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  • © 2016

A Guide to Graph Colouring

Algorithms and Applications

Authors:

  • Supported by online suite of graph colouring algorithms, implemented in C++
  • Focuses on state-of-the-art algorithmic solutions to classic problems such as seating plans, sports leagues, and university timetables
  • Suitable for graduate courses in computer science, operations research, mathematics, and engineering
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

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Table of contents (8 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xiv
  2. Introduction to Graph Colouring

    • R. M. R. Lewis
    Pages 1-25
  3. Bounds and Constructive Algorithms

    • R. M. R. Lewis
    Pages 27-54
  4. Advanced Techniques for Graph Colouring

    • R. M. R. Lewis
    Pages 55-77
  5. Algorithm Case Studies

    • R. M. R. Lewis
    Pages 79-109
  6. Applications and Extensions

    • R. M. R. Lewis
    Pages 111-149
  7. Designing Seating Plans

    • R. M. R. Lewis
    Pages 151-167
  8. Designing Sports Leagues

    • R. M. R. Lewis
    Pages 169-193
  9. Designing University Timetables

    • R. M. R. Lewis
    Pages 195-221
  10. Back Matter

    Pages 223-253

About this book

This book treats graph colouring as an algorithmic problem, with a strong emphasis on practical applications. The author describes and analyses some of the best-known algorithms for colouring arbitrary graphs, focusing on whether these heuristics can provide optimal solutions in some cases; how they perform on graphs where the chromatic number is unknown; and whether they can produce better solutions than other algorithms for certain types of graphs, and why.

 

The introductory chapters explain graph colouring, and bounds and constructive algorithms. The author then shows how advanced, modern techniques can be applied to classic real-world operational research problems such as seating plans, sports scheduling, and university timetabling. He includes many examples, suggestions for further reading, and historical notes, and the book is supplemented by a website with an online suite of downloadable code.

 

The book will be of value to researchers, graduate students, and practitioners in the areas of operations research, theoretical computer science, optimization, and computational intelligence. The reader should have elementary knowledge of sets, matrices, and enumerative combinatorics.

Reviews

“The book gives a comprehensive description and handling on arguably one of the most important notions of combinatorics—graph coloring. … The book is nicely written, and carries a big pile of information valuable for both users and researchers in the field.” (András Sándor Pluhár, Mathematical Reviews, February, 2017)

“This well-written book will serve as a utilitarian guide to graph coloring and its practical applications. It includes many definitions, theorems, proofs, algorithms, and pointers for further reading. The book will be helpful for teaching courses on graph coloring to students of mathematics and computer science. I strongly recommend it for the intended audience.” (S. V. Nagaraj, Computing Reviews, computingreviews.com, June, 2016)

“The book is a comprehensive guide to graph colouring algorithms. … The book is a nicetextbook for both undergraduate and graduate students in the areas of operations research and theoretical computer science. … Finally, it is a good source of knowledge for practitioners.” (Marcin Anholcer, zbMATH 1330.05002, 2016)

Authors and Affiliations

  • Cardiff School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom

    R.M.R. Lewis

About the author

Dr. Rhyd Lewis is a lecturer in operational research at Cardiff School of Mathematics, Cardiff University. Previously he was a lecturer in quantitative methods at Cardiff Business School. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Operational Research from Edinburgh Napier University. His research interests cover the analysis and application of metaheuristic algorithms, with particular focus on timetabling, graph colouring, and bin packing, vehicle routing, arc routing, and grouping/partitioning problems, and he has been a program committee member for the key related conferences, such as EvoCop, GECCO, MIC, and PATAT, and he is a cofounder and associate editor of the Intl. J. of Metaheuristics.

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access