Abstract. In crisis, decisions must be made in human perceptual timeframes under pressure to respond to dynamic uncertain conditions. To be effective management must have access to real time environmental data in a form that can be immediately understood and acted upon. The emerging computing model of Dynamic Data-Driven Application Systems (DDDAS) fits well in crisis situations where rapid decision-making is essential. We explore the value of a DDDAS (iRevive) in support of emergency medical treatment decisions in response to a crisis. This complex multi-layered dynamic environment both feeds and responds to an ever-changing stream of real-time data that enables coordinated decision-making by heterogeneous personnel across a wide geography at the same time.

A Dynamic Business Network is a distinct system of participants (customers, suppliers, complimentors, competitors, service providers) that use the network to achieve customer satisfaction and profitability and where participants and relationships evolve over time. However, unpredictability and rapid change in a Dynamic Business Network creates a significant challenge in implementing and supporting business application software. Traditional information systems implementation methods require an a priori design and are built for a particular purpose for use over an extended period of time. Loosely coupled business networks change interrelationships between nodes both quickly and frequently, thus providing little or no notice for planning, implementing, or changing the supporting applications. The dynamic sourcing capabilities of the emerging Web Services framework provide a key to enabling these complex eco-systems. We explore the strategic and technological dimensions of Web Services and describe how they can be used to support dynamic business networks.

Control by rebels and criminal gangs over the commerce in electronic metals originating in the DR Congo allows rebels to expand their control over mineral deposits, prey on civilians, and perpetuate conflict with considerable cost to civilians. International efforts to reinforce the DR Congo government's capacity to deal with the problem have had little effect. The tin industry has introduced its own certification scheme to keep conflict minerals out of the supply chain, to regulate the market, and to reduce the militarization at mining sites. The question is whether donors and international agencies will accept a partnership with the private sector for performing these essential public functions.

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Firms invest heavily to develop on-line cooperative systems in the hope of creating unique value in the minds of their customers. However, when system use begins to decline, firms are faced with a major challenge: where should they invest to increase their customer's motivation to engage in the use of their system? This research applies empowerment theory to explore the factors that motivate persistent voluntary engagement with cooperative information systems.