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Fuzzy cognitive maps as a decision support tool for container transport logistics

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Abstract

In this paper we present Fuzzy Cognitive Maps, a well established decision making technique that combines Artificial Neural Networks and Fuzzy Logic, for making decisions regarding Container Transport Logistics. A Fuzzy Cognitive Map is created based on the knowledge extracted by a domain expert. Based on this knowledge, a model of the interactions and causal relations among various key Logistics factors is created. The evolution of this Fuzzy Cognitive Map, imitates the cognitive processes of a decision maker during reasoning. Having the FCM created, it is examined both statically and dynamically. A number of scenarios are introduced and the decision making capabilities of the technique are presented by simulating these scenarios and finding the predicted outcomes according to the evolution of the FCM model and the expert’s knowledge. FCM’s predicted consequences of specific decisions can be valuable to decision makers since they can test their decisions and proceed with them only if the results are desirable.

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Acknowledgments

The research of Athanasios Tsadiras has been co-financed by the European Union (European Social Fund—ESF) and Greek national funds through the Operational Program “Education and Lifelong Learning” of the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF)—Research Funding Program: Thales. Investing in knowledge society through the European Social Fund.

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  1. Department of Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Athanasios Tsadiras & George Zitopoulos

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  1. Athanasios Tsadiras
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  2. George Zitopoulos
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Correspondence to Athanasios Tsadiras.

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Tsadiras, A., Zitopoulos, G. Fuzzy cognitive maps as a decision support tool for container transport logistics. Evolving Systems 8, 19–33 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12530-016-9161-9

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