Interactive Timetabling

Title: Interactive Timetabling

Main Research Question: How can we develop an interactive timetabling system that allows users to observe the scheduling process and make changes during the process?

Methodology: The researchers proposed a generic model to describe timetabling problems and an interactive algorithm to solve these problems. They used constraint programming, which is a natural tool for scheduling problems, and incorporated techniques from both backtracking-based search and local search.

Results: They developed a timetabling system in Java with an independent scheduling engine and a graphical user interface. This system demonstrated the capabilities of their proposed algorithm, which mimicked the behavior of a human scheduler and allowed users to observe the scheduling process and make changes during the process.

Implications: The interactive timetabling system developed by the researchers is more convenient for users than fully automated timetabling systems, as it allows users to see how the scheduling process proceeds and intervene in it. This can lead to more accurate and satisfactory schedules, especially in situations where user preferences play a significant role.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0109022v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0109022v1