Fuzzy cognitive mapping to appraise complex situations

Abstract

The manner in which different societies and cultures utilise the natural environment for various activities can be myriad and complex to analyse. Whilst experience and the use of accepted methodologies have taught practitioners how to handle many of the issues and controversies linked to the sustainability impacts of proposed initiatives, many of these impacts are more controversial in nature. Systems thinking, based on fuzzy concepts, can provide some initial answers to the question of how to improve communication between heterogeneous groups of stakeholders because it demonstrates a greater respect for the knowledge of communities affected by various regeneration initiatives. Using the 2004 Olympics as a case study, the authors report on the potential applications of fuzzy cognitive mapping as a participatory approach for collecting, analysing and representing information from multiple stakeholders.

Notes

1 Figure 2: The IOC is a profit-maximising enterprise. There was a feeling of optimism that Greece and Athens would deliver a sporting competition of excellence. However, the pre-event period showed that the decision to bid for (and consequently host) the event was not based on the community's current concerns but on political propaganda. Bad planning resulted in time and money shortages. The construction of several unnecessary projects would negatively affect the environment. The current structure of the Olympics makes it difficult to identify any socio-cultural messages. Greece as a nation has other more important priorities, i.e. environmental preservation, social security, regional economic development. Further, it is hard to identify any long lasting legacy benefits because (1) these new infrastructure projects should have been constructed many years ago and (2) there were not any strategic plans so that the host community would continue to enjoy the benefits after the event is gone. Different activity centres failed to collaborate, there were incidents of political opacity and corruption, the methods used to manage the project cannot improve communication, and the public remains in the dark regarding important ‘Olympic’ issues.