A Dean’s Dilemma: Selection of Student for the MBA Program

A Dean’s Dilemma: Selection of Student for the MBA Program
Student’s Name
Professor’s Name
Institution
Location
Date
Summary of Key Issues
Ability to Attract New Students
The Business School is facing several key issues concerning its success and sustainability. The first issue is its ability to attract good students for the MBA program. It is revealed in the case that Jain University’s business had attracted more applicants in 2014 than in previous years (Kaufman, n.d., p. 1). However, having more applicants is not equivalent to having good students. The dean and his Admissions Committee still had to ensure that the right students got accepted into the program. In the previous year, the number of students looking for fresh admissions into business schools had declined (Kaufman, n.d., p. 3). This has an impact on the survival of business schools, including Jain University.
Thorough Screening of Applicants
The second issue is the ability to screen applicants thoroughly. The idea was to ensure that the dean and his admission committee did not reject a suitable candidate or accept an unsuitable candidate (p. 4). Many variables needed to be considered to ensure that the right mix of variables is considered during the selection process. Poor screening of applicants could mean that the university ended up with students who could not be placed in a well-paying job through the university’s recruitment programs. Ultimately, this would affect the school’s attractiveness and sustainability.
Campus Placement
The third issue is concerned with receiving more offers of campus placement. The universities that can secure employment opportunities for MBA graduates are considered more attractive to students. According to the case, there was a downward trend in campus recruitment. The inability of business schools to place their graduates in well-paying jobs contributed to the schools’ inability to attract good students, leading to the closure of a significant number of schools (p. 3). In the past, Jain University business school had achieved a placement rate of about 80%, but this means that about 20% of graduates from its MBA program still failed to get a campus placement. The inability to successfully place a student through campus recruitment programs was attributed to the inability to select the right students for the program.
Business Analytics Techniques
In business, the use of business analytics techniques is common. Businesses use various analytic techniques to analyze available data and use the findings to make more informed decisions (Ajah & Nweke, 2019, p. 7). The dean of the business school at Jain University can use two key business analytics techniques to solve the issues identified above: predictive analytics and diagnostic analytics.
Predictive Analytics
Predictive analytics involves making estimates of future outcomes based on what has happened in the past (Delen & Ram, 2018, p. 9). For example, the dean can use predictive analytics to determine whether the batch of students selected into the program will all receive placement opportunities through the university’s recruitment program. To do so, the dean will need to rely on past data o...