Towards a reference model for timetabling and rostering

Timetabling and rostering research often starts from particular real world problems. The last two decennia have seen a large number of papers discussing cases, models and approaches. This large body of papers does not presently consitute a structured domain that provides guidelines for addressing particular problem instances, nor does it allow identifying gaps where new research is needed. In this paper, we instigate a structured model for timetabling and rostering. We present a basic structure for the integrated staff planning and rostering problem. The model can only result in a valid and efficient tool through the input of multiple disciplines. We give a first formal description for short term nurse rostering. Specific problems are positioned in this model.