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Applying genetic algorithms and heuristic search to automate course timetabling for The University of Dodoma

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dc.creator Baltazary, Melchiory Tarimo
dc.date 2019-08-29T07:26:31Z
dc.date 2019-08-29T07:26:31Z
dc.date 2014
dc.date.accessioned 2022-10-20T12:07:43Z
dc.date.available 2022-10-20T12:07:43Z
dc.identifier Baltazary, M. T. (2014). Applying genetic algorithms and heuristic search to automate course timetabling for The University of Dodoma. Dodoma: The University of Dodoma.
dc.identifier http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12661/1234
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12661/1234
dc.description In this study, a Genetic Algorithm approach coupled with an internal Heuristic Search strategy is applied to attempt automation of course-teaching timetable generation for the University of Dodoma while trying to make the solution as general as possible. In designing the algorithm, course timetabling constraints of the institution are identified and a general encoding scheme is used to represent the problem. Then, a Genetic Algorithm is designed and implemented with a two-point crossover and mutation operators. A value based fitness function and linear ranking selection is used in the algorithm to evolve candidate schedules into a feasible one. To guide the Genetic Algorithm towards obtaining better individuals in the solution population, an internal Heuristic Search strategy is used during mutation that increases the chance of admissibility of the resulting offspring. A test run of the application that resulted from this study using timetabling data from three colleges of the University of Dodoma showed promising results when compared to the semi-automated Celcat system in-use at the university. The application generated a feasible schedule in a few hours as compared to weeks spent when using Celcat. Also, the number of collisions reported on the Celcat output was dramatically reduced on the output of the developed tool. The model developed though suffers from inability to ensure satisfiability of all soft timetabling constraints. Since such constraints are not critical, all generated schedules from the run tests were considered admissible.
dc.language en
dc.publisher The University of Dodoma
dc.subject Algorithm approach
dc.subject Internal Heuristic
dc.subject Heuristic Search
dc.subject Automation
dc.subject Timetable generation
dc.subject Celcat system
dc.subject Two-point crossover
dc.subject Mutation operators
dc.subject Semi-automated
dc.title Applying genetic algorithms and heuristic search to automate course timetabling for The University of Dodoma
dc.type Dissertation


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