Admission Process Research Articles

Lean Office Approach for Continuous Improvement Identification in the Admission Process of University Students

Lean Office Approach for Continuous Improvement Identification in the Admission Process of University Students

<span>System for university and college admission projects: Design and Implementation based on Linear Programming</span>

The rapid development of information technology and network infrastructure has brought about numerous opportunities and breakthrough applications in management and operations across all sectors of modern life, with education holding a significant position. Currently, the Ministry of Education and Training has implemented transactional portals to support universities and colleges in constructing admission plans. However, these transactional portals only provide basic support such as uploading data on lecturers, floor area, student scale, and some forms and reports. Despite some improvements, these systems are still incomplete and not consistently updated with admission plan data over the years. Additionally, there is no automated mechanism to propose an optimal solution for balancing the faculty size, student scale, and floor area to estimate admission targets for specific fields and disciplines. Therefore, we propose a new solution: building a web-based system integrated with linear programming algorithms. The goal is to optimize the admission process, balance the faculty, minimize errors, and enhance efficiency, thereby fixing the limitations of the current Ministry's system.

Integrating Structural Causal Model Ontologies with LIME for Fair Machine Learning Explanations in Educational Admissions

This study employed knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) to extract and discover knowledge from the Benue State Polytechnic (Benpoly) admission database and used a structural causal model (SCM) ontological framework to represent the admission process in the Nigerian polytechnic education system. The SCM ontology identified important causal relations in features needed to model the admission process and was validated using the conditional independence test (CIT) criteria. The SCM ontology was further employed to identify and constrain input features causing bias in the local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME) framework applied to machine learning (ML) black-box predictions. The ablation process produced more stable LIME explanations devoid of fairness bias compared to LIME without ablation, with higher prediction accuracy (91% vs. 89%) and F1 scores (95% vs. 94%). The study also compared the performance of different ML models, including Gaussian Naïve Bayes, Decision Trees, and Logistic Regression, before and after ablation. The limitation is that the SCM ontology is qualitative and context-specific, so the fair-LIME framework can only be extrapolated to similar contexts. Future work could compare other explanation frameworks like Shapley on the same dataset. Overall, this study demonstrates a novel approach to enforcing fairness in ML explanations by integrating qualitative SCM ontologies with quantitative ML/LIME methods.

Decision Support System in Employee Admissions Using Simple Additive Weighting Algorithm at Cv.Sumber Solusi Bersama

This research aims to design and implement a decision support system (SPK) in the employee admission process at CV. Sumber Solusi Bersana using the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) algorithm. CV. Sumber Solusi Bersama faces the challenge of selecting the best candidates from several qualified applicants based on various criteria, such as education, work experience, skills, and interviews. The SAW method was chosen because of its ability to provide an objective and measurable assessment based on the weight given to each criterion. This study uses a quantitative approach by collecting qualitative data from the recruitment process in CV. Furthermore, calculations are carried out using the SAW algorithm to determine the total score of each applicant.

Integrating Implicit Bias Training for Undergraduate Holistic Admission Reviewers.

The need to create a diverse nursing work-force has increased the use of a holistic admission process across the country. Holistic admission processes alone are insufficient to addressing bias that may have unintentional impact on the review process. Intentionality with implicit bias training is necessary to create a more equitable admission process. Integration of implicit bias training was multipronged and included overview information and individual activities, including the practice of reviewing applicants. Data from the practice reviews were aggregated and used for small group discussion. Since integration of implicit bias training, overall admission rates for underrepresented racial and ethnic applicants increased from 14.5% in 2019 to 29.1% in 2022. While other factors cannot be ruled out in contributing to the increased diversity, the integration of implicit bias education and bias-mitigating strategies throughout the required training for holistic admission reviewers is beneficial to increasing diversity in nursing admissions. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(X):XXX-XXX.].

ENHANCING LIFELONG LEARNING: A DATA-DRIVEN DASHBOARD APPROACH FOR STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING AT UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA PAHANG AL-SULTAN ABDULLAH

The purpose of this study was to develop a dashboard with information visualisation for the lifelong learning (LLL) programs at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) and provide recommendations for UMPSA to improve the strategies and decision-making for future LLL program offerings. This study used the Cross Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM) model created by the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) and dashboard development using Microsoft Power BI. The updated database was created by obtaining data from the Institute of Graduate Studies (IPS), UMPSA. Such data was then prepared through the process of selecting, cleaning, constructing, integrating, and formatting data. The dashboard was developed using a database for data visualisation and information in the form of reports. Such information can ensure a better decision-making process and the UMPSA management’s readiness in planning the admission process for future students. However, the data management and data quality at UMPSA must be improved. Future research can expand the present investigation by including data from all categories of LLL students at UMPSA to facilitate a more comprehensive analysis. It will also enable the university management to make accurate decisions about program offerings in the future.

Characteristics and motivational factors of candidates applying to the Master in Health Professions Education (MHPE) program

ObjectiveTo determine characteristics and motivational factors of applicants applying for MHPE program at a Public-sector University, Karachi. MethodsThis cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted from September till October 2022, included all 60 applicants of MHPE program at Jinnah Sindh Medical University. The survey questionnaire was administered (google form) and comprised questions seeking demographic information, few questions with options to select and 34 statements to be responded on 5-point scale. One open-ended question asking motivational factor/s. Data was analyzed using SPSS and independent sample t-test was used to determine the differences between groups of applicants based on demographic factors. Results48 participants responded, mean age was 35.8 ± 7.3 years, with predominantly males (81.3%), graduates of medical and dental programs (n = 29), and employed in medical education departments (n = 36). Most of the applicants wanted to join the program to improve their teaching skills, especially psychomotor skills teaching (96%) and educational research [90%]. Majority (64.6%) learned about the program through peers, whereas 29.9% independently chose to pursue the program. Their primary motivation stemmed from their inability to secure admission elsewhere and the belief that minimal effort was needed to acquire the degree (mean score 4.58 ± 0.87 and 4.42 ± 0.94), respectively. For medical and dental graduates, comparable responses emerged, displaying a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05). However, there was mutual disagreement regarding the program's structure and faculty as motivating factors. ConclusionPrimary motivations to earn an MHPE degree were to improve teaching skills. Motivations to apply to this particular program was the failure to be accepted elsewhere and the perception that minimal efforts were needed to complete this program. The program goals and purpose need to be better propagated along with changes in the admission processes in order to encourage those individuals to apply who are motivated to pursue medical education as a career.

Perspectives of Mental Health Nurses About Sexual Safety in Acute Inpatient Mental Health Units.

The overall aim of this study is to explore the views of mental health nurses (MHNs) about the sexual safety of consumers receiving care in acute inpatient units. In Australia, people accessing mental health inpatient units have reported feeling unsafe while receiving care including experiences of sexual harassment and abuse from other patients. There has been no study to date that has explored the views of the MHNs providing care. An explorative descriptive qualitative study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews involving n = 8 MHNs working on a metropolitan acute inpatient unit recruited using purposive convenience sampling. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study highlighted the themes of 'It's everyone's job to keep the patient safe', 'Going over expectations', 'Impact on patients' and 'Built environment'. Participants in this study believed that the sexual safety of patients in the inpatient unit is everyone's responsibility and that it was important during the admission process to ensure patients are aware of how to both seek help if needed and ensure that their actions or behaviours do not pose sexual safety concerns in others. Ensuring sexual safety in the mental health inpatient units is a complex issue that requires evidence-based multipronged interventions involving all key stakeholders within the units.

Student selection in higher education – the organisational performance dilemma

ABSTRACT Research on student selection mostly focuses on accepted applicants and the effects of selection procedures. In this sense, most samples seem to be biased, which is well-reflected in the literature. The present study investigates student selection regarding students who had been initially de-selected but finally succeeded in the admission process. Our results show that students from the de-selected group reveal lower performance, i.e. higher dropout, and thus lead to decreases in relative organisational performance. We argue that higher education institutions may be confronted with a performance dilemma if external stakeholders prefer institutional growth, and internal actors prefer maintenance of educational standards. In this situation, reduced graduation rates have the potential to undermine the output legitimacy of higher education institutions. Therefore, we recommend focusing more on the balance between academic standards, stakeholders’ demands, and processes of student selection. From a theoretical point of view, we suggest broadening the perspective and combining selection theory with organisation theory.

Reducing Waiting Times and Admission Periods through Pre-Admission Testing: A Quality Improvement Study on In-Hospital Renal Biopsy.

Background: Admission for renal biopsy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing kidney disease. However, prolonged waiting times for admission can lead to delayed diagnosis. Despite this issue, there are currently no studies demonstrating how to improve the efficiency of renal biopsy procedures. Methods: We initiated a quality improvement project to implement pre-admission testing (PAT) for renal biopsy from 2016 to 2024 (until 15 April). Our evaluation focused on waiting times for admission, length of admission periods, hospitalization expenses, percentage of cases with no renal biopsy performed, incidence of severe bleeding due to renal biopsy, and percentage of cases with adequate tissue samples obtained. Additionally, we highlighted the time periods during the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2. Results: The highest annual case number was observed in time period 1 (168.3/year). Following the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, there was a notable decrease in case numbers during time period 2 (119.8), which then increased to 143.0 in time period 3 (post-SARS-CoV-2 era). The mean waiting time was 13.72 ± 40.30 days for time period 1 and 10.00 ± 47.80 days for time period 2, without statistical significance. Following the implementation of PAT, patients now only need to wait approximately 0.76 days for admission, representing a significant reduction in waiting time. Subsequently, following the implementation of PAT, the waiting time decreased significantly to 2.09 ± 2.65 days. Additionally, hospitalization expenses per patient significantly decreased from approximately USD 69.62 ± 97.09 to USD 41.66 ± 52.82. The percentage of missed biopsy is significantly low (p < 0.001). Severe bleeding events (indicated as embolization and blood transfusion) were consistent across the three time periods (p = 0.617). Conclusions: The implementation of PAT can improve the pre-admission process for renal biopsy, resulting in decreased waiting times, fewer missed appointments, shorter admission durations, and reduced hospitalization expenses. We propose implementing PAT for outpatient individuals awaiting in-hospital renal biopsy procedures to mitigate delayed diagnosis, reduce pre-admission waiting periods, and streamline admission processes, thereby enhancing overall patient care efficiency.

A Comparison of Admissions Data Between Virtual and In-person Dental School Interviews

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic forced many dental schools to conduct some or all of their interviews virtually. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether an association existed between interview setting and applicant characteristics, specifically focusing on the difference in the interview score between applicants who chose virtual interviews and those who chose in-person interviews.Methods: Demographic and admission data were obtained from the 101 interviewed candidates from the XXXX 2021-2022 application cycle. Distribution of demographics and interview preference were assessed. Simple and multiple generalized linear models (GLM) were run to examine the difference in the applicants’ interview score between in-person and virtual interviews.Results: Of the 29 in-person interviews, 16 (55.17%) were offered acceptances, while 31 (43.06%) of the 72 virtual interviews were accepted, a difference that was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.380). Preference for the interview format was not associated with any of the applicants’ factors including gender, current residence (the four bureau-designated regions), overall grade point average (GPA), science GPA, Dental Admissions Test (DAT) Academic Average score, and perceptual ability test (PAT) score. In addition, there was no statistical difference in the interview score between the two interview formats.Conclusions: The effect of virtual interviewing on interview scores and applicants’ admission rate was found to be statistically insignificant. If further study with larger sample sizes confirms this finding, virtual interviewing could be considered as a viable alternative to in-person interviewing in the dental school admissions process.

Challenges and instruments for admission into tertiary education system in Bhutan

Bhutan's tertiary education system has grown significantly in a short period of time. Despite unprecedented growth and development, tertiary education in Bhutan continues to face challenges such as an inefficient transition from secondary to tertiary education due to a lack of multi-career pathways to absorb the growing population of high school graduates; quality of education and alignment of student knowledge, skills, and competencies with the world of work; and access to tertiary education through multiple admission processes. This study presents comprehensive reviews on the subject matter including the best practices of the tertiary education system in the Netherland and Singapore.

Evaluation of Reliability Between Race and Ethnicity Data Obtained from Self-report Versus Electronic Health Record.

Disparities based on perceived race and ethnicity exist in all fields of medicine. Accurate data collection is crucial to addressing these disparities, yet few studies have evaluated the validity of data gathered. This study compares self-reported race and ethnicity data, considered the gold standard, with data documented in the electronic health record (EHR), to assess the validity of that data. Data from self-reported questionnaires was collected from adolescents admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit from February 2019 to July 2022. Demographic questionnaires were self-administered as part of a larger battery completed during the admission process. Data was compared to demographic information collected from the hospital's EHR for the same patients and time. In a sample of 1191 patients (ages 11-18, 61.9% female, 89% response rate), substantial agreement was observed for Hispanic ethnicity (κ = 0.64), while agreement for specific racial groups ranged from slight to substantial (κ = 0.10-0.63). In addition, it was noted that there was discrepancy between multiracial identification, with 17.1% of patients identifying as more than one race in self-reported data compared to 3.1% in EHR data. The findings from this data set highlight the need for caution when using EHR data to draw conclusions about health disparities. It also suggests that the method of data collection meaningfully influences the responses patients provide. Addressing these challenges is essential for advancing equitable healthcare and mitigating disparities among patients.

Use of bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) in community practices: Key attributes to develop logistics and workflow for management of cytokine release syndrome (CRS).

e13575 Background: Establishing workflows to monitor and manage CRS in community practice settings presents unique challenges that may not be encountered in more specialized centers. Real world experience was gathered from OneOncology specialists to understand key steps, common challenges, and best practices to establish CRS workflows in community practices. Methods: Qualitative data were gathered via a 90-minute focus group and follow-up interviews. Participants were MD or PharmD community heme-oncology providers in physician-owned practices with 10-20 physicians. As of January 2024, participants had treated over 30 patients with commercially available BsAbs. Theme matrix techniques facilitated data analysis and presentation. Results: Catalysts for developing CRS workflows were the addition of BsAbs to the practice formulary, identification of practice leaders willing to drive protocol development, and education of clinic and hospital staff who would manage patients treated with BsAbs. Key steps in the workflow included defining lines of communication within the practice during and after office hours, designating leads to oversee staff training, and creating practice-specific management plans. A process for potential inpatient admission for moderate/severe CRS was developed in collaboration with hospital administrators and nursing leaders. Lines of communication between the treating practice, pharmacy, and hospital care staff before, during, and after treatment were established, and methods to ensure availability of necessary medications were identified. Finally, patient support and the logistics of patient/caregiver education on BsAb therapy, symptoms of CRS, and how and when to access care was highlighted. Conclusions: Use of BsAbs in the community requires thoughtful coordination between oncology practices and hospitals. Keys to success include defining flexible, practice-specific workflows for managing CRS, transitioning patients efficiently from clinic to inpatient setting, and careful training of staff, patients, and caregivers. [Table: see text]

Impact of boarding time on in-hospital mortality in patients with cancer presenting to the emergency department.

11036 Background: Longer emergency department (ED) boarding times for admitted patients is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.1 While research over the years has shown an association between boarding time to mortality in a variety of patient demographics, no specific research has been explored in a cancer population. Patients with cancer visit the emergency department frequently and have a high rate of admission compared to other patients.2 This study evaluates boarding times and mortality rates in patients presenting to an oncologic ED. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 183,524 ED visits located at a comprehensive cancer center between March 2016 and December 2022. Eligibility criteria included patients 19 years and older admitted to the hospital excluding direct intensive care unit admission. Boarding time was defined from the time the physician made an order to admit to the hospital to the time of ED departure. Demographics and clinical characteristics were examined using descriptive statistics. Categorical data was analyzed using chi-square test and continuous variables employed the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test. Boarding time was grouped into quartiles. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses examined clinical factors, including boarding time and in-hospital mortality. Results: The eligible number of visits supporting the study equaled 83,629. Overall median boarding time was 2.7 hours (interquartile range: 1.5–5.1 hours) and in-hospital mortality was 5.5% (n=4607). Longer boarding time was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. Patients with boarding time ≥5.1 hours had 1.19 (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.09-1.30; P&lt;0.001) odds of in-hospital mortality when compared to the reference group (boarding time &lt;1.5 hours) when controlling for other risk factors including comorbidities and emergency severity index (ESI) between 1 through 5. Similar results were observed for patients with boarding times of ≥1.5- &lt;2.7 hours and ≥2.7- &lt;5.1 hours with odds ratio of 1.12 (95%CI: 1.02-1.22; P=0.013) and 1.11 (95%CI: 1.02-1.21; P=0.020), respectively. Higher Charlson comorbidity index and levels 1 and 2 ESI were also associated with poor survival outcome (P&lt;0.001 for both). Conclusions: This study found an association between boarding time and in-hospital mortality in cancer patients presenting to the ED. Patients with longer boarding times were likely to experience mortality during their hospital admission. High comorbidity score and high-risk ESI were also identified as risk factors for poor survival outcome. These results emphasize the need for improved strategies to expedite the admission process and optimize care for cancer patients in the ED to reduce mortality rates. Further research and interventions targeting reduction in boarding times are warranted to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Design and Application of an IVD Reagent Management Information Systems Based on Unique Code

The management of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) reagents in hospitals often faces issues such as the lack of a unified coding system, unclear consumption patterns, and unknown cost-to-income ratios. It is necessary to employ information systems to achieve comprehensive, detailed, and traceable management of IVD reagents. An information management system for IVD reagents based on unique coding is introduced, which integrates admission, acceptance, and consumption processes through unique codes. The system calculates the income per experimental item based on the consumption of IVD reagents and the charge for each experimental item. The system enhances the efficiency of the IVD reagent supply chain management and promotes detailed oversight of IVD reagent usage.

Foreign Workers and Human Rights Violations: Malaysia’s Response to COVID-19 and The Way Forward

Foreign workforce has significantly contributed to Malaysia’s economy, and this country has been relying on them for decades. Unfortunately, Malaysia was already entangled with the country’s treatment of foreign workers even before the onset of COVID-19. As a government suppression attempt to flatten the COVID-19 pandemic curve, Malaysian efforts to deal with the situation seem to be at the lowest point. Despite the government’s commitment not to detain them throughout the screening process, foreign workers have been held in immigration depots regardless of their legal status. In addition, the overcrowded immigration depot makes it hard to exercise physical distance, hampers the quarantine process, and unequal health care facilities in detention centres. This situation captured worldwide attention since it violated human rights legislation. The protection of workers’ rights is also in tandem with the United Declaration of Human Rights and Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDG) 8.8, encouraging and ensuring everyone’s right to a safe and healthy workplace is protected. This paper employed thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti 9 software to evaluate the government’s suppression efforts and human rights violations during COVID-19. The findings propose numerous suggestions, including an emergency review of the admission process for foreign workers to Malaysia. The inconsistency in the government policy had hampered the country’s mission of becoming a developed nation. It thus hindered the advancement of innovation and technology, as in the Twelfth Malaysian Plan and Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

Assessing the Digital Level in Educational Institutions: Formal Model and Software Prototype

The increasingly widespread use of software solutions to digitize training and administrative processes in educational institutions of all levels increases the interest in offering models and software tools for measuring the level of digitalization of educational institutions. The article presents a formal model for evaluating the digital level of educational institutions and a developed prototype of a software tool. The DIGEdu tool enables external evaluators to assess the digital level of educational institutions, automatically calculates their digital levels and generates evaluation and comparative reports. Using the tool, evaluators assessed the digital level of 50 education institutions in Bulgaria. The results from the conducted experiment prove the applicability of the DIGEdu tool for evaluating the digital level of schools. It calculated the digital level of all assessed institutions. Findings showed that most institutions have high digital levels and highlighted a need for measures at the national level to encourage the digitalisation of student admission and administrative processes.

Analysis of Autism Incidence in High IQ Societies

This study investigates the prevalence of autistic traits among individuals with high IQ, specifically in populations whose admission to high-IQ societies requires a score in the 98ᵗʰ percentile or above. The investigation incorporates a meticulous bibliographic review, complemented by interviews with representatives from high-IQ societies such as Intertel, Infinity International Society (IIS), ePiq, and ISI Society. These societies report the absence of an explicit criterion for autism diagnosis during the admission process, which is based solely on supervised psychometric IQ tests. Nonetheless, these organizations acknowledge a notable incidence of IQ reports coinciding with preexisting autism diagnoses but do not believe they constitute the majority or even half of the individuals. A survey conducted with members of the “Gifted” group, represented by high-IQ individuals from various nationalities with a predominance of Europeans and Brazilians, revealed that while the majority of participants had taken IQ tests, those diagnosed with autism did not constitute the majority. This phenomenon suggests a significant barrier in the comprehensive assessment of autism in contexts where the primary focus is intelligence measurement. This study implies the need for a deeper integration of neuropsychological diagnoses into the admission processes of these societies for a more precise mapping of the intersections between high IQ and autistic traits.

Streamlining College Inquiries: Developing an Intelligent Chatbot for Accessing Course, Fee, and Admission Details

In the past, students faced the arduous task of physically visiting colleges to inquire about courses, fee structures, admission processes, and other relevant information. Recognizing the inefficiency of this traditional approach, we propose the development of a College Enquiry Chatbot—a Python-based web application designed to provide comprehensive information to users about college-related queries. Leveraging machine learning techniques, this chatbot aims to streamline the inquiry process, offering prompt and accurate responses to user inquiries. Keywords: Chatbot, Python, Chatter Bot, Django.