Student profiles and factors affecting performance.

This paper studies the profiling of first year students studying the Quantitative Methods for Business module at a British university and makes policy recommendations, which will improve student performance. The student profiling shows the highest proportion of students are UK students, 58% of the students are male, only 30% of the students are mature students. More than three-quarters of the cohort have a formal qualification in a quantitative subject prior to entry to the university. The majority of the overseas students live close to the university. Analysis of the student's performance in relation to their profiles and other factors shows north Europeans perform better than other nationals; sex and type of residence have no significant effect on student performance. Those with high entry qualification (A-level or equivalent) in a quantitative subject, and who live near the university perform better than those with a BTEC qualification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]