Episode #21 - How Did We Get to Centralization Adding Value: the Podcast

If you’re looking for a model of centralization, you need look no further than Star Wars. Emperor Palpatine runs a tight ship. There is a clear hierarchy and command structure. The goals and decisions are set by the Emperor, implementation is managed by the Mofs, enforced by Darth Vader, and carried out by the Storm Troopers. Communication goes one direction. Due to this centralized structure, they were able to build the first Death Star (a feat of architecture and design) in 20 years and it took them only 4 years to build its replacement. Vertical integration from the mines to the manufacturing sites to the final product was planned and implemented from the top down. There were no RFPs or MTAs or contract negotiations; no design committees, no mines competing for funding, no manufacturing sites competing for workforce talent. Now that is efficiency.


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