Ancient Spreadsheets of an Empire and Data to Value (History and Business)

History can tell you much about the world in which we live and how organizations function. We are essentially the same species we have been for tens of thousands of years so how our ancestors did things impact how we do them now. What I found interesting about the following article is that relatively successful empire was based in part on their administrative strength, data and resource use. There is something business people can learn from here.

Spreadsheets and Red Tape of an Empire

While they used tablets and stones we may use AI and graphs/charts. Essentially someone(s) has to make a decision over data. The use of that data can impact an organizations success by reducing inefficiencies and unnecessary bottlenecks in decision making (i.e. red tape).

This study indicates a more mild connection but that data analytics can have value for firms.

Research on Big Data and Business Value

In ancient times they may have written about what resources they had while in modern times we write about what resources we have. No difference other than the accuracy and technology involved. However, new information and data does impact the quality, accurateness, and effectiveness of our decisions even though the same mechanisms exist. i.e. the man in the machine or machine in the man.

Imagine if you had to trade in your Excel Spreadsheets for a chisel (...yikes on complaining!). 😬

What one can take from this is that if one is a manager/executive over resources they will want to consider organizing their entity in a way that understands available resources and how to use them well. That means we may need to build in data inputs and analyze data to capitalizing on opportunity (i.e. basic scientific principles).

If you seek to manage a larger organization you might consider knowing your organization well, learning the basics of data management, and best ways to utilize resources. If you don't understand your organization, it is doubtful you will effectively manage it well in the long run. Thriving organizations make the small and large decisions they need to obtain certain milemarkers.

 “Make the best use of what's in your power and take the rest as it happens.” Epictetus