An enhanced multifactor decision making framework for equitable and efficient school placement in Ghana

Abstract The expansion of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy has increased access to secondary education, but systemic enrollment challenges remain within the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS). While the CSSPS was introduced to automate fairness and efficiency in placements, persistent gaps such as inequitable access to preferred schools, limited use of student data, and weak feedback mechanisms undermine its effectiveness. This study analyzes these challenges through a quantitative survey of 267 SHS students and develops an Enhanced Smart Placement Frameworkthat integrates principles of equity, systems optimization, and e-governance. The proposed model incorporates multi-factor student profiling, a Deferred Acceptance Algorithm (DAA) for iterative matching, decentralized decision-making, and real-time feedback mechanisms. Results from multiple regression analysis reveal that feedback clarity, data utilization, decentralized processes, preference consideration, and policy adjustments significantly predict enrollment success. By reframing CSSPS as an interactive, technology-enabled governance system, this study contributes both theoretically and practically to smart education reforms. The framework offers transferable insights for other countries employing ICT-based placement systems, highlighting how interactive technologies can improve equity, efficiency, and stakeholder trust in large-scale educational decision-making.