Impacts of Scheduling Algorithms on Resource Availability

Abstract

Cost and space constraints typically limit the provision of many educational resources, with laboratory apparatus being a common example. This limitation is often ameliorated by utilizing scheduling techniques to manage access over an extended period of time. The specific scheduling algorithms that are used have been shown to have a significant impact on the overall availability of a set of resources and hence the level of access that can be supported. This paper considers ways in which these scheduling algorithms can be enhanced and the resulting impacts. Whilst the results are illustrated through their application to remote laboratory access, the implications are equally applicable to scheduling of access to any constrained resource.