Business process analysis of university admissions: Combining TM Forum’s eTOM framework, discrete-event simulation, and queuing theory

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Abstract

The increasing complexity of university admissions requires efficient, standardized processes to manage large volumes of applications and changing regulatory requirements. To address this, the paper applies the TM Forum’s Business Process Framework (eTOM) from the telecommunications industry, a standard for modeling and optimizing academic admissions workflows. Using RUDN University as a case study, the entire admissions process is formalized into a hierarchical model that aligns with the eTOM level 2 processes. The approach integrates discrete-event simulation (DES) and queueing network analysis, providing detailed process modeling and analytical solutions for assessing the average execution time. DES replicates the dynamic interactions between applicants and staff. Queueing analysis provides mathematical model to analyze the average execution times for each step in the process. Together, these techniques help optimize the admissions process and ensure efficient management of large volumes of applications. Through this approach, we aim to streamline processes, increase transparency, and support digital transformation efforts within universities.

About the authors

Konstantin M. Terentyev

RUDN University

Email: terentyev-km@rudn.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0005-4379-3017

Ph.D. student of the Department of Probability Theory and Cyber Security; Director of the Department of Digitalization and Digital Transformation

6 Miklukho-Maklaya St, Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation

Leyla D. Abuzyarova

RUDN University

Email: d.abuzyarova@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0007-0084-0201

M.Sc. student of the Department of Probability Theory and Cyber Security

6 Miklukho-Maklaya St, Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation

Irina A. Kochetkova

RUDN University; Federal Research Center “Computer Science and Control” of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Email: kochetkova-ia@rudn.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-1594-427X
Scopus Author ID: 35332169400
ResearcherId: E-3806-2014

Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Assosiate Professor of the Department of Probability Theory and Cyber Security, RUDN University; Senior Researcher, Federal Research Center “Computer Science and Control” of the Russian Academy of Sciences

6 Miklukho-Maklaya St, Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation; 44-2 Vavilova St, Moscow, 119133, Russian Federation

Konstantin E. Samouylov

RUDN University; Federal Research Center “Computer Science and Control” of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Author for correspondence.
Email: samuylov-ke@rudn.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-6368-9680
Scopus Author ID: 14009785000
ResearcherId: E-9966-2014

Professor, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Head of the Department of Probability Theory and Cyber Security, RUDN University; Senior Researcher, Federal Research Center “Computer Science and Control” of the Russian Academy of Sciences

6 Miklukho-Maklaya St, Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation; 44-2 Vavilova St, Moscow, 119133, Russian Federation

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