Analysis and modeling of cooperative processes in dynamic and complex environments

The theme of this research is assistance to team activities in a command situation. The framework is the introduction of a computer system into a team working in distributed mode (regimental command post, abbreviated CP). The system has not been subjected to a specific analysis as concerns horizontal cooperation within the CP. Data is transmitted to the CP in multiple modes and from multiple sources and is characterized by incompleteness, uncertainty, and requires both individual and group inferences to build up the tactical situation. We analyzed video tape recordings of simulation exercises and an operational control exercise in the field and attempted to model the proxemic cooperative process in this dynamic environment. The analysis proceeded in two phases: quantitative and qualitative. The qualitative analysis crystallized the idea of a proxemic multi-addressing zone of gradual involvement in a dynamic, complex environment which, in conceptual terms, prompted a number of different lines of thought