A timetable production system architecture for courses and exams

The production of a timetable for courses and exams in an academic institution is a periodic activity, the frequency of which depends on the institution: yearly, semi-annually, or quarterly. A timetable must satisfy all the hard constraints and as many soft constraints as possible. Timetable construction is one step in timetable production. Since it is a very complex activity, the use of software helps carrying it out. In this article, we propose to analyze timetable construction from a broader point of view. We will consider the full range of timetable production activities from data gathering and data input to timetable delivery, including construction. We analyzed the information flow required for timetable production. It led us to understand the characteristics of such systems. Timetable production can be automated by using databases, a Web site, and timetable construction software. We propose a generic architecture of a timetable production system for courses and exams. We’ve developed that architecture around two fundamental qualities of software development: openness and extensibility.