An integer goal programming model to allocate offices of staff in an academic institution

This paper investigates the problem of allocating office space to members of staff in an academic institution. It identifies several conflicting objectives and formulate an integer pre-emptive goal programming model to address them. Using data from a pilot site of the University of Westminster, UK, it then experiments with alternative rankings of the objectives. Finally, given the plans to consolidate the activities of this university into fewer sites and the resulting need to relocate some staff members, it discusses how this model can be used to ensure that this process is carried out with the least possible inconvenience.