The results of adaptive systems are hypothetical unless they have been tested. Adaptive system testing implies testing their functionality and requires a precise design of the tests. The “trial and error” approach is not functional.
Pilot tests are the drivers of the unicist reflection processes. Pilot tests have two objectives:
- Defining the limits of the functionalist knowledge
- Validation of the functionalist knowledge
The approach to problems in adaptive environments, requires finding the limits of the validity of a given knowledge. To do so, it is necessary to develop experiences in homologous fields until the limits of validity are found.
Two elements are homologous when they have the same “functionality”. A whale and a dog (an extreme example) are homologous if they are considered as mammals. A dollar and a yen are homologous considering that they are both monies.
These two cases demonstrate that homology can be total or partial. When the knowledge necessary to influence a reality is confirmed in a totally homologous field, then it is naturally secure knowledge. The extreme condition of this example is the homology of two identical elements.
This confirmation process is a destructive test for knowledge that is applied to realities with incomplete homologies. The destruction occurs when a condition is found to demonstrate the fallacy of the knowledge.
The Reflection Process
Reflection is the process to approach adaptive realities in their functionality, finding their functional oneness. It uses the pilot tests as an input and as the output. The output of a reflection process is the functionality of something.
The unicist approach defines that every functional reality evolves based on a unique concept that rules its evolution.
That is the reason of the name unicist: one functional reality = one concept.
Simple problems can be approached using a factual, reasonable, and psychological approach. Complex problems, which are the problems in adaptive environments, require the apprehension of their functionality. The apprehension of their functionality requires the discovery or rediscovery of their concepts.
Real Case Solutions
The program works as a teaching hospital in business. Therefore, it is based on a real case solution that generates value in a company. The benefits produced by the solution that is developed need to exceed the investment in the educational activity.
The Program
The programs of the functionalist education are problem driven and not thematic driven.
The pilot test driven reflection program is based on the management of the feedback of real applications to improve them until they become reliable, and the scope of their functionality has been confirmed. It requires managing the functionalist principles of the processes and their context.
Apprehending the functionality of a reality means exerting influence on the environment, which is limited by the inertia of such environment, to be able to achieve the results of the unicist reflection process.
The program includes managing the different levels of pilot test driven reflection.
- Intuitive Projection
- Rational Projection
- Introjecting Reality
- Focusing on Reality
- Universalizing Reality
Intuitive Projection
The “reflecting outside” stage deals with the projection of our own preconceptions and implies comparing them with the facts of reality or with other people’s preconceptions.
Rational Projection
The intuitive projection needs to be justified. This justification is what we call the rational projection. Justifications differ structurally from foundations.
Introjecting Reality
Reality is introjected to be able to influence the environment. The objective is to develop a strategy that allows influencing while being influenced.
Focusing on Reality
Focusing on reality implies the integration on two focuses. On the one hand, the focus on the environment, which means trying to integrate with it and accept its influence.
Universalizing Reality
The essence of a reality has been apprehended when its universality has been discovered. It is the highest level of apprehension of the functionality.
The Solution Building Process
The 4th Industrial Revolution introduced business adaptability and customer orientation as core values for business organization. In this context, unicist strategy is a value adding strategy that emulates the intelligence of nature and allows managing businesses as adaptive systems.
In fact, businesses of any kind have been and will always be adaptive entities. As any natural or artificial adaptive entity, they are driven by the adaptive functionality of their processes. This adaptability is driven by:
- Binary actions
- Business objects
- The use of catalysts
- Pilot testing
1) Unicist Binary Actions
The functionality of adaptive systems and businesses is based on the development of binary actions that are synchronized actions that avoid reactions from the environment by matching the concepts that underlie the system. The propulsion and the lift of an airplane are an example of how binary actions work. Binary actions are part of the nature of any adaptive system.
2) Unicist Business Objects
Adaptive systems, including businesses, are driven by objects, which are encapsulated adaptive systems to generate results. Objects Include synchronized binary actions to work. The organs of the human body are an example of objects. The organization by objects is what makes businesses adaptive. Therefore, businesses have no variables because their functions are interdependent.
The use of variables to manage businesses is a palliative. Variables only exist in non-adaptive systems. The adaptability of non-adaptive businesses is personal efficacy dependent.
3) Unicist Business Catalysts
Adaptive systems, including businesses, are sustained by catalysts. Among the most well-known catalysts in biology are the enzymes that catalyze multiple processes to ensure the survival and evolution of living beings.
Catalysts expand the possibilities of the functionality of an adaptive system, while they accelerate processes by increasing the efficiency of their processes. The lack of catalysts or their insufficiency, kills businesses in the short or long-term.
4) Pilot Testing
Pilot testing provides the information of the validity of the solutions and the results that can be expected when using the solutions.
Some of the companies that use business objects and catalysts are: Airbus, Amazon, Apple, BBC, Boeing, Dassault Systemes, Dupont, Ericsson, Facebook, General Electric, Google, Hilton, Honda, Hyundai, LinkedIn, Lufthansa, Mapfre, Mayo Clinic, Michelin, Novartis, Open Text, P&G, Pfizer, SAP, Siemens, Tata Motors, Toyota, Unilever, Walmart, Walt Disney World and YouTube.
Leadership of the Program
The initial programs are led by Professors of the Unicist Corporate University, but the program also includes the possibility of transferring the technology to be managed by executives of the companies.
Collaboration Space
All the participants of the functionalist educational programs are invited to participate in the recently opened Collaboration Space where they can share experiences with others.
https://www.unicist.org/scientific-collaboration/
