Modelagem de programação dinâmica para sequenciamento de planos curriculares no ensino superior

Abstract

This thesis develops a system that seeks viable solutions through Dynamic Programming for the problem of sequencing of disciplines that a student of the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Caxias do Sul needs to take to complete the course, whether he is late or not. Usually, students look for Course Coordinators to plan their academic life, with the sequencing of the next disciplines as part of this planning. The aim is to propose a tool to assist the Coordinators at these times. The mapping of the curriculum matrix reveals the relationship of prerequisites present in it, and the definition of the actors involved elucidates the role of each one in the process. The problem was then defined by the terms of Dynamic Programming, and the system that seeks viable solutions for it was built. This work contains diagrams of the functioning and structure of this system, as well as internal decision-making processes. The functioning of the system was tested through scenarios that simulated specific situations such as: replicating the curriculum matrix or meeting the student's expectations when critical subjects of the prerequisite network are late. When the system did not find viable solutions for these scenarios, it was possible to identify the cause and propose adaptations to the actors' inputs that would result in at least one sequencing. Points were identified for the improvement of the return function, such as the balance between disciplines and workload of decisions and the prioritization of disciplines that have prerequisite relationships. Through this optimization it was possible to find the shortest paths within the boundaries imposed by the disciplines and the actors. After system development and testing with scenarios are completed, objectives are raised for future work, which aim to enhance the tool. Among which are the expansion to the other courses of the institution, review and improvement of the necessary inputs of the actors and tests with real situations. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]