About this site

Welcome!

I am Sree Hameed, the primary author of this blog site, an independent publication focused on the structure and workings of manufacturing businesses and value chains.

Does business have a shape?

In nature, shape and structure is important because it directly impacts an organism's ability to survive and thrive. Nature’s rich variety is classified along kingdoms (animal, plant, fungus, etc.), where each species possesses a certain structure and often unique shape that is designed to serve a particular purpose within nature as well as ensure its survival and adaptation through the evolutionary process.

A business system is no different. Shape matters.

Physical shapes

Digital shapes

The relevance of shape and structure is something I've been thinking about for a while (since 2011 when I first put my thoughts to paper.)

Why now?

Earlier this year (2024) I happened to come across Conway's Law:

Organizations which design systems are constrained to produce designs which are copies of the communication structures of these organizations.
- Melvin Conway, How Do Committees Invent? (1967)

I am often labeled as a PowerPoint person. As someone who processes information in visual terms, PowerPoint has been my go-to "canvas" to sketch out my thoughts and ideas, to organize and represent concepts and narratives through visual structures and shapes.

The industrial business landscape - and in particular, manufacturing operations where I've spent the last 10 years - has been a rewarding playground to explore, learn, analyze - and explain via my slideware.

Since my visual concepts and illustrations tend to be well-received, subscribers will get access to the PowerPoint slides for their own use. And should you feel inspired, crediting this site as a source will be much appreciated (but not required.) The other advantage of subscribing is that new content gets sent straight to your inbox!

What is my goal with this site?

An analogy works best here: Let's say that I have a goal to build a house in the future and I am collecting the building materials. If the house is a book called The Shape of Business, then I haven't quite finished collecting the materials and the design is still evolving. And I need the help of others to complete this journey.

How can you help?

Connect with me on LinkedIn and let's talk. I'm always happy to give credit to anyone who contributes to this growing body of knowledge.