Modelling a hierarchical system with multiple absorbing states

Abstract

Previous studies on the education system, which is hierarchical in nature, made use of Markov chain transition models, comprising a single absorbing state. This work considers a Markov chain transition model consisting of multiple absorbing states which takes care of those who attain final maximum grade and those who leave the system before attaining the final grade, which is more realistic. The purpose of this study is to extend or generalize the original idea of one absorbing state to multiple absorbing states based on grade retention rates, dropout rates, completion rates, survival times and expected length of stay in University education. The work further looks at the merits and demerits of the above considerations, that is, single and multiple absorbing states