01-03-good-timetable.qmd

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title: What is a "good" timetable?
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One of the most challenging aspects of university timetabling is defining what constitutes a "good" timetable. Despite best efforts, it is virtually impossible to deliver universal satisfaction from a university timetable. The quality of a timetable is inherently subjective and varies among stakeholders depending on their preferences and the demands on their time.

Based on surveys across various institutions, students typically prioritise (Dowland, 2018; Norman, 2022):

-   A clash-free timetable
-   Early release of timetables
-   Clear and accurate information
-   Full-year timetable availability
-   Minimal changes after publication
-   Effective communication of any changes
-   Balanced distribution of classes

The above are easy-to-measure deliverables but they do not address what a 'good' timetable should look like; individual stakeholders often have conflicting priorities:

-   **Students** may prefer learning times that align with their personal commitments (e.g. part-time employment or travel)
-   **Academic staff** may prefer teaching times that align with their research or personal commitments.
-   **Administrators** might focus on efficient resource utilisation and institutional sustainability.
-   **Organisational units** may have specific needs for specialised rooms or equipment.

This divergence in preferences and the complex interplay of constraints make it challenging to define and achieve a universally "good" timetable (Lindahl et al., 2018). It is this complexity that sets the stage for this project.

## Consider these timetables:

-   The first timetable is evenly spread over five days. 
-   The second timetable has two days free of activities.
-   The third timetable has activities on five days, with gaps.

Which timetable is better? Is any of them 'good'? The answer is *it depends!* or *none of them!*  

(Click to enlarge)


![](./images/timetable-week-full.png){.gallery-image group="gallery" description="Evenly spread over 5 days.  Tuesday afternoons are heavily scheduled; activities take place over lunch"}

![](./images/timetable-week-mixed.png){.gallery-image group="gallery" description="Two days free of activity (Wednesday and Thursday).  Monday has a single activity at 18:00-19:00"}

![](./images/timetable-week-ns.png){.gallery-image group="gallery" description="Activities on five days.  There are large gaps between activities on Tuesday and Wednesday."}