Modelling and solving the university course timetabling problem with hybrid teaching considerations.

Abstract

The university course timetabling problem is a challenging problem to solve. As universities have evolved, the features of this problem have changed. One emerging feature is hybrid teaching where classes can be taught online, in-person or a combination of both in-person and online. This work presents a multi-objective binary programming model that includes common university timetabling features, identified from the literature, as well as hybrid teaching features. A lexicographic solution method is outlined and computational experiments using benchmark data are used to demonstrate the key aspects of the model and explore trade-offs among the objectives considered. The results of these experiments demonstrate that the model can be used to find demand-driven schedules for universities that include hybrid teaching. They also show how the model could be used to inform practitioners who are involved in strategic decision-making at universities.