Application of Fuzzy Decision Support Systems in IT Industry Functioning

The information technology (IT) market occupies a significant place in the world's economy and in times of rapid digitalization will only continue to increase its influence. Under conditions of environment's increased functioning entropy caused by crises or military conflicts, the importance of IT industry's stable functioning can't be overstated. This paper considers the possibility of fuzzy decision support systems (DSS) efficient usage to forecast and predict the dynamics of IT industry functioning at a scope of a single country, using Ukraine's IT industry as an example. The software platform used for demonstration purposes is the authentically designed fuzzy DSS FuzzyKIDE. The mathematical basis of platform's functioning is fuzzy logic, which makes it possible to take into account the influences of a set of factors of different nature and obtain a reasonable assessment with potentially inaccurate information. The structure of DSS is offered, using a combined model of the semantic network and fuzzy implication rules. Fuzzy rules are based on predetermined relationships between key influence factors, the analysis of which is offered as well. The use of the DSS is aimed at forming a holistic forecast of IT industry development. The operation of the DSS is demonstrated on the example of Ukraine's IT industry functioning in different points in time. Comparing the conclusions of the DSS with the historical statistical data of Ukraine's IT industry functioning proves the feasibility of fuzzy DSS usage.