Intellectual Contribution by Robert Saltzman

Contribution Title

An Optimization Model for Scheduling Classes in a Business School Department

Publication

California Journal of Operations Management

Co-author

Year

2009

Description

This article describes how an optimization model has been used recently to more effectively schedule classes in an average-sized business school department. Each semester this department offers approximately 46 classes taught by 20 different instructors in one of 32 time slots. A myriad of constraints must be satisfied while trying to maximize faculty preferences for courses and teaching times. Using the model has reduced the time needed to generate high-quality schedules from more than a day to less than three hours, and kept our schedule within the department's allocated time slots, eliminating the need for staff to find additional rooms.

Complete Citation

Saltzman, R. M., "An Optimization Model for Scheduling Classes in a Business School Department," California Journal of Operations Management, Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 95-103, Feb. 2009.

Website

See Faculty: Robert Saltzman