The general equations are next applied to the case of a magnetic disturbance propagated through a non-conductive field, and it is shown that the only disturbances which can be so propagated are those which are transverse to the direction of propagation, and that the velocity of propagation is the velocity v, which expresses the number of electrostatic units of electricity which are contained in one electromagnetic unit. This velocity is so nearly that of light, that it seems we have strong reason to conclude that light itself (including radiant heat, and other radiations if any) is an electromagnetic disturbance in the form of waves propagated through the electromagnetic field according to electromagnetic laws.

James Clerk Maxwell, A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field, 1864

Maxwell’s unification of electric and magnetic forces represented the first step in the unification of all known forces, and required a complete paradigm shift in the way in which scientists approached the fields, for each was now intimately linked to the other, and could not be tampered with in isolation. In the business world, we are also increasingly forced to confront our certainties and question our beliefs to realign theory and practice, strategy and execution. Such ideologic revolutions must take place as soon as misalignments come to the surface; for negating their existence will, in the long term, backfire.

The process begins by describing the over-arching vision that is to guide the firm’s operations and discussing whether it is at odds with the experimental proof as to how operations are conducted. The rest is communication: the defined vision must be made available to everyone within the company, to ensure everyone is working within the same frame of reference.

Then comes the need to determine and officialise valid problem-solving techniques to tackle strategic operationalisation. The correct transformations must be applied to allow for decision making processes, backed by an official system of governance with clear-cut roles and responsibilities. The evaluation of operational results concludes the process, to ensure that the solution to the problems is consistent with the outlined strategic intentions.

IKU Consulting can move your company up by helping you define your strategy and communicating it throughout your organisation; and setting in place a governance system inclusive of a decision-making process to facilitate its conversion to action.