On the Examination Timetabling Problem at TH Nürnberg, Dept. of Computer Science
- This report examines the Examination Timetabling Problem (ETP) at the Department of Computer Science (IN) at Technische Hochschule Nürnberg (THN), focusing on the specific constraints and challenges of the institution. The report surveys various algorithms and approaches applied to solve the ETP. The Step Counting Hill Climbing (SCHC) algorithm, originally proposed
by Bykov and Petrovic, is highlighted as a particularly effective solution. The report details the implementation and enhancements of the SCHC algorithm at IN, which has been successfully applied to the department's timetabling needs. Experimental results demonstrate that the SCHC algorithm, with its simplicity and efficiency, produces high-quality timetables within minutes, comparable to manually created schedules. The report also discusses the limitations of integer linear programming for real-world ETPs due to its exponential complexity. The findings suggest that the SCHC algorithm is well-suited for the ETP at IN, with potential for further optimisation to improveThis report examines the Examination Timetabling Problem (ETP) at the Department of Computer Science (IN) at Technische Hochschule Nürnberg (THN), focusing on the specific constraints and challenges of the institution. The report surveys various algorithms and approaches applied to solve the ETP. The Step Counting Hill Climbing (SCHC) algorithm, originally proposed
by Bykov and Petrovic, is highlighted as a particularly effective solution. The report details the implementation and enhancements of the SCHC algorithm at IN, which has been successfully applied to the department's timetabling needs. Experimental results demonstrate that the SCHC algorithm, with its simplicity and efficiency, produces high-quality timetables within minutes, comparable to manually created schedules. The report also discusses the limitations of integer linear programming for real-world ETPs due to its exponential complexity. The findings suggest that the SCHC algorithm is well-suited for the ETP at IN, with potential for further optimisation to improve
speed and solution quality.…
