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International Conference on the Practice and Theory of Automated Timetabling

PATAT 2006: Practice and Theory of Automated Timetabling VI pp 3–23Cite as

A Perspective on Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice in University Timetabling

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Part of the Lecture Notes in Computer Science book series (LNTCS,volume 3867)

Abstract

The study of the relationship and interaction between the work carried out in the academic literature and the requirements of university administrators is essential if ideas generated by research are to benefit every-day users. Conversely, it is crucial that the needs of the timetabling community influence the direction taken by research if high-quality practical solutions are to be produced. A main objective of the work presented here is to provide up-to-date information which will enable researchers to further investigate the area of timetabling research in relation to the generation of robust and flexible techniques which can cope with complexities experienced during implementation in ‘real world’ scenarios. Furthermore, although not discussed here in detail, it is essential, from a commercial perspective, that these developed leading edge techniques are incorporated and used within general applicable timetabling tools. The aim of this paper is to motivate the discussion required to bridge this timetabling gap by bringing timetabling research and educational requirements closer together.

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  1. School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Queen’s University, University Road, Belfast BT7 1NNN, Ireland

    Barry McCollum

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Edmund K. Burke Hana Rudová

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McCollum, B. (2007). A Perspective on Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice in University Timetabling. In: Burke, E.K., Rudová, H. (eds) Practice and Theory of Automated Timetabling VI. PATAT 2006. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 3867. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-77345-0_1

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