udpSkeduler: A Web architecture based decision support system for course and classroom scheduling

• Published in: Decision Support Systems Vol. 52; no. 2; pp. 505 - 513
• Main Authors: Miranda, Jaime, Rey, Pablo A., Robles, José M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 2012; Elsevier; Elsevier Sequoia S.A
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Availability; Case study; Class scheduling; Classrooms; Computer science; control theory; systems; Computer systems and distributed systems. User interface; Decision support systems; Decision theory. Utility theory; Education; Education planning; Exact sciences and technology; Higher education; Information systems. Data bases; Instructors; Integer programming; Memory organisation. Data processing; Operational research and scientific management; Operational research. Management science; Operations research; Optimization; Scheduling; Scheduling, sequencing; Software; Studies; Timetables; University timetabling; Web-based decision support system; Case study; Web-based decision support system; Operations research; University timetabling; Education planning; Class scheduling; Availability; Decision support system; Scheduling; Modeling; Teaching; Educational institution; Integer programming; University; Education; World wide web; Classroom; Timetabling problem; Internet; Planning; Mathematical programming
• ISSN: 0167-9236; 1873-5797
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dss.2011.10.011

A key process for post-secondary educational institutions is the definition of course timetables and classroom assignments. Manual scheduling methods require enormous amounts of time and resources to deliver results of questionable quality, and multiple course and classroom conflicts usually occur. This article presents a scheduling system implemented in a Web environment. This system generates optimal schedules via an integer-programming model. Among its functionalities, this system enables direct interaction with instructors in order to gather data on their time availability for teaching courses. The results demonstrate that significant improvements over the typical fully manual process were obtained. ► Class scheduling system implemented in a Web environment. ► We used a pattern based integer programming model. ► This system enables interaction with instructors through a user-friendly interface. ► We implement an efficient management of information by means of database filters. ► Results demonstrate significant improvements over the typical fully manual process.