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Comparison of Integer Programming (IP) Solvers for Automated Test Assembly (ATA) ATA IP

Author(s):
Donoghue, John R.
Publication Year:
2015
Report Number:
RR–15-05
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
45
Subject/Key Words:
Automated Test Assembly (ATA), Integer Programming (IP), Test Assembly

Abstract

At the heart of van der Linden's approach to automated test assembly (ATA) is a linear programming/integer programming (LP/IP) problem. A variety of IP solvers are available, ranging in cost from free to hundreds of thousands of dollars. In this paper, I compare several approaches to solving the underlying IP problem. These approaches range from traditional computer programming, through LP/IP-specific modeling languages, to plug-ins for common software such as Excel. The features of several of the major IP solvers are briefly reviewed, describing which of the features are more or less useful in the context of ATA. The appendices include a list of resources that I have found particularly useful.

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