An Integer Programming Model for the University Timetabling Problem- Case Study of Tehran faculty of Petroleum University of Technology

In this case study, I have described an integer programming (IP) approach, which has been implemented at Tehran faculty of Petroleum University of Technology, Iran, to create the complete timetable of all courses for a semester. I used the model of Daskalaki and Birbas and customized it by considering the specific constraints and facilities of the faculty. Also, I have noticed the psychological effects of a correct educational timetabling and its consequences on students. Hence the article consists of 2 parts, first computational part, and optimization, and second the importance and psychological and sides effects of correct timetabling. In this case, it was essential to reach the global optimum. Hence I omitted the meta-heuristics methods of optimization and tried to use the deterministic techniques. This model formulates an integer programming for assigning variables. The objective function is used in a way that exploits the user’s experience and knowledge of the problem.

Keywords:

University timetabling , Integer Programming , Mathematical Programming