Common Representation of Information Flows for Dynamic Coalitions

We propose a formal foundation for reasoning about access control policies within a Dynamic Coalition, defining an abstraction over existing access control models and providing mechanisms for translation of those models into information-flow domain. The abstracted information-flow domain model, called a Common Representation, can then be used for defining a way to control the evolution of Dynamic Coalitions with respect to information flow

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Dynamic coalitions are temporary alliances formed between agents in order to achieve specific business goals. Such coalitions can vary widely in architecture, scale, complexity and lifetime. Few techniques have so far emerged to assist in the analysis and design of coalitions. We apply formal model-oriented techniques to help structure the space of dynamic coalitions, with an emphasis on modelling information flow. A series of models is developed in VDM, each emphasising a different ``dimension' ' of the space. These are used to characterise a new dynamic coalition architecture under development for the chemical engineering industry. Tool-supported analysis of this formal model has identified potential improvements in the coalition architecture

Formal modelling of dynamic coalitions, with an application in chemical engineering

Abstract — Dynamic coalitions are temporary alliances formed between agents in order to achieve specific business goals. Such coalitions can vary widely in architecture, scale, complexity and lifetime. Few techniques have so far emerged to assist in the analysis and design of coalitions. We apply formal modeloriented techniques to help structure the space of dynamic coalitions, with an emphasis on modelling information flow. A series of models is developed in VDM, each emphasising a different “dimension ” of the space. These are used to characterise a new dynamic coalition architecture under development for the chemical engineering industry. Tool-supported analysis of this formal model has identified potential improvements in the coalition architecture. I

Dimensions of dynamic coalitions

Developments in network technology are enabling organisations to form temporary alliances to achieve specific goals. Such alliances are often referred to as "dynamic coalitions", emphasising the fluid character of their memberships. Dynamic coalitions vary widely in architecture, scale and complexity, ranging from ad hoc groupings of organisations created in order to perform a very brief transaction to long-running collaborations between allies. In many cases, there is significant sharing of information between the participants. The term "dynamic coalitions " is often used without definition, giving rise to potential confusion and unfulfilled expectations. This paper attempts to map out a space of dynamic coalitions, using a systematic approach supported by a formal (mathematically-based) modelling language. Seven "dimensions " are identified and explored, with an emphasis on the flow of information through coalitions. A case study examines software being developed to support dynamic coalitions within the chemical engineering industry. The forms of dynamic coalitions that this softwar