Business Decision Analytics Report: Improving Student Attendance

This report examines business decision analytics in the context of Torrens University, focusing on the issue of low student attendance despite high enrollment rates. It explores various data sources such as attendance records, exam scores, and event participation, and demonstrates how data analytics tools like regression analysis and decision trees can be used to identify the root causes of the problem. The report outlines a decision-making process, including identifying alternatives, weighing evidence, choosing among alternatives, taking action, and reviewing decisions. It also defines and compares different decision-making tools and technologies such as Decision Support Systems (DSS), Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS), and Management Information Systems (MIS). The findings emphasize the importance of using analytics to make informed business decisions and improve outcomes, concluding that by using analytics, the root cause of a problem can be identified and resolved, ultimately solving business issues.

Business Decision Analytics

Executive summary
In the present research study problem that University faced is explained briefly and in order to
solve issue some of statistical tools are identified. Varied data sources like students scores and
participation data are explained. Decision making process is explained and way in which entire
analytics project can be carried out is discussed briefly. At end entire findings are given in the report
in which it is identified that firms must use analytics in their business. This is because by using it
root cause of problem can be identified and same can be solved which will ultimately solve business
problem.

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
1. Sources of data and use of data analytics tools.......................................................................3
2. Visualization of decision making process and analytics for decision making process...........4
3. Defining different decision-making tools and technologies. .................................................5
4. Findings...................................................................................................................................7
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Business decision analytics basically refers to concepts, skills, techniques as well as business
practices which has been used by company for making continuous exploration, observation and
investigation about past business performance. With the help of such analysis, one can gain deep
insight about business operations and can formulates effective as well as relevant business plans for
supporting future business goals and objectives. The present report is about Torrens University
which is facing an issue in relation with students getting enrolled in the courses but not attending
classes on regular basis. It will define about different sources of data along with use of data
analytics for identifying patterns supporting in process of decision-making. Furthermore, report will
emphasises on 3 decision making tools which can be used by the University in resolving its issues.
At last, focus will be on making conclusion of best decision making tool.
MAIN BODY
1. Sources of data and use of data analytics tools.
Analytics is the one of fastest growing industry because it is assisting firms in making prudent
business decisions. In current time, major challenge for University is to increase attendance rate so
that students can learn more in classes. In University there are multiple sources of data that can be
used to make business decisions. Attendance data: In colleges there are computers where attendance related data is saved. By
analysing student’s attendance data University Management comes to know extent to which
students are finding study interesting in the classes. Low attendance rate may prevail
because of poor teaching style of teachers (Laursen and Thorlund, 2016). Apart from this,
less use of innovative technology may be another reason behind low presence of students in
the class. Use of data analytics tools helps in identifying root cause behind such kind
situation which ultimately lead to solving of business problem. Score in exams: In the University there is an MIS system where students score in internal
and final examination across years are saved. It is another data source that can be used to
address business problem in efficient and effective manner. By analysing marks students can
be identified on whom attention need to be paid. Moreover, suggestions can be obtained
from them about changes that need to be made in teaching practices. Participation in events: In colleges multiple curricular activities happened time to time and
number of students participate in them. It is another data source from where University
came to know about its students (Vidgen, Shaw and Grant, 2017). By analysing facts
University can identify whether participation in events increase student’s participation in

education. Preparation of research papers: In many Universities students are given an opportunity
where they can involve in research activities. It is one of the important data source from
University can identify extent to which its students are talented and are able to carry out
research work.
Data analytics tools Regression analysis: It is the tool which reflect change that comes in the dependent variable
due to change in independent variable. Degree of change due to one variable on another is
also reflected by the relevant tool. Multiple trends or facts can be identified by applying
regression analysis on University data. Like by using this tool it can be identified that which
specific factors contribute largely to attendance rate and with change in these factors less,
moderate or higher degree of change comes in student attendance rate (Duan. and Xiong,
2015). By working on factors that bring higher change in attendance rate students presence
can be increased in class.
 Decision tree: It is another important data analytics approach where management can
identify way in which student arrive at specific decision by considering multiple factors. For
example, student decide that it will recommend University to others to get enrolled for
specific course then in that case there may be multiple factors like campus environment and
library etc. Decision tree will indicate extent to which student think positive or negative
about these factors and impact of same on its decision to recommend University for study.
2. Visualization of decision making process and analytics for decision making process.
Decision making is one of the crucial task for the managers and is performed on daily basis
which ultimately benefits an organization. Decision making process that can be followed by
University and application of analytics during this process is explained below. Identify alternatives: In this stage managers team determine business problem. Currently,
University is facing a problem under which it is identified that student’s presence in the
class is low (Shmueli and et.al., 2017). Managers intend to identify factors responsible for
such kind of scenario. In group discussion managers share their view point and accordingly
factors where attention need to be paid are identified. Weigh the evidence: In this step further discussion is carried out on above determined
factors. In this stage it is find out whether there are any other factors that lead to low
attentiveness in the class. Further, direct and indirect relation of these factors with low
attentiveness rate is identified which will help analytics team to prepare model for data

analysis. Choose among alternatives: In this stage brainstorming is done on analytics technique
which must be used to address the business problem. There are multiple options available
but managers need to identify relationship between variables and their types so that best
approach of analytics can be identified to analyse data (Seddon and et.al,., 2017). Take action: In this stage data sources will be identified and data cleansing will be done so
that outliers can be removed from the raw data. Further, inspection of data will be done and
it will be ensured that all assumptions of the specific chosen technique are fulfilled and now
tool can be applied to generate results. Finally, in this stage technique like regression
analysis will be applied on data set and report will be prepared on obtained results.
 Review your decision: In the final stage results obtained and discussion carried out in the
report is reviewed. On basis of review final decision is taken about the factor due to which
problem comes in existence. After doing so managers prepare strategy by using which
problem can be solved to maximum possible extent (Cao, Duan and Li, 2015). For example,
in results obtained it is identified that use of old techniques for teaching students is
responsible for low attendance in the class then in that case strategy can be prepared under
which by giving more practical experience students attendance can be increased. After few
months again, data analysis can be carried and by using analytics approach it can be
identified whether prepared strategy worked effectively at ground level.
3. Defining different decision-making tools and technologies.
For every business organisation, decision-making process is considered as one of the most
important business process which is accompanied with formulation of strong and effective plans
and strategies. There are number of different types of tools with the help of which an Individual or
business group can make good decisions (Sim and et.al., 2017). Also it assists in gaining in deep
knowledge and concepts about different market forces as prevailing and affecting working of
company. Following are the types of decision-making tools with the help of which, Torrens
University can improves its operations:
1. Decision Support System
It is one of computer application program which helps in making proper analysis of
necessary business data so that end users can make use of it in their decision-making process. It is
considered as one of the most important business information system which assists crucial decision
making activities of many business organisation. With the help of DSS, it helps in taking into
consideration all the complex issues related to targeting as well as segmenting of customer,
evaluation made in respect of market site, Business to business market planning, strategies related

to distribution of products etc. The software of such support system encompasses of several
different components including management of data & information, management of business model
and its interface related work, knowledge based administration. It is very much important for user to
have a transparent interface support model for smooth business processing. In case of Torrens
University, this system is required to be designed for automating process of decision making via:
 Identifying problem as faced by the University i.e. enrolment done by large number of
students in the course but classes are attended by very few number of students (Noorollahi,
Yousefi and Mohammadi, 2016). Decision is made in relation with this problem thereby
gathering all the relevant information as required.
 Consideration of alternative action plan in line with the decision-making process while
designing solution of problem identified.
 Making an appropriate selection of different alternatives as available with the University so
as to reach strong decision.
2. Group Decision Support System
It is an interactive computer based system which are designed with the aim of assisting in
mechanism of problem solving as faced by different groups, teams or business party thereby
supporting process of decision making as well. Torrens University by using this tool can identify
core reason behind students non attending classes on regular basis. This systems are designed for
fulfilling all the requirements of particular group or team and problem being faced by it by making
use of separate system (Jelokhani - Niaraki and Malczewski, 2015). In such support system,
multiple viewpoints is provided for problem identified which acts as one of the benefits for such
business workplace. This system play a vital role in supporting professionals by making them
understand in the context of what information needed, time and manner in which it is required so
that smart decision can be made for mitigating business problem identified.
3. Management Information System
A computer based system which provides different tools and techniques to the manager of
the company so as to organise, assess, evaluate as well as managed different departments of the
business organisation in an effective and efficient manner. Its main aim is to emphasize on
information and technology system of the company (Laudon and Laudon, 2016). Also, it helps in
analysing any issue or problem being faced by Torrens University thereby designing of relevant and
suitable computer application for solving such problem as identified. Such system acts as
background for most of the business operations taking place within the organisation as it is having
all the details about the working as well as operational activities taking place in the University. It

helps Torrens in gathering all the relevant data and information from different number of online
systems thus making proper analysis of it for aiding in the decision-making of the management of
the company.
4. Findings
Business analytics has become one of the most important aspect with the help of which
every business organisation nowadays are making use for assessing its business performance as
essential in decision making process. Torrens University is facing problem in relation with low
attendance rate of students though getting enrolled in the admission list of the college university
(Nascimento and et.al., 2018). Number of data sources are being used by Torren University for
saving its data and using it in making crucial business decisions such as Attendance sheets, exam
score card, involvement in preparation of research papers etc. Thus, by making of Group decision
support system assessment can be made about best alternatives for making decision in regards of
low attendance rate.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that for making effective decision about a
particular as well as crucial business subject matter, it is required to first have in depth information
about it. All the three support systems named as DSS, GDSS and MIS assists in properly managing
of information about the company so that conclusive decision can be made out of it. Making use of
attendance records, participatory details of students can help Torrens University in determining its
core reason behind low attendance rate of students.

REFERENCES
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