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A proven optimal result for a benchmark instance of the uncapacitated examination timetabling problem

Author

Listed:
  • Angelos Dimitsas

    (University of Ioannina)

  • Christos Gogos

    (University of Ioannina)

  • Christos Valouxis

    (University of Patras)

  • Vasileios Nastos

    (University of Ioannina)

  • Panayiotis Alefragis

    (University of Peloponnese)

Abstract

Examination timetabling is a problem well known to the scheduling community. Its simplest version, which is the uncapacitated examination timetabling problem, is easily described and comprehended. Nevertheless, proof of optimality is notoriously difficult even for moderate size problems. In this paper, we describe the effort that our team exercised in finally proving the optimality of the sta83 instance of Carter’s dataset. The problem was decomposed naturally in three parts and for each part a different approach managed to prove optimality of the currently best known solution. This work also presents optimal solutions to subproblems that exist in various public datasets problems and two best known solutions of such problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Angelos Dimitsas & Christos Gogos & Christos Valouxis & Vasileios Nastos & Panayiotis Alefragis, 2025. "A proven optimal result for a benchmark instance of the uncapacitated examination timetabling problem," Journal of Scheduling, Springer, vol. 28(2), pages 183-194, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jsched:v:28:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s10951-024-00805-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10951-024-00805-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Karen Aardal & Stan Hoesel & Arie Koster & Carlo Mannino & Antonio Sassano, 2007. "Models and solution techniques for frequency assignment problems," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 153(1), pages 79-129, September.
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