Integrating fuzzy C-means clustering and Random Forest for multivariate performance prediction in vocational education

Closed

Daniel Jesayanto Jaya, Wahyu Muhammad Ramdhani, Hilda Widia Rita Hamid, Ilma Zahriyatun Nadhiroh, Muhammad Arif

2026 Communications in Statistics Case Studies Data Analysis and Applications Article Cited by 0 SDG 4SDG 17 Quartile

Abstract

This technical note presents the integration of unsupervised and supervised machine learning methods—Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering and Random Forest regression—for analyzing multivariate determinants of student job performance in vocational education. Using a simulated dataset (N = 300) with seven variables, FCM identified three latent clusters with moderate partition clarity (Partition Coefficient = 0.333; Partition Entropy = 1.099). Random Forest achieved a Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 266.65 and classification accuracy of 38.9% in predicting categorical performance. While predictive power was limited due to simulated and imbalanced data, this framework demonstrates methodological feasibility and highlights key predictors such as confidence, motivation, and supervisor evaluation, serving primarily as a methodological demonstration rather than empirical validation. © 2026 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Affiliations

Technology and Vocational Education and Training Department, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Sleman, Indonesia; Building Engineering Education Department, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia; Educational Research and Evaluation, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Sleman, Indonesia; Mathematics Education, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Sleman, Indonesia; English Education, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Sleman, Indonesia

Research at a Glance

Premium content — register to unlock

Research at a Glance

Register to unlock

Topics & SDG Alignment

Premium content — register to unlock

Topics & SDG Alignment

Register to unlock

Collaboration

Premium content — register to unlock

Collaboration

Register to unlock

Author Profile (Selected)

Premium content — register to unlock

Author Profile (Selected)

Register to unlock

References Overview

Premium content — register to unlock

References Overview

Register to unlock

Journal & Source

Premium content — register to unlock

Journal & Source

Register to unlock

Metadata & Integrity

Premium content — register to unlock

Metadata & Integrity

Register to unlock