Only Hope remains in the PANDORA's .jar - Pervasive use of planning in a training environment

This paper shortly introduces features of a software system called PANDORA-BOX. It shows a novel use of timeline-based planning as the core element in a dynamic training environment for crisis managers. A trainer is provided with a combination of planning and execution functionalities that allow him to maintain and adapt a "lesson plan" as the basis for the interaction between him and the involved trainees. The training session is based on the concept of Scenario, a set of events and connected possibilities that shape an abstract plan proposed to trainees through a timeline-based system. The PANDORA architecture provides a continuous reactive loop around trainees, and, additionally allows the trainer to directly intervene in the ongoing session giving him a complete, general and advanced view about the evolution of the Scenario.