The Mahabharata Algorithm

The Mahabharata Algorithm

I am always fascinated by the epic of Mahabharata. It is one of the most strategically fought wars. Is it possible to mathematically model this war?

If the strategic elements for this war were to be decoded, we would have them in a hypothetical model as:

- Strength of the Army (SA)

- Strategy Effectiveness (SE)

- Leadership Quality (LQ)

- Resource Utilization (RU)

- Terrain Advantage (TA)

A larger army with ample resources is a significant strategic advantage. Kauravas had a clear advantage over the Pandavas in this area. However, based on the outcome of the war it wasn't the ultimate deciding factor. So, let us analyze the competitive advantage of Pandavas vs Kauravas using this hypothetical model.

Weights of various elements

Strength of Army (SA): 0.35

Strategy Effectiveness (SE): 0.25

Leadership Quality (LQ): 0.2

Resource Utilization (RU): 0.1

Terrain Advantage (TA): 0.1

          For the Pandavas: For the Kauravas:

Strength of Army (SA): High - 85 95

Strategy Effectiveness (SE): High - 85 60

Leadership Quality (LQ): High - 90 65

Resource Utilization (RU): Moderate - 75 60

Terrain Advantage (TA): Neutral - 50 50

For the Pandavas:

FOP=0.35×85+0.25×85+0.2×90+0.1×75+0.1×50

      ​=29.75+21.25+18+7.5+5

      =81.5

For the Kauravas:

FOK ​=0.35×95+0.25×60+0.2×65+0.1×60+0.1×50

FOK ​=33.25+15+13+6+5

FOK ​=72.25

The same is true of our strategy. We can focus on things other than just resources to win in the market. Mahabharata gives us a clue that the softer side of business is more effective than just resource addition.

Subodh

PS: At Q10 Analytics we can convert your strategy into a model that can be tested and deployed in the marketplace.