An application of fuzzy expert systems to strategic investments: the case of Florim S.p.a.

This paper makes use of a fuzzy expert system to evaluate a strategic investment. In particular, the model proposed aims at replicating the actual decision process accomplished by Florim S.p.a., an Italian ceramic tile firm which had the opportunity of buying a firm in the USA. The model is perfectly consistent with the evaluation process conducted by Florim´s experts and on the basis of the same data available to the expert´s panel, our expert system provides the same investment value and therefore the same solution to the decision process.