An Integer Programming Model for Carroll College Math Department Scheduling

Abstract

Each semester, Carroll College department heads spend hours developing course schedules by hand. Once registration begins, class conflicts arise, and a significant amount of time is spent attempting to alter the schedules by hand to resolve the conflicts. In order to reduce the workload of designing course schedules, I developed an integer programming model for the scheduling of the classes in the math department. I researched historic schedules and interviewed professors for class and time preferences. Using this information, I formulated constraints and parameters for my scheduling model with the objective of maximizing the happiness of the teachers. My model results in 1728 equations and 757 variables, all of which can be solved in a matter of seconds with computer software. I coded the model for the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) and used the software’s included CPLEX solver. The model produces a viable schedule for the courses in the department. My thesis discusses my model design and its application within the math department. I also analyze the flexibility of the model and the possibilities for its use at Carroll College.