Case Article—School Timetabling Problem: A Scheduling Problem for High-School Institutions

Abstract

We present a comprehensive case study to integrate students into several concepts related to integer linear programming. The case article starts with a relatively simple scheduling/assignment problem. Then, the problem incorporates new elements to present various modeling principles incrementally. Each variation of the case enables the instructor to engage in insightful discussion about the nature of the optimal solutions and how the changes made to the objective function or key constraints affect these solutions. The case article also describes different ways to use the case, which range from a comprehensive introduction to a concluding capstone project in an undergraduate or graduate course in linear and integer programming.