput systems provides for a more fundamental understanding of real throughput systems with the simplified theory a special case of the generalised theory

Summary

Introduction

A recent research paper[1] (hereafter referred to as the main paper) described how throughput variables combined with throughput properties determine the behaviour of stationary student throughput systems. Throughput variables refer to headcounts (H) and successful credits (S), and throughput properties relate to the percentages of student intakes graduating (G) or dropping out (D) from the degree annually. These percentages determine on average the number of years for students to graduate (J) or to drop out of a degree (K). A more generalised student throughput theory is required to gain a more fundamental understanding of throughput systems encountered in real life The development of such a generalised theory is reported on here and it is demonstrated that the simplified theory is a special case of a more generalised theory. The focus will again be on 4-year degrees but the theory as presented can be extended to apply to 2- and 3-year degrees

Generalised cohort survival model calculations

Student throughput variables and properties

Relationship between H and S in the generalised throughput system

Findings

Conclusions