Application of a General Mathematical Model: University Course Timetabling Problem

Abstract

The study presents the application of a general mathematical model previously developed foranother set of timetabling problem which is the University Course Timetabling (UCT). The aim of this study is to extend the validation process of the formulated model using a standard Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP).A real public university university’s course timetabling problem wasused as our case study. All the data was gathered and analysed before embedded to the general model and solved optimally usingtheAIMMS mathematical software with CPLEX as the solver to a personal laptop of 2.20 GHz and 4.95GB RAM.The data consists of 27 programmes, 449 core courses, 59 rooms and 70 timeslots. An optimal standard university course timetable was produced within a few minutes of CPU time. Optimality denotes that the courses were assigned to the preferred slots and rooms,while fulfilling requirements such as the university’s policies, and other demands ofall parties involved. With the timetable produced, it is proven the capability of the mathematical model developed in solvingtimetabling problems.