Hierarchical Impact: Modeling Organizational Hierarchy in Examination Proctor Assignments

Abstract

Purpose – This research aims to maintain examination integrity optimizing the proctor assignments under personnel shortages at a vertically organized university. Design/methodology/approach In this study, the maturation of a Linear Mixed-Integer Programming model is processed over many iterations of a cyclical evaluation procedure. During these cycles, many of the constraints were reformulated as their flexible versions and the model evolved into a 2-phased multiple objective decision-making (MODM) problem. The subproblems of the overall MODM are tackled with a branch-and-cut algorithm. Results – By including the middle managers in the model maturation procedure, an optimal allocation of students to the designated rooms and an optimal schedule for the proctoring personnel are obtained. This optimality is defined for the many goals and constraints defined during debates, and the final outcome minimizes the total number of duties, reflects the hierarchy to the planned workload, and maintains in-group fairness. Discussion – This research is a case study in which workloads for proctors of different hierarchy levels are considered for their compliance with a geometric sequence. The post-application feedback from stakeholders (middle managers, proctoring personnel) implies demand for the inclusion of some additional criteria but approves in-group fairness, acceptability of inter-group workload differences, and optimal management of staff shortage. The proposed formulations add a resource for decision-makers who are dealing with problems with nature.