Automated timetabling using an object-oriented scheduler

Abstract

The timetabling problem has traditionally been treated as a mathematical optimization, heuristic, or human-machine interactive problem. These approaches tend to suffer from lack of flexibility, computational intractability, and poor results. We introduce an automated timetabler that combines data, model and knowledge-bases, developed using object-oriented methodology. The inclusion of expert knowledge allows for solutions that fit the problem context better, while the use of a database enables a more flexible and maintainable system. The object-oriented paradigm allows for a more efficient design and code implementation of scheduling procedures. Results have been promising as the system has automatically scheduled over 2000 students and instructors into more than 300 classes.