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A roommate problem and room allocation in dormitories using mathematical modeling and multi-attribute decision-making techniques

Alireza Khalili-Fard (School of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran)
Reza Tavakkoli-Moghaddam (School of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran and Research Center of Performance and Productivity Analysis, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey)
Nasser Abdali (School of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran)
Mohammad Alipour-Vaezi (Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech College of Engineering, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA)
Ali Bozorgi-Amiri (School of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran)

Journal of Modelling in Management

ISSN: 1746-5664

Article publication date: 19 February 2024

Issue publication date: 11 October 2024

225

Abstract

Purpose

In recent decades, the student population in dormitories has increased notably, primarily attributed to the growing number of international students. Dormitories serve as pivotal environments for student development. The coordination and compatibility among students can significantly influence their overall success. This study aims to introduce an innovative method for roommate selection and room allocation within dormitory settings.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, initially, using multi-attribute decision-making methods including the Bayesian best-worst method and weighted aggregated sum product assessment, the incompatibility rate among pairs of students is calculated. Subsequently, using a linear mathematical model, roommates are selected and allocated to dormitory rooms pursuing the twin objectives of minimizing the total incompatibility rate and costs. Finally, the grasshopper optimization algorithm is applied to solve large-sized instances.

Findings

The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in comparison to two common alternatives, i.e. random allocation and preference-based allocation. Moreover, the proposed method’s applicability extends beyond its current context, making it suitable for addressing various matching problems, including crew pairing and classmate pairing.

Originality/value

This novel method for roommate selection and room allocation enhances decision-making for optimal dormitory arrangements. Inspired by a real-world problem faced by the authors, this study strives to offer a robust solution to this problem.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Funding: No specific grant was given to this research by funding organizations in the public, private or not-for-profit sectors.

Declaration of competing interest: None.

Declaration of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process: The authors used Chat-GPT Version 3.5 during the writing of the study to enhance readability and language. The authors examine and amend the text as necessary after using this service, and they are solely responsible for the publication’s content.

Citation

Khalili-Fard, A., Tavakkoli-Moghaddam, R., Abdali, N., Alipour-Vaezi, M. and Bozorgi-Amiri, A. (2024), "A roommate problem and room allocation in dormitories using mathematical modeling and multi-attribute decision-making techniques", Journal of Modelling in Management, Vol. 19 No. 5, pp. 1404-1433. https://doi.org/10.1108/JM2-09-2023-0214

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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