Genetic Algorithm for Solving Multi-Objective Optimization in Examination Timetabling Problem

Examination timetabling is one of 3 critical timetabling jobs besides enrollment timetabling and teaching assignment. After a semester, scheduling examinations is not always an easy job in education management, especially for many data. The timetabling problem is an optimization and Np-hard problem. In this study, we build a multi-objective optimizer to create exam schedules for more than 2500 students. Our model aims to optimize the material costs while ensuring the dignity of the exam and students' convenience while considering the rooms' design, the time requirement of each exam, which involves rules and policy constraints. We propose a programmatic compromise to approach the maximum tar-get optimization model and solve it using the Genetic Algorithm. The results show the effectiveness of the introduced algorithm.

A Survey of Computational Intelligence in Educational Timetabling

Timetabling problems have been widely studied, of which Educational Timetabling Problem (ETP) is the biggest section. Generally, ETP can be divided into three modules, namely, course timetabling, school timetabling, and examination timetabling. For solving ETP, many techniques have been developed including conventional algorithms and computational intelligence approaches. Several surveys have been conducted focusing on those methods. Some surveys target on particular categories; some tend to cover all types of approaches. However, there are lack of reviews specifically focusing on computational intelligence in ETP. Therefore, this paper aims at providing a reference of selecting a method for the applications of ETP by reviewing popular computational intelligent algorithms, such as meta-heuristics, hyper-heuristics, hybrid methods, fuzzy logic, and multi-agent systems. The application would be categorised and described into the three types of ETP respectively.

Conflict Management in University Examination Timetabling Problem: A case study of summer school mid-terms

Aim: This study is on tackling Examination Timetabling Problem (ETP) of the Faculty of Economics And Administrative Sciences (FEAS) of the Ankara HBV University summer school, where the courses of fall and spring semesters are offered simultaneously and regulations on restricting enrollments in inter-department electives or in-department courses of distinct years are relaxed. Thus, the complexity of the nature of the ETP problem is exacerbated. The direct heuristics based on successive assignments that the university normally adopts was proven inadequate for assuming standard regulations hence, another approach we explain in this paper was needed. Design / Research methods: The ETP was formulated as a Linear Mixed-Integer Program (LMIP) and decomposed into three stages; timetabling exams, room assignment, student allocation. To manage the conflict between the stakeholders of the examination procedure, a lexicographic optimization process based on the priority of the parties was undertaken. Conclusions / findings: After a recursive timetabling process based on a trial-and-error method a clash-free timetable was generated and, a room assignment plan that minimizes the total number of proctoring duties, usage of higher floor rooms and total crowdedness of rooms respectively was put into action. Therefore no student group experienced any clashing exams, the faculty members saved time that can be spent on research instead, since the room usage was better planned the costs (elevator usage, lighting, air conditioning, the labor of the janitors) were assumed to be decreased. Originality / value of the article: Each examination period bares a different ETP due to its problem-specific nature (number of courses offered, structure of student enrollments, availability of rooms, etc.). Summer schools provide a more irregular structure that demands special attention, a trial-and-error reformulation of the ETP in our case. In addition, the traditional formulations of the ETP, to the extent we have been able to scan, do not include the minimization of the crowdedness of the rooms. Thus, in creating a more comfortable environment, easier to monitor exams and, ability in handling unexpected dysfunctionalities (broken classroom equipment, etc.) this study is novel. Limitations of the research: The algorithms to solve an ETP formulated as an LMIP are of high complexity therefore, we are not able to assert the optimality of our suggested solutions acquired within time limitations. Keywords: examination timetabling, group decision making, lexicographic optimization, linear mixed-integer programming JEL: C44, C61, M12