Blazenka Divjak

Sustainable Student Retention and Gender Issues in Mathematics for ICT Study

This article reports on the research whose specific objective is to improve student retention in mathematics included in the first-year ICT study programme by means of improving teaching methods, with an emphasis on gender issues. Two principal reasons for this research are, first, the fact that first-year mathematics courses are often viewed as an obstacle for retention in studying ICT, and second, the fact that female students are strongly underrepresented in ICT. Furthermore, according to recently introduced research, changes in pedagogy and the content of mathematics have been evaluated. Those changes are directed towards competency-based and student-centred education and are heavily supported by technology-based learning. Although only minor gender differences in different skills have been detected, the pass rate for female students is constantly higher than that for male students. Therefore, the reasons for the better performance of female students have been investigated taking into account both the motivation for study and learning styles. The primary sources of data used in the first year of research comprised questionnaires (n = 130) together with classroom and on-line assessment material for 263 students. In the next year, 160 students of Information Systems participated in the survey, the central topic of which was the motivation for study. Additionally, the research focused on finding out if the motivation factors are gender specific. The research was conducted in Croatia where no research on a similar topic had been previously available. In terms of the specific features of the socio-cultural environment, conducting such a research in Croatia proved to be worthwhile, particularly considering the possibility of comparing the obtained results with those arising from other environments.

Prediction of academic performance using discriminant analysis

In this paper, discriminant analysis is used as a means of analysing the effect of 30 variables upon the dependent variable Student success at the Faculty of Organization and Informatics, University of Zagreb. The data were collected by a questionnaire administered on two occasions: in the academic year 2006/07, among second-year students of the undergraduate study programme Information and Business Systems, and in the academic year 2008/09, among third- and fourth-year students of the undergraduate study programme Information Systems. This research is aimed at determining predictor variables for student success at the Faculty of Organization and Informatics. The number of students included in the first and second questionnaire administration was 110 and 113, respectively.

Decision making on project selection in high education sector using the analytic hierarchy process

The prioritization of projects in higher education institutions is a complex decision-making problem. In this paper we deal with a problem of making a decision on whether to start a new project application, and if so, which project to choose in a situation where project teams have several project ideas and limited resources. The purpose of the paper is to show how to use the Analytic Hierarchy Process as a multiple criteria decision-making methodology which can be used in solving project selection problems. Finally, one case study is given.

Structuring e-learning multi-criteria decision making problems

Problem structuring is one of the most critical phases of decision making process. A well-posed problem has direct impact on effective decision making, especially when we use the multi-criteria decision making methods. There are different decision making methods that have been used for decision making on e-learning issues in higher education, but the most suitable method for this kind of problems is the Analytic Network Process (ANP). ANP meets all the theoretical requirements of decision making in higher education, but policy makers use it very rarely in practice because of its implementation weaknesses. One of the weaknesses is a lack of support in structuring problem in the form of a network. This paper brings an overview of several problem structuring methods and approaches, such as simple top-down and bottom-up approaches, the PrOACT approach, ISM (Interpretative Structural Modelling), DEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) and the PAPRIKA structuring method. It also brings analysis of how those structuring methods and approaches help overcome some of the ANP weaknesses. Finally, we provide some recommendations of how to design a new problem structuring method that fits the ANP needs.

Preparing ICT Graduates for Real-World Challenges: Results of a Meta-Analysis

The information and communications technology (ICT) industry is making important contributions to economic growth both locally and globally. There is a high demand for ICT professionals that higher education institutions are still struggling to meet. An effective literature review is an important part of understanding the existing findings and issues in the education of future ICT professionals, and for planning future research directions. This comprehensive study presented here includes a review of 761 papers on the level of summary analysis and 155 papers in depth, according to ten research questions related to: curriculum design and delivery, knowledge and skills of future ICT professionals, teaching methods, collaboration between academia and industry, and future employment and career development of ICT professionals in the labor market. Based on the findings from a content and cluster analysis, the results indicate the need for a more holistic and strategic approach to the education of future ICT professionals, including career development support within formal processes of higher education.