Constraint-Informed Information Systems in Space Management Utilization

Declarative techniques such as Constraint Programming can be very effective in modeling and assisting management decisions. We present a method for managing university classrooms which extends the previous design of a Constraint-Informed Information System to generate the timetables while dealing with spatial resource optimization issues. We seek to maximize space utilization along two dimensions: classroom use and occupancy rates. While we want to maximize the room use rate, we still need to satisfy the soft constraints which model students’ and lecturers’ preferences. We present a constraint logic programming-based local search method which relies on an evaluation function that combines room utilization and timetable soft preferences. Based on this, we developed a tool which we applied to the improvement of classroom allocation in a University. Comparing the results to the current timetables obtained without optimizing space utilization, the initial versions of our tool manages to reach a 30% improvement in space utilization, while preserving the quality of the timetable, both for students and lecturers.

SEAMS SCHOOL FINAL REPORT

In this school, we introduced the basis of the mathematical analysis to study differential equations (ordinary and partial). One aim to prepare students and staff members for more concrete problems arising in mathematical modeling in engineering and biological processes. Theoretical and numerical lectures were given, with a presentation of free scientific computing software using Python. A website and a drive were created to facilitate exchanges between students, lecturers and organizers: The school was sponsored by CIMPA (Centre International de Mathématiques Pures et Appliquées) IMU (International Mathematical Union) ISP (International Science Programme) NUOL (National University of Laos) Erasmus Mundus ERDF – Picardie Region Beerlao ETL3G