An Integer Goal Programming Model to Allocate Offices to Staff in an Academic Institution

This paper investigates the problem of allocating office space to members of staff in an academic institution. We identify several conflicting objectives and formulate an integer pre-emptive goal programming model to address them. Using data from a pilot site of the University of Westminster, UK, we then experiment with alternative rankings of the objectives. Finally, given the plans to consolidate the activities of this university into fewer sites and the resulting need to relocate some staff members, we discuss how this model can be used to ensure that this process is carried out with the least possible inconvenience.