Tabu Search Algorithm: Case Study on Classroom Assignment at Universidad Metropolitana

Abstract

The Tabu Search algorithm makes it possible to carry out an optimization methodology whose differential characteristic is the use of adaptive memory and special problem-solving strategies, especially in the distribution of resources. In the Metropolitan University there have been various problems with the classroom assignment, due to student demand, which has been an erratic and difficult for predict behavior, which required the use of optimization tools or programs. For this, a mathematical model was made, where the strong restrictions were raised based on the characteristics of the Metropolitan University and the objective function was set up, to later use it in the tabu search algorithm to evaluate the solutions. After developing the model, the tabu search algorithm was developed, first the data of the academic offer and that of the classrooms provided by the university were processed and the initial solution of the problem was developed, which is used as a starting point. search game. Subsequently, the model was implemented in the algorithm, so that the tabu search seeks to reduce the number of sections where the assigned room does not have the required resources and optimizes the assigned spaces based on the number of students enrolled per section. Subsequently, a system was implemented to be able to visualize the obtained solution more easily and, finally, it was validated that the obtained solution complied with the characteristics of the classroom reform of the Metropolitan University in the 2022 academic period.