HIERARCHICAL MATHEMATICAL MODELLING APPROACH FOR A CASE STUDY IN UNIVERSITY TIMETABLING

Abstract

This work presents a mathematical modelling based approach including many constraints encountered at Universities in Turkey. As in many other countries also in Turkey it appears that universities are too autonomous, and they have medley of individual requirements and constraints. This condition makes it very difficult to suggest a generalized model and a solution algorithm for university timetabling problem (UTP). In general, in this paper it is aimed to design compatible and flexible approach to generate timetable so as to meet all the requirements of Turkish universities. First, by reviewing the studies in which mathematical modelling approaches were used, comprehensive information about the subject has been presented. Then, proposed hierarchical mathematical modelling approach is described (HMMA). Since (UTP) is highly context-dependent the results of this study couldn't been compared to those of the studies which are published already. Proposed approach is tested 2015-2016 academic year winter term data of Ataturk University Engineering Faculty and obtained results are presented comparatively with results obtained from manual preparation in terms of seven objectives.