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The University Timetabling Problem: Modeling and Solution Using Binary Integer Programming with Penalty Functions Moustapha Abdellahi and Hussein Eledum

Moustapha Abdellahi, Hussein Eledum

Abstract



The University Course Timetabling Problem is a particular type of scheduling problems known as a difficult problem arising in academic institutions, and an application of combinatorial optimization. The problem consists of a coordination of lectures, students, teachers
and classrooms to avoid clashes between them. In this work, we address a course timetabling problem encountered at Taibah University. A binary integer programming model of the problem is proposed and a solution methodology based on an exterior penalty function and two new penalty functions, called variance-penalty function and pseudo-convex combination-penalty function, is developed. Solving this problem aims to minimize the waiting time between lectures for students and teachers and preventing clashes of lectures and classrooms.

Keywords


Timetabling, Integer programming, Decomposition, Penalty Functions.

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