A mixed-integer programming approach to a class timetabling problem: A case study with gender policies and traffic considerations

This paper considers the class scheduling and timetabling problem faced at Kuwait University (KU). The principal focus is to design efficient class offering patterns while taking into consideration newly imposed gender policies. We formulate a mathematical programming model that assigns offered classes to time-slots and addresses gender issues by defining appropriate surrogate constraints along with objective penalty terms. The model aims to enhance existing manual scheduling and timetabling approaches that are often accompanied with arduous combinatorial tasks such as resolving class conflicts, dealing with parking and traffic congestion, and ensuring an efficient utilization of facility and human resources. This modeling approach emphasizes the generation of flexible class timetables for students, and the efficient utilization of available facility resources. Computational results based on a number of case studies related to Kuwait University reveal that this approach yields improved schedules in terms of offering patterns and class conflicts. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.