Formulation of qualitative models using fuzzy logic

Formulation of qualitative models for complex decision problems exhibiting less structure, more imprecision and uncertainty is not adequately addressed in DSS research. Typical characteristics and requirements of such problems prohibit the development of DSS using knowledge based system development methodologies. This paper presents a methodology for formulation of qualitative models using fuzzy logic to handle the imprecision and uncertainty in the problem domain. The problem domain, in this methodology, is represented using problem-solving knowledge, environmental knowledge, and control knowledge components. A high level non-procedural language for representing these components of knowledge is illustrated using a project selection and resource allocation problem. The paper also describes the implementation of a prototype decision support environment based on this methodology.