Course timetabling problem resolved using Tabu Search

Abstract

Classroom assignment is considered as a complex and typical mathematical optimization problem in operation research, that is tried to solve in different ways by several research groups all over the globe. A mathematical model and a methodology based on Tabú search are presented in order to find feasible solutions that minimize the objective function by using constructive algorithms, neighbor structures and other strategies that help the search process. The quality of the solutions found is validated and compared with probe cases found in the specialized literature.