IM Challenge

Martin Scheffler

Aron Lange

Daniel Miodowski

D-WW-WIWI-1013
MA-WW-BWL-1013

• Diploma / Master
• Major Operations and Logistics Management (primary) or Operations Research (X)

• Protocol with description of the developed algorithm (15 pages)

• Presentation of results (15 min)

• Kick-Off: 04.05.26 - 08.05.26, exact time and location to be announced!
• Editing period until 11.09
• Enrollment in OPAL from 01.04.2026 / 09:00

In contrast to many small scale academic examples, real-world planning problems from production management or logistics can often only be solved with considerable computational effort. For this reason, it has long been common practice in research to solve problems with higher complexity by supporting standard software (e.g. solvers) or to program corresponding solution algorithms.

By facing the IM Challenge, advanced students of master or diploma courses be given the opportunity to familiarize themselves with a defined business problem and then to implement it independently and in a problem-oriented manner. The competition between the participants ("Who achieves the best solution?") provides additional motivation.

IM Challenge 2025




 

The IM Challenge 2026 calls for a solution to a problem posed by DB Regio. The challenge involves creating shift schedules for train attendants, a highly complex planning problem in local rail passenger transport. In particular, when only a portion of all trains is to be staffed, this cannot be modeled using conventional planning systems and solution methods. As part of the Sina project between DB Regio AG and TU Dresden, a new approach to shift scheduling was developed that takes quotas into account and successfully supports planning through a software solution. However, there is still room for continuous improvement, and by participating in the IM Challenge, you can actively contribute to making it better.