Hybrid simulation decision support system for university management

Decision support systems for university management have experienced limited improvements in the incorporation of new cutting-edge techniques. Decision-makers have used traditional forecasting methods to base their decisions in order to maintain financially affordable programs and keep universities competitive for the last few decades. We propose a new approach for enrollment modeling that would include all levels integrated into a unique and complete platform allowing hybrid simulation to respond to the decision-maker´s needs. This simulation model considers the use of System Dynamics and Agent-based simulation, which allows the representation of the general enrollment process at the University level, and enrollment, retention and major´s selection at the Department level. This approach allows lower level to predict more accurately the amounts of students for next term or year, faculty hiring, and class or labs assignment, and resource allocation among others.