Analyzing Potential Sources Of Data
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ANALYZING POTENTIAL SOURCES OF DATA
1
Analyzing Potential Sources of Data
Name
Institution Affiliation
Professor
Course Number
Date
ANALYZING POTENTIAL SOURCES OF DATA
2
Data Sources Selected
The primary data sources selected for analysis include web services and student enrollment
database. They include;
1.
US
News
(2021).
Southern
Crescent
Technical
College
Overview.
https://www.usnews.com/education/community-colleges/southern-crescent-technical-
college-CC08047
2.
Data
USA
(2021).
Southern
Crescent
Technical
College.
https://datausa.io/profile/university/southern-crescent-technical-college
3.
Southern Crescent Technical College [SCTC]. (2021). Student Enrollment.
https://www.sctech.edu/
US
News
(2021).
Southern
Crescent
Technical
College
Overview.
https://www.usnews.com/education/community-colleges/southern-crescent-technical-
college-CC08047
Generally, this source contains information about the institution's overall enrollment
regarding gender, ethnicity, and age
(US News, 2021)
. It also includes the graduation, retention,
and transfer-out rates from 2012-2019. The source was selected because it is relevant. It contains
data related to the organization's problem that would be used in developing the appropriate
solutions. For instance, the student enrollment information based on ethnicity pinpoints the red
flags regarding the unequal racial distribution of students, which can guide the appropriate
decision-making. In other words, the data tell the policymakers that a problem exists in the
institution that needs urgent redress.
Besides, the data presented is current because it was posted and reviewed on the site in
2021. The data copyright on the site portrays this characteristic. Using recent data in decision-
ANALYZING POTENTIAL SOURCES OF DATA
3
making or problem-solving is essential because it enhances the development of objective
solutions. Using current information is also crucial because it ensures the decision considers all
the necessary dynamics. The institution would not gain anything from using the student
enrollment data posted in 2012 to identify and solve a present problem. Lastly, the data is helpful
because it is credible. It was published by U.S. News, which is a reputable online newspaper.
According to
Brownstein et al. (2019),
the source's credibility can be portrayed by its authors or
the publishing company. In this case, the authors who presented the data comprise the U.S.
News, a reputable online newspaper. It was also published by the same organization, increasing
its credibility.
Data
USA
(2021).
Southern
Crescent
Technical
College.
https://datausa.io/profile/university/southern-crescent-technical-college
The source contains essential information regarding overall student enrollment,
graduation rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, financial aid, and full-time and part-time
enrollment
(Data USA, 2021)
. It also contains data on student enrollment by race. For instance,
the institution admits most white students than other races.
The information is relevant because
it relates to the topic and the organization's problem (unequal racial enrollment of students). It
highlights the figures and percentages of student enrollment based on race to inform decision-
making. By looking at this data, the institution can understand which races dominate and areas
that need improvement. The data is also current, as indicated by its copyright date. Organizations
are often encouraged to use current information in addressing problems since it enhances
objectivity.
Using old information can lead to misleading conclusions. Lastly, this source's data is
practical to use in solving the institution's concern because it is credible. The credibility is
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ANALYZING POTENTIAL SOURCES OF DATA
4
demonstrated by the source's author and Publication Company
(Brownstein et al., 2019)
.
Typically, the information was posted and presented by Data USA, a reputable company dealing
with data analytics. It was also published by the same company, enhancing its credibility. Using
credible sources in problem-solving is crucial because it makes the solutions credible as well.
Southern
Crescent Technical
College
[SCTC].
(2021).
Student
Enrollment.
https://www.sctech.edu/
This source primarily contains data on student enrollment at Southern Crescent Technical
College (SCTC) (SCTC, 2021). For example, it presents data about student enrollment's racial
distribution, making it relevant for utilization in developing the organization’s current problem.
The data is also current as portrayed by the copyright year. Current data helps in developing
unbiased and objective solutions. The other thing that makes the data appropriate for use entails
its credibility. The data is presented on the SCTC’s website, which is a credible institution.
Potential Solutions to the Problem
As noted in the previous findings, unequal racial distribution in student enrollment is a
significant concern for Southern Crescent Technical College. Because of this issue, the college
has experienced low retention late for many years compared to its peers. The community also
perceives the institution as one that does not embrace or tolerate diversity in its student
enrollment. One solution to address this concern entails changing the admission policy to
increase the enrollment of other races
(Bayer & Wilcox, 2019)
. For instance, the institution can
develop a policy requiring that for every three white students enrolled in the college, two must be
from different ethnicities like African American or Spanish. This will help close the significant
gap in the students' racial makeup in the college. It will also encourage non-white students to
enrol in the college because they will perceive it as a culturally diverse institution. Students are
ANALYZING POTENTIAL SOURCES OF DATA
5
often motivated to join a particular college when they are assured of the protection of their
diversity.
Secondly, SCTC should ensure that it conducts a regular review of its student enrollment
database to establish students' unequal racial distribution to take immediate corrective measures.
Addressing the problem at its early state would be effective because it will save the college
resources, time, and tainted reputation. One of the quick corrective measures the institution can
integrate entails limiting the admission of a dominant race and increasing the others for a short
period to create a racial balance. Finally, the institution should collaborate with the government
and community to develop appropriate measures to enhance equal racial distribution in student
enrollment. This can entail coming up with promotional events to encourage students in the less
represented races to join the college. The institution should focus on changing the community's
negative perception of the college concerning student enrollment's racial distribution. This can be
accomplished through education and awareness programs within the community.
ANALYZING POTENTIAL SOURCES OF DATA
6
References
Bayer, A., & Wilcox, D. W. (2019). The unequal distribution of economic education: A report on
the race, ethnicity, and gender of economics majors at US colleges and universities.
The
Journal of Economic Education
,
50
(3), 299-320.
Brownstein, N. C., Louis, T. A., O’Hagan, A., & Pendergast, J. (2019). The role of expert
judgment in statistical inference and evidence-based decision-making.
The American
Statistician
,
73
(sup1), 56-68.
Data USA (2021). Southern Crescent Technical College.
https://datausa.io/profile/university/southern-crescent-technical-college
Southern Crescent Technical College [SCTC]. (2021). Student Enrollment.
https://www.sctech.edu/
US News (2021). Southern Crescent Technical College Overview.
https://www.usnews.com/education/community-colleges/southern-crescent-technical-
college-CC08047
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