Value Generation in Higher Education Space Management Through User-Centric Data Analytics
Abstract
The space in universities is the most expensive asset. However, there is a clear lack in the literature regarding ‘serendipity’ areas or informal third-places (such as lounges), which host paramount activities in modern Higher Education Institutions (HEI), such as studying, research, teamwork, socializing and networking. This study is the first instance of studying space attributes of lounges and study rooms within universities. Through comparing the instances of low occupancy graduate lounges with the ones highly utilized, the goal is to find the significance of lounge spaces to graduate students, and the impact that proper design can make on their experience. According to this study, noise level and furniture (in terms of comfort and layout) are both the prime and almost equally significant factors to the users. This study identifies the potential to increase occupancy of lounge spaces within Texas A&M University up to three times through noise limitation and furniture improvement. Further studies are required for more accurate forecasting of the influence of such factors for decision making in higher education space management. This may help universities to allocate proper efficient serendipity spaces to their graduate students, which could bring value to both students and institutions, not only academically, but also financially.
Citation
Daneshpour, Elmira (2018). Value Generation in Higher Education Space Management Through User-Centric Data Analytics. Master's thesis, Texas A & M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /173397.