A final-exam-scheduling package

This paper presents the implementation of a multi-phase final-exam-scheduling package at a large university. The problem as it had evolved over time is discussed and a solution is presented. The implementation was undertaken over a three-year period and involved a multi-phase approach. The multi-phase final-exam-scheduling process consists of first grouping the final exams into sets called ‘blocks’ in such a way as to minimize the number of students with simultaneous exams. Second, the blocks are assigned to exam days while minimizing the number of students with two or more exams per day. Third, the exam days and exam blocks within days are arranged so as to minimize the number of students with consecutive exams. Fourth, exams are assigned to classrooms so as to maximize the space utilization. New formulations and solution methods for the stated four phases are presented. The approach is well suited for a practical application and has been implemented at a large university.