Prateek Basavaraj, Mahlagha Sedghi, Ivan Garibay, Ozlem Ozmen Garibay and Arup Ratan Guha
Some degree programs in colleges and universities utilize entrance exams to ensure that students pursuing a given degree have mastered foundational concepts needed for that…
Abstract
Purpose
Some degree programs in colleges and universities utilize entrance exams to ensure that students pursuing a given degree have mastered foundational concepts needed for that program. However, often these exams become a barrier to student success. The purpose of this study is to discuss the impact of policies governing an undergraduate Computer Science (CS) entry/qualifying exam at a large public university in the United States on overall student success in the program. This case study focuses on whether reforming program policies impacts students' time-to-degree, graduation and mastery in CS core skills.
Design/methodology/approach
This case study describes how the CS student success was improved by updating program policies based on institutional data and the input of course instructors. The policy changes include introducing a maximum limit to attempt the exam, changing the exam requirements as well as the structure of the exam itself.
Findings
The pass rates of students taking this qualifying exam were significantly and consistently low over the years. Students who were potentially a better fit for programs other than CS delayed their start in those other programs by taking and failing to pass the CS qualifying exam multiple times. As a result of implementing new CS program policies, many more students attempted the exam at an appropriate time. Also, they graduated on time in the years 2016–2018.
Originality/value
This paper presents a case study in which the graduation rates and time to degree of a CS program with a qualifying exam were improved after a policy intervention. The results demonstrate that simple policy changes can improve student success. Findings from this study may guide other programs with similar characteristics to improve their student success.
Details
Keywords
Prateek Basavaraj, Ivan Garibay and Ozlem Ozmen Garibay
Postsecondary institutions use metrics such as student retention and college completion rates to measure student success. Multiple factors affect the success of first time in…
Abstract
Purpose
Postsecondary institutions use metrics such as student retention and college completion rates to measure student success. Multiple factors affect the success of first time in college (FTIC) and transfer students. Transfer student success rates are significantly low, with most transfer students nationwide failing to complete their degrees in four-year institutions. The purpose of this study is to better understand the degree progression patterns of both student types in two undergraduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs: computer science (CS) and information technology (IT). Recommendations concerning academic advising are discussed to improve transfer student success.
Design/methodology/approach
This study describes how transfer student success can be improved by thoroughly analyzing their degree progression patterns. This study uses institutional data from a public university in the United States. Specifically, this study utilizes the data of FTIC and transfer students enrolled in CS and IT programs at the targeted university to understand their degree progression patterns and analyzes the program curricula using network science curricular analytics method to determine what courses in the curriculum require more assistance to retain students.
Findings
The major findings of this study are: (1) students’ degree mobility patterns within an institution differ significantly between transfer and FTIC students; (2) some similarities exist between the CS and IT programs in terms of transfer students' degree mobility patterns; (3) transfer students' performance in basic and intermediate level core courses contribute to differences in transfer students' mobility patterns.
Originality/value
This study introduces the concept of “mobility patterns” and examines student degree mobility patterns of both FTIC and transfer students in a large public university to improve the advising process for transfer students regarding courses and identifying secondary majors.
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Kumar Mukul and Gordhan K. Saini
The purpose of this paper is to explore the talent acquisition practices adopted by startups and understand how small entrepreneurs leverage social capital to address the talent…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the talent acquisition practices adopted by startups and understand how small entrepreneurs leverage social capital to address the talent acquisition challenges faced by them, and; identify some of the unique parameters adopted by startups in talent acquisition.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a multiple case study method to explore the talent acquisition practices in startups in India. The study included six case studies on startups in Hubli city of North Karnataka in India.
Findings
This paper finds that startups (especially in smaller cities) face challenges such as lower quality of talent pool, absence of a brand name, inability to provide competitive salary and other benefits as per industry standards and locational disadvantages in talent acquisition. Thus, entrepreneurs leverage their social capital for talent acquisition by handpicking talent on the basis of familiarity or credible networks and recommendations. Incubation centres provide institutionalized sources of social capital to help them attract good talent. This study finds that employee-culture fit and trust play important role in acquiring talent in startups.
Practical implications
The study has implications for startup entrepreneurs, recruitment service providers, incubation centres, trainers, policymakers, etc. The study provides useful insights to the startups with regard to their recruitment practices.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature in the domains of talent acquisition, startups and social capital by describing hiring challenges faced by startups and exploring the mechanisms used by them in overcoming such challenges.