A Generalization of the AL method for Fair Allocation of Indivisible Objects

We consider the assignment problem in which agents express ordinal preferences over $m$ objects and the objects are allocated to the agents based on the preferences. In a recent paper, Brams, Kilgour, and Klamler (2014) presented the AL method to compute an envy-free assignment for two agents. The AL method crucially depends on the assumption that agents have strict preferences over objects. We generalize the AL method to the case where agents may express indifferences and prove the axiomatic properties satisfied by the algorithm. As a result of the generalization, we also get a $O(m)$ speedup on previous algorithms to check whether a complete envy-free assignment exists or not. Finally, we show that unless P=NP, there can be no polynomial-time extension of GAL to the case of arbitrary number of agents

Tailoring the curriculum to fit students’ needs: Designing and improving a language course at Dhaka University - Bangladesh

The assessment of students’ language needs is a crucial pre-requisite in EAP (English for Academic purposes) curriculum development. Effective needs analysis leads to the specification of objectives for a course at the same time considering the available resources and existing constraints. This leads to curriculum design and choice of methodology, which is implemented through appropriately selected teaching materials. This paper presents the findings of a research study undertaken at the Business Studies Faculty of Dhaka University. A needs analysis was conducted on ninety students of three departments of the Business Studies Faculty to assess their English language needs. A corresponding needs analysis was conducted on faculty members to find out their perceptions of their students’ English language needs. Several procedures, namely questionnaires, interviews and classroom observations, were used to gather information about the objective needs of the students and teaching staff. Analysis of the findings of this needs analysis revealed that some perceptions of the two groups converged to some extent but there was also some incongruency that needed to be addressed. The EAP course that was being used was evaluated in order to negotiate a more effective curriculum that would address the needs of all the stakeholders involved