Reduce Event Congestion Poorly organised schedules, or those constructed without efficient algorithms often lead to much higher levels of congestion and crowding. Many schools simply accept this problem, as they are unaware there are simple solutions – or are unaware there is such a direct relationship between scheduling methods and capacity problems within the venue. EdvalPTN reduces parent congestion by a significant amount, leading to reduce noise, crowding, parent irritation, confusion, facility use like parking, tea and coffee facilities, toilets, availability of seating and a wide range of other issues. Reduced congestion also enables consideration of a wider choice of venues, such as a smaller, air conditioned library compared to a breezy school hall. When considering the participant numbers at any event, consider the numbers of teachers, the number of interviews in progress at any one time, and the number of parents idle. Also consider the fact that many parents will attend as a couple, or may bring other people to the event – including their children. Congestion in EdvalPTN is measured directly per slot, but does not take into account the fact that most parents will arrive at the venue earlier than their first interview, or may stay slightly later. Examine the event statistics as well as the congestion table in EdvalPTN, and observe the maximum and average levels of parent congestion. Consider if the maximum levels of congestion are acceptable for the venue selected. Consider adjusting meal break timing as this can often result in noticeable reduction to event crowding. Identify the optimum time and ensure there is few or no parents forced to wait at the venue over a staff meal break for their remaining interviews. Graph participant numbers to see trends. If there are unacceptably high numbers of interviews at the start of the event, you may want to set some key staff to commence later. This reduced availability will push some parents out of the busy time and ensure there is a lower, better balanced level of event crowding overall. The key consideration is reducing the spikes in crowding as these have the biggest impact. Lower the longest acceptable parent wait time in EdvalPTN. This reduces congestion by dropping parent interviews if they will cause excessive parent waiting – hence these parents are not hanging around the venue for long periods and contributing to crowding. Lower the limit on the number of interviews parents can take in EdvalPTN, as this lowers congestion Increase the event time range, or reduce the interview slot duration, as these will provide more flexibility and ensure interviews can be better spread over time, which lowers congestion. |