| The dissertation presents a qualitative and quantitative analysis of a model, called a multiple filter process with feedback, and relates it to university admissions which is one of several possible applications. A multiple filter process is one in which arrivals to the system pass through operations, or filters, which eliminate some of the units. It is the decision maker's task to utilize feedback and to adjust the filters or the arrival rate so that at some deadline, the goals for the system are met as closely as possible. A multiple objective programming formulation incorporates the necessary information in the problem.; In the university admissions system, incoming applications are the arrivals to the system. The process of accepting or rejecting the applicant is one filter. The decision of an accepted applicant to submit a deposit or not is a second filter. A third filter is the decision to actually enroll or not. The final stage of the process is an enrolled student. The goals pertain to the total number of new students enrolled, the quality of students in the new class, and the marginal cost associated with recruiting that class.; Mathematical models are presented which can be used by the decision maker to help determine the optimal admission standards, the optimal application ratio and other operational policies in order to achieve the various objectives. |
