Optimization in University Student Timetables: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Abstract

The University Course Timetabling Problem presents a complex optimization problem as it seeks to meet the diverse requirements and constraints of a university's academic program through efficient timetabling. The objective of this research is to conduct comprehensive review of existing studies on optimization approaches in optimizing university timetable problems. The aim of the comprehensive studies is to further analyse the existing studies to discuss comparative studies to compare the performance of the approach methods in satisfying the constraints involved in university timetabling. The methodology used for this paper is systematic literature review which brought three main themes such constraints, optimization approaches, and datasets involved in University Course Timetabling Problem. The result shown that the majority of approaches involved hybrid approaches. In conclusion, this comprehensive review summarizes the constraints, optimization approach and datasets involved University Course Timetabling Problem in higher educational institutions of ASEAN countries.