An Efficient Automated Timetable for Distance Education of the Open University of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Abstract- This paper presents an efficient automated timetable suitable for universities that follow the distance learning education methodology. This study generates a first semester automated timetable and shifts the weekday schedule of the faculty of Natural Science (NSC) at Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) to weekends and Fridays. The timetable was modeled considering all three levels. Initially, graph coloring approaches were used to derive course groups, and then those groups were assigned to available time periods using the Binary Integer Linear Programming (BILP) model. A growing number of student registration and introducing new courses yearly made this problem harder which also result in many variables and constraints to the model. The quality of the solution improves according to the date and the time slot allocated to the set of course groups. The model results in a feasible timetable that optimizes the effectiveness of the student’s academic performances and it can be implemented with the lecture halls currently available in the faculty of NSC, The OUSL. Changes to this model can be done according to faculty requirements.