Key words: university selection problem, multiple-criteria decision making, engineering discipline, Analytic Network Process (ANP), Nominal Group Technique (NGT), Affinity Diagram Technique (ADT), Interactions, Dependencies, Feedback, Cluster/Elements Membership and Relationship

Abstract

Choosing the right universities for first degree study is one of the most complex real-life problems for prospective students and their guardians. In addition, the outcome of the decision will affect not only the decision-makers but also their family, society and ultimately all sectors of the country. As such, selecting the universities is a critical decision that is just as important as business decision making. Therefore, prospective students need to have a framework to assist them in achieving their life-time goals. However, there are several tangible and intangible factors influencing the university selection problem. At the same time, the prospective students may need to achieve various objectives relying not only on academic reputation but also on other criteria such as the admission system and outcomes. Financial requirements, faculty and academic resources, curriculum, social experiences and so forth are major criteria to take into consideration in deciding, which are the most suitable universities to apply for in the specific education program for the potential applicants. This paper proposes a framework in the selection of universities for prospective students using the Analytic Network Process (ANP) as the tool to examine these issues. The proposed model is applied to the engineering discipline in Thailand.

INTRODUCTION

Higher education is currently one of the service sectors that are growing rapidly, leading to intensive competition and a large number of suppliers. As a result, consumers can get the benefits such as more alternatives, reduced prices, high quality, and better service etc. However, university-selection decision is also the most complex real life problem. The effects of making decision will be felt by various stakeholders such as the decision-makers, their family, society, and the country. In addition, selecting the appropriate university is also very important for the student's and his/her country's future. Therefore, decision making in selecting the universities is critical, not less important than business decision making.