Fuzzy verification of service value networks

Abstract

Service Value Networks (SVNs) represent a flexible design for service suppliers to offer attractive value propositions to final customers. Furthermore, networked services can satisfy more complex customer needs than single services acting on their own. Although, SVNs can cover complex needs, there is usually a mismatch between what the SVNs offer and what the customer needs. We present a framework to achieve SVN composition by means of the propose-critique-modify (PCM) problem-solving method and a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS). Whereas the PCM method composes alternative SVNs given some customer need, the FIS verifies the fitness of the composed SVNs for the given need. Our framework offers not only an interactive dialogue in which the customer can refine the composed SVNs but also visualizes the final composition, by making use of e 3-valuemodels. Finally, the applicability of our approach is shown by means of a case study in the educational service sector. © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.