Survivability Design in Hostile Environments

Lessons from Squids, Ships, Startups, and Supply Chains

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel ERP model of survivability design using natural analogies. Management theories frequently emerge from biological metaphors. Every entity seeks to continue existence, to survive. Firms, governments and individuals balance survivability factors of efficiency, resilience, and prominence (ERP) to stay alive. The researchers employ a comparative analysis methodology between squids, military ships, startup firms in the defense industry and strategic supply chains using these analogies and novel ERP model as an analytical framework. Comparing the cases yields general principles of strategic design that potentially extend to other entities that function in hostile environments. These principles primarily relate to the relative significance of threats, the importance of ERP factors, the nature of interrelationships among the ERP factors, and the tradeoffs involved while taking actions to improve survivability. The paper offers insights into the use of ERP analogical case analysis as a means for interdependent entities to co-create strategies to plan for and overcome dilemmas in hostile environments.