SUPPLY OF, AND DEMAND FOR, A RESOURCE - FUZZY LOGISTICAL OPTIMIZATIONTECHNIQUE

Fuzzy logistical analysis for exploiting a resource helps determine th e relative strengths and weaknesses of various supply-demand chains li nking alternative sources (in the supply sector) to. their final point s of use (in the demand sector). There are benefits and constraints as sociated with each supply and demand sector. Fuzzy theory is applied t o the logistical optimisation of these sectors in order to assess the relative importance or degree of association between the supply and de mand determinants, which therefore should influence the decisions made for the exploitation strategies adopted for different sectors. Each s upply determinant is related to each demand determinant. From their re lative values of association, the relationship corresponding to each s upply-demand pathway can be calculated and compared with those for the remaining pathways. Such information is valuable, for example when de vising and implementing strategies affecting waste management and the recycling of materials and/or energy.