Academic Scheduling Problem Made Easy Through Optimization Technique

Abstract

The increase in the population of students in the higher institute of learning and crave for literacy has brought about the expansion of academic activities in our Universities. This has caused clashes in the use of limited available resources of each institution. In the past, ways have been sought to consider how the resources could be maximized, but to no avail. Sequel to this, this work aimed at developing an automated timetabling system which solved the problem faced in examinations scheduling. The optimization technique used was Genetic Algorithm (GA) for the scheduling. Automated exam invigilation timetabling system was developed and tested. A Faculty of Science in a reputable institution of learning in Nigeria was selected as a case study.  The use of GA was suitable for solving problem(s) such as, under-utilization of available resources, clashes in scheduled courses’ examination, faced by timetable scheduler, due to its optimization approach. GA is efficient for maximizing limited available resources. Considering the setbacks associated with the manual system of exam timetable construction, such as clashes of carry-over courses, insecurity of files, poor planning and waste of resources in terms of materials and time to effect correction on timetable: the automated system is more efficient with respect to resource optimization and online accessibility to generated timetable.

Keywords: Academic Activities, Available Resources, Automated Timetabling System, Genetic Algorithm, Optimization