Classroom Occupancy-based Human Resource Optimization using Sensor- and WiFi-based Location Tracking

• Author / Creator

  Verma, Preshit

• This thesis presents a framework for dynamic allocation of human resources in operations and maintenance based on occupancy of university classrooms using sensor- and WiFi-based location tracking. It includes case studies where 125 classrooms at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, are monitored to determine occupancy by using WiFi and heat sensor-based indoor location tracking. The optimal usage of human resources based on a university’s classroom occupancy and enablement of coordinated human resource utilization are the main objectives of this research. Humans act as an important central figure in accomplishing numerous operations and maintenance tasks. WiFi and sensor-based indoor location tracking in classrooms enables management systems to identify near real-time classroom occupancy and assists in augmenting workforce allocation based on the observed usage patterns in university classrooms. Furthermore, a comparative analysis is conducted between university schedule-based occupancy models, WiFi-based location tracking systems, and heat sensor occupancy counters to determine the most efficient method of human resource allocation for facility management operations in university classrooms. Based on classroom occupancy density indicators, a rating system is developed to relate classroom usage with human resources allocated for custodial purposes, inspection, and maintenance of classroom facilities for dynamic allocation of human resources. The resulting time and cost savings in facility operations and maintenance services (based on the case study of University of Alberta classrooms) show that dynamic human resource allocation based on real-time classroom occupancy can reduce wastage of human resources. Keywords: human resource optimization; indoor location tracking; university classroom occupancy; WiFi; heat sensor occupancy counters; cost savings; occupancy density indicators.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • University classroom occupancy
  • Indoor location tracking
  • Cost savings
  • Occupancy density indicators
  • Heat sensor occupancy counters
  • Human resource optimization
  • WiFi

• Graduation date

  Spring 2017

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3HT2GQ36

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.