Models for ranking students: Selecting applicants for a master of science studies

Abstract

In this paper, we present a problem of candidates ranking for Master of Science studies at Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Belgrade (FOS). Current ranking model is based on weighted sum of two factors: average grade gained at undergraduate studies and number of points scored at the entrance exam for master studies. This universal model, although widespread and frequently used, is not entirely appropriate for a number of different Master of Science programs at FOS. Major problems of current model are that the model does not emphasize essential knowledge in accordance to wanted program and that the weighted sum is unable to model connection between variables. This paper presents a series of models, each more complex than the previous one, which are aggregating more relevant factor for ranking. Logical Aggregation (LA) is used as a method for the aggregation of certain variables in the last few models. LA is based on Interpolative Boolean algebra (IBA), a consistent multi-valued realization of Boolean algebra. This paper may be particularly interesting to all of those dealing with any form of students ranking, especially to university departments involved in enrolling students and selection for scholarships. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.