A knapsack problem approach for selecting university student club activities
List of Authors
  • Marylen Anak Mathew , Norazura Ahmad

Keyword
  • Student Club Activities, Knapsack Problem, Integer Programming

Abstract
  • In educational contexts, catering to students' choices and interests in extracurricular activities is critical for increasing engagement and happiness. In this study, we show how a knapsack problem technique can be used to pick student events organised by a traditional dance group at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). Interviews and questionnaires were utilised to compile a list of activities as well as students' preferences for those activities. Lingo 21.0.33 was used to construct and solve a 0-1 integer programming model that maximises students' preferences for the selected activities. Given the RM18000 cost constraint, the Bidasari Club committee would need to spend no more than RM16500 over the semester to run all seven selected activities. The knapsack approach used in this study may be useful for other organizations in decision making for item selection.

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