Title: A multi-objective optimisation model for university course timetabling problem using a mixed integer dynamic non-linear programming

Authors: Ali Azadeh; Hassan Gholizadeh; M. Jeihoonian

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, Department of Engineering Optimisation Research, Center of Excellence for Intelligent Based Experimental Mechanics, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 11365-4563, Iran ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Department of Engineering Optimisation Research, Center of Excellence for Intelligent Based Experimental Mechanics, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 11365-4563, Iran ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Department of Engineering Optimisation Research, Center of Excellence for Intelligent Based Experimental Mechanics, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 11365-4563, Iran

Abstract: This paper proposes a multi-objective integer programming formulation to solve course timetabling problem at universities. The most important objective in the proposed model is the collegians interferences. In other words, the student utility to take a course and the professor utility to present a course are combined simultaneously in objective function. Based on this definition, several time constraints are added. In this model, it is assumed that there are only courses with two and three units. At first it is supposed that each course can be presented in one group and thus the problem is solved by GAMS. Then, the number of course groups is devolved to the software by fitting the objective function value on a predetermined one. Computational results show that the best value for each courses group will be one group.

Keywords: interferences; university timetabling; multi-objective optimisation; mixed integer programming; university courses; course timetabling; dynamic nonlinear programming; higher education; time constraints.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2013.054886

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2013 Vol.15 No.4, pp.467 - 481

Published online: 28 Apr 2014 *

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