An extensible modelling framework for timetabling problems

Abstract

Several modelling languages have been proposed to standardize the specification, solution and data format for timetabling problems. As of now these languages have not been adopted as standards and are seen as not simplifying the modelling process, lacking features and offering little advantage over traditional programming languages. In contrast to this approach we propose a new language-independent modelling framework for general timetabling problems based on past experience of modelling the examination timetabling problem. This framework is a work in progress but demonstrates the possibilities and convenience such a model would afford. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.