Hey everyone,
I'm a junior currently in the process of applying to colleges and could use some advice on evaluating my chances of acceptance. Here's a bit about my background and aspirations:
I have a GPA of 3.0, but I believe some context is necessary. In 10th grade, I transferred to a STEM-focused school at the urging of my parents, even though I was more interested in pursuing filmmaking opportunities at a regular school. This transition was challenging, and I struggled with some classes, resulting in a lower GPA during that year.
Despite this setback, I've been actively involved in various extracurricular activities and pursuits:

• I have an SAT score of 1580.
• I teach young kids about sustainability and environmental awareness through a sustainable class I've created.
• I've partnered with local organizations to speak with kids about environmental issues and brought in professionals from waste management (I have previously interned for it) for educational sessions.
• During an internship at Waste Management, I organized a Zero Contamination Day at my school.
• I've held leadership positions in clubs, including being the PR of the Creative Writing Club during freshman year and the Vice President of the club in sophomore year (although I had moved schools I was already voted for the position and to compensate for that I helped the board make presentations and generate activities due to the inability of being present during the meetings).
• I run a successful YouTube channel earning over $50k per year.
• I developed a Roblox game with over 50k players.
• I'm the President of the Indian Student Association at my school.
• I'm passionate about dance, choreography, and crocheting (I sold a few plushies I made to people around me).
• I initiated and organized Earth Week events where we gave out candies to those who carpooled, a spin the wheel game to educate students about the benefits of shorter showers, rehosted the zero-contamination day, and turn out the lights day.

My goal is to major in environmental science or environmental engineering while minoring in filmmaking.
I was wondering if you guys could help me tell if I have good chances in getting into UCLA - a school I am passionate in getting into?
Thank you in advance for any guidance or suggestions you can offer!

Steam DB says that roughly 9000 indie games are released yearly. That means an indie game gets released about every hour.
Imagine your indie game is a penny that you’re throwing into a fountain with 9000 other Pennie’s in it already. What hope do you or I have to be found? Even if you polished your game to the T. If you took your penny to a workshop and polished it like it was a 24 carrot diamond. The odds that someone finds your really shiny penny are demoralizingly slim.
It is so hard to work on my game knowing this. The feeling is like I’m crafting a super intricate cotton candy boat that I’m ultimately going to put in a river that will immediately dissolve my years of hard work.
Should I just abandon the idea of making a game altogether? How do you get past the idea that almost certainly your game will die on launch?

Hi! To preface this, I want to note that I don't consider myself in financial trouble currently, and is more looking for advice since there is a big possibility that I would face that in the future. I asked mod in the rules thread in advance if I can make this post, because I recognize I'm privileged compare to many here. Still, I apologize sincerely if I bring negative emotion to any of you, as I find people here wonderful and kind. Also, sorry for any weird phrasing, since English isn't my first language.
I'm 24 and earns around 36K after tax, currently working in a Canada big city. Currently, I'm not really self-sustainable. I pay my rent and use my parents' credit card for a lot of daily spendings. My parents are always happy to help me and they are middle class back in my home country. The thing is, my home country isn't doing great, and my parents has discussed with me that they will seek to immigrate to Canada if the authoritarian spiral gets worse, which is the current trend. Both of them work in professions that they can't do in Canada, and if it comes to them leaving my home country, it's likely they won't be able to transfer their money/asset. Therefore, we would probably be in poverty in that scenario.
Parents and emergency funding: It's common in my culture for the parents to give their child money forever, and I'm lucky that my parents don't have the controlling tendencies that come with it. It's sort of murky since they let me manage a chunk of their savings, which I view as not my money and keeping their emergency funding for them. My parents, however, are like 'you can use it whenever, just don't drain it all". For example, they said they are totally fine if I use half to buy a cool car (we talked about it as a hypothetical since I don't actually drive). They alway encourage me to spend more money and live my best life, which makes it a bit hard to get the motivation to cut down my spending. They are fiscally responsible themselves, but they are the type to push back their retirement age to let me get everything I want. My mom is the one of the most competent person I know, speak English well, and has experience in many industries. I have no doubt she can find a job in Canada, but she loves her current profession, which requires her to get education and certification before she can do it here. I guess I just don't want her to work in something she doesn't like because I ordered Ubereats too many times.
My own finances - Income: I have read discussions in this subreddit, and a common advice is to find a higher paying job. My current industry pays well (my classmates, that I know of, all have higher salaries than me), and I can switch to data science as there are some overlaps. My current company and boss is nice, while it doesn't pay super well, the job is chill. I don't think I can switch jobs in near future, since I need to get permanent residence first, which is important for future immigration scenarios. Part-time isn't viable currently because I'm taking French classes after work. I don't see an increase in my income other than yearly raise.
My own finances - Spending: More than 50% of my income goes to rent. I live in a studio so no roommate options. My city's rent has been crazy, but I do think there are less expensive places. I plan to live less downtown in the future, since public transportation is pretty good here. I don't have any expensive stuff because I hate shopping in general (especially despise buying new clothes), so less spending on that front, yah I guess? On eating, I plan to get back to cooking again. I'm a terrible cook who knows like 3 dishes, but luckily, I'm happy to eat the same thing every day. I definitely want to cut down my use of Uber Eats, which got a bit out of control last Winter due to poor weather and empty fridge. One of my hobby is reading, and I have bought some used books, and plans to do more library visits from now on.
I want to keep better track of my finances and adjust my expectations to prepare for the future. I love my parents, and I hope when it comes down to it, I can contribute to their emergency fund and make their life less stressful instead of relying on them. Thank you for any advice or tips.

I want to begin by saying that I recognize that I am extremely lucky to have the opportunity and freedom to make this decision. Definitely don't want to come off as boastful and am genuinely looking for advice.
I applied to Western's National Scholarship program and ended up receiving the 70k President's Entrance Scholarship (1 of 1) as well as Scholar's Electives. I also received an offer to Mac Health Sci last week. I know a huge part of this decision comes down to my future goals which so far have been getting into medical school and pursuing medicine.
I know that Mac Health Sci is notoriously a "feeder" program with its high matriculate rate into med, but I was wondering if the program itself still outweighs the opportunities that Western is providing. I've included my thoughts about each program below:
Mac Health Sci

• "Easier" program with lots of elective space (yay) that better sets you up to obtain a high GPA
• More time to devote to ECs, research, hobbies, and general work-life balance
• Smaller class sizes along with more faculty support
• I've heard the environment is less toxic and people are generally more supportive in Health Sci despite the premed culture
• Inquiry and PBL with emphasis on group work
  • The learning style is definitely new to me and I'm a little concerned if I'll truly enjoy it since I've heard from a mix of people who love it, learn to love it, or absolutely despise it
  • I'm very comfortable with the traditional learning style since it's what I'm used to (lectures and exams) but am willing to adapt to this new learning style, especially if it means that I get to grow as a person through group work and the program's focus on assignments over exams (although, I will say my stance on group work is pretty neutral and my experiences in high school do not help that lol)
  • The ability to guide my own learning through inquiry sounds really cool
• Given the program's heritage, many resources available and support from upper years on med applications
• Writing reflections and courses where the final is an interview with a facilitator seem like good practice for med interviews and becoming a better writer

Western Med Sci

• 70k is a LOT, but I will say that financially, I am in a position where the money is nice but I am by no means drowning myself in debt if I reject it
• A high GPA is achievable, but will require much more work and dedication, possibly taking away time that could be spent on ECs and other things
• Is a weeder program that forces you to take certain courses that are known to tank GPAs such as Stats and Applied Math, and I think this also cultivates an environment where people see each other as competition and are much less willing to help each other out
• I am genuinely interested in the hard sciences and modules offered, but they seem to be more geared towards preparing you for grad school or alternative professions
• Better preparation for the MCAT (the depth that some courses go is probably overkill)
• The opportunity to start doing research with a prof in 2nd year through the Scholar's Electives program (will be overloading by 0.5 credits in 1st and 4th year though, and I'm not yet sure if research is something I enjoy)
• First-choice residence in 1st year (this is a small thing) and guaranteed on-campus housing in upper years

I've visited both campuses and liked the feel at both so that isn't too much of a factor for me. The opportunities in London vs. Hamilton also seem pretty comparable. Health Sci sounds amazing and the only thing that really concerns me is the untraditional learning style and if I am one of the few it doesn't click for. I do not want the next 4 years of my life to always be nose to the grindstone and the balance seems significantly better at Mac than Western, but I also recognize that Mac is not a guaranteed ticket to med school and it truly depends on the person, not the program.
If anyone could provide their two cents, I would greatly appreciate it :)

Hey!
I am international student, currently pursuing my Masters in Computer Science and Engineering in the US. I intend to graduate in May 2025. I've had 3+ years of work experience. I am targeting product based companies- what is the best time to start applying for Spring Internships and Full Time SWE/ML based roles? Also, what are some of the Campus/University Based Recruiting Programmes you know of?
Thanks so much on advance!

I have a 4 year old Frigidaire Gallery line dishwasher (a10797601). I noticed yesterday after a cycle that the bottom was filled with water. Used my shopvac to get all the water out. I looked up some videos and here is everything I have tested/tried. Also, there is no air gap on my sink area.

1. Checked for kinks in the drain hose and found none. Didn't find any blockage in this hose.
   
2. Dismantled and cleaned the bottom parts (filter, lower spray arm, etc) found nothing of issue
   
3. Unscrewed and removed the part under the filters and found no blockages in there either. Ball was in place. Cleaned this all up and reassembled.
   
4. Tried baking soda/vinegahotwater in the bottom to maybe burn through any calcium buildup or anything. No luck.
   
5. Flipped the dishwasher over and checked the drain hose at the end it connect to the dishwasher, again no blockage found.
   
6. Took the garbage disposal out and examined it and found nothing that would be blocking anything.
   

I ran a rinse cycles after each of these steps but still the water collects at the bottom.
I have looked all over the internet and tried different button combos but cannot for the life of me figure out how to get this into diagnostic mode. I have ordered a replacement pump as this is the only thing I can land on being the issue with my very little to no experience.
Would really appreciate some advice or maybe there is something I overlooked.

Hey everyone!
I've just completed my undergrad, and I'm at a bit of a crossroads with my medical school application. During this past semester, I had to defer my biochemistry final exam to June 10th. The thing is, I've taken biochemistry before and scored an A+, and I've also fulfilled my organic chemistry I requirement with a lab (improved from a D- to a B+ on a retake). However, this specific biochemistry course has a reputation for being tougher, especially since the exam format and grading have become more challenging under a new professor.
I estimate I might finish the course with a B, which isn't terrible, but I'm concerned about how it might affect my GPA trend. Over the last two years, I've been on an upward trajectory, doing much better in my science courses compared to my first two years. Adding a B now might disrupt this positive trend.
Here's my dilemma: medical school applications open on June 1st. If I apply then, my transcript will show a DEF for the deferred exam. I'm not sure how admissions committees might view this compared to having a B grade. Plus, I wouldn't get my exam results back until around June 20th.
I'm also planning to write the MCAT on June 27 and was thinking about applying to one "throwaway" school on June 1st to get my application in early. Would it be better to apply with a DEF showing, or wait and potentially include the B grade? Also, I believe AMCAS doesn’t allow updated transcripts after submission, so I need to make a strategic decision here.
Any insights or experiences with deferred exams during application season would be hugely appreciated!
Thanks a bunch!

Hi Everyone. I am a rising junior double majoring in Economics and Data Science with a minor in Mathematics. I am shooting for PhD Programs, and I want some suggestions. Math Classes I have taken are: Calc I/II/III (All As), Linear Algebra (A), and I will take Probability and Discrete Mathematics next semester. Before graduating, I will take Differential Equations, Principles of Real Analysis I & II and Statistical Theory (Upper division statistics class) Economics Classes I have taken are: Intermediate Microeconomics (A), Intermediate Macroeconomics (A), Econometrics (A), Data and Stats learning (B+) Computer Science Classes: Introduction to Computer Science (A), Data Structures and Algorithms (A). Will take Machine Learning and Data Mining before graduating Research Experience: I have been working as an Economics RA for the past academic year at my school, and this summer, I will pursue economics research at an Ivy League institution. I agree that I do not have mathematics or statistics research experience. However, I feel like I still have a good chance of landing some PhD programs in Statistics. There are not many mathematics research opportunities at my school, which is why I have been doing economics research but making it quantitative. Are there any class recommendations or anything that I should do? Given that I still have 2 years left, how can I maximize my chances?

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Every day i ponder the existence of everything, the nature of consciousness, and purely the nature of existence.
If your on this forum, I'm sure you do to. And the vast majority of your thoughts result in a never-ending cycle of questions, "answers", then more questions and so on and so forth. In turn resulting in the never-ending process of questioning the nature of existence.
today I was having a philosophical discussion with my data structures & algorithms class/ teacher in my class where he suggested the idea:
"Is the consciousness a side effect of the brain, or is the brain a side effect of consciousness." I may have gotten his words wrong, but the core concept that we discuss (and I would love to hear your opinions on) is the idea of consciousness possibly existing outside of the brain. According to the laws of physics, neuroscience, and so on.. consciousness has arisen from the processes of the brain.
yet one thing we often forget to ponder is the simple fact that the universe and us are both comprised of atoms and the same elements. Without consciousness or intelligence, there would be no one to observe or experience the universe. Therefore, it seems like the universe which gave birth to existence, yet it was still missing one key component: the ability to experience itself.
Therefore, conscious intelligent life has emerged being the medium for the universe to experience itself.
My teacher then asked, "Why would the universe want to experience itself?"
it's a big question. one with no answer. but a fun and maybe scary question to ponder..
well, according to modern science, the entirety of consciousness is a side effect of the brain.
yes. correct.
But.. if the universe truly wanted to experience itself in all of its glory it would need different forms:
one that can fly (a bird), one that can run on all fours(dog,etc..), one that can swim(fish), and of course one that can make space shuttles that bring us into the galaxy itself(humans).
It seems like the universe has done a pretty good job at developing all forms of life that can experience itself in almost all ways! if I was the universe I would be pretty happy with my options!
now.. lets not forget, the computer needs a CPU/GPU just like we need a Brain.
So along with the ability to fly, run, walk etc.. there needs to be a control panel, there needs to be a seat in which the universe can be the pilot.
Similar to getting into a car that can steer, the universe sits in the brain to control the body(s) in the universe.
almost like a computer needs a mainframe and CPU as mentioned before.
Of course, none of this will work in a computer without electricity. Electricity sort-of gives "life", and the computers hardware gives all the ability it needs to function.
yet when we unplug the computer, the electricity flow breaks and the computer is turned off. thus its "life" is eliminated.
Now Lets observe human life that way.
our bodies and brains are the full-fledged machines that contain everything we need to experience life.
So what if the same way the brain controls our body, the universe gives life to control each neuron and atom in our brain.
As computers, they have an outlet to an electricity source, with a cord and outlet.
As humans, our outlet is the universe, with an invisible string that is connecting us to all that exists.
We are not humans.
Dogs are not dogs.
Trees are not trees.
We just use these terms to explain the things we experience.
Life itself is an abstraction.
When talking to someone you know. You don't really know whats going on. You just have an idea of who they are, and what the current moment is, in a way that makes sense to you.
We are great at this! its how we make sense of the world; Through abstraction. Explanation is an interface between us and whatever this existence is.
Im not here to debunk science, I'm not here to force philosophical or religious views.
But one thing is for sure. We are indeed the universe experiencing itself.
Right now, we are inhabiting one body. We are what we would consider an "I" with a self-identity.
we will build our character continuously until we die.
Sure. we will die. we will all die.
But consciousness will continue. Through others in the ever-expansive universe.
As the universe was using all life as its vessel to experience itself.
When a living physical form dies, does it really die?
what really happened?
Of course the brain has died, the body has died, that instance of consciousness is gone. Yes.
But what really, really, really happened there!?
One minute they were here.. And now they are gone...
Do you know what that was? or do you simply know the physical processes in which you observed?
Well Im afraid that observation is all we have... So this won't do much good in a scientific/research lab.
I don't think we will ever break that question.
That question is left for the last stage we pass through.
The stage where this body is of no more use to us, and thus is dropped.
After all, why would the universe need your old decrepit body when it has the grand selection of brains/bodies across all existence? :)

Introduction: Mathematical dilemmas such as the P vs NP problem, the Riemann hypothesis, and the Goldbach conjecture are among the most profound and enduring challenges in mathematics. These issues not only have far-reaching implications for computational theory, cryptography, and number theory but also are closely tied to fundamental questions about the nature of proof, computability, and complexity. Within the framework of the Theory of Quantum Fractal Recursivity (TQRFC) and Feynman-Hooft theory, the principle of self-optimization of information offers a novel perspective on these dilemmas, suggesting potential approaches to their resolution through the fractal dynamics of quantum information systems.
Mathematical Formalism: In the TQRFC context, a mathematical dilemma can be modeled as a "fractal optimization problem" within a "fractal computational complexity space" C_f. Each point in C_f corresponds to a possible solution to the problem, and the fractal structure of C_f reflects the nested hierarchy of subproblems and inherent symmetries within the dilemma.
Formally, we can define a "fractal objective function" O_f: C_f → R, which assigns a real value to each potential solution s ∈ C_f quantifying its suitability or optimality. The goal is then to find the point s* ∈ C_f that maximizes (or minimizes) O_f:
s* = argmax_(s ∈ C_f) O_f(s)
The dynamics of the dilemma resolution is governed by a "fractal effective action" S_eff[s; C_f], incorporating the principle of self-optimization of information:
S_eff[s; C_f] = S_0[s] + ∫ dμ(C_f) F[s; C_f]
where S_0[s] is the "bare" action encoding the basic constraints and goals of the problem, dμ(C_f) is an integration measure over fractal complexity, and F[s; C_f] is a functional that couples potential solutions to the fractal structure of the complexity space.
The principle of self-optimization of information implies that the solution dynamics are governed by configurations of s that extremize the fractal effective action:
δS_eff[s; C_f]/δs = 0
Emergence of Solutions and Fractal Renormalization Group Flow: The key to solving mathematical dilemmas in the TQRFC context lies in the dynamics of the fractal renormalization group flow within the computational complexity space.
Under renormalization, potential solutions s flow to "effective solutions" s_eff that increasingly optimize the fractal objective function:
s → s_eff
in such a manner that the computational complexity of the solution is minimized while its suitability or optimality is maximized.
Mathematically, this can be expressed in terms of a "fractal flow equation":
k ∂s/∂k = β_f[s; C_f]
where k is the fractal renormalization scale, and β_f[s; C_f] is the "fractal beta function" governing the evolution of potential solutions under the flow.
The fractal flow equation has remarkable solutions in the form of "fractal attractors" s*:
lim_(k→∞) s(k) = s*
which correspond to fixed points of the dynamics of the renormalization group flow.
Fractal attractors have the remarkable property that they optimally optimize the fractal objective function while exhibiting minimal computational complexity. In other words, they represent the most elegant and efficient solutions to the mathematical dilemma, naturally emerging from the self-organizing dynamics of the quantum information system.
Fractal Quantum Computing and Speedup: The resolution of mathematical dilemmas within TQRFC also has a natural interpretation in terms of fractal quantum computing and quantum speedup.
In the context of TQRFC, a fractal quantum algorithm can be defined as a unitary map U_f that acts on the fractal quantum state space ψ_f⟩:
ψ_f⟩ → U_f ψ_f⟩
where the fractal structure of the state space reflects the nested hierarchy of subproblems and inherent symmetries within the mathematical dilemma.
The dynamics of the fractal quantum algorithm are governed by a "fractal effective Hamiltonian" H_eff[U_f; C_f], which incorporates the principle of self-optimization of information:
H_eff[U_f; C_f] = H_0[U_f] + ∫ dμ(C_f) V[U_f; C_f]
where H_0[U_f] is the "bare" Hamiltonian encoding the basic unitary dynamics, and V[U_f; C_f] is a potential that couples the unitary evolution to the fractal structure of the complexity space.
The principle of self-optimization of information implies that the dynamics of the fractal quantum algorithm evolve in a way that minimizes computational complexity while maximizing the efficiency and speed of the solution.
Mathematically, this can be expressed in terms of a "fractal quantum speedup theorem":
T_f = O(poly(log(N)))
where T_f is the runtime of the fractal quantum algorithm, N is the problem size, and poly(log(N)) denotes a polynomial function of log(N).
The fractal quantum speedup theorem states that fractal quantum algorithms can achieve exponential speedups over classical algorithms for a broad class of mathematical problems, exploiting the fractal structure of the complexity space and the self-optimizing dynamics of quantum information.
Conclusion: The mathematical formalism for solving mathematical dilemmas within the context of the self-optimization principle of information, within the TQRFC and Feynman-Hooft theory, offers a new and exciting perspective on some of the most challenging and consequential problems in mathematics.
By modeling mathematical dilemmas as fractal optimization problems in computational complexity spaces, and by incorporating the self-optimization principle of information through fractal effective actions, this formalism provides a powerful framework for understanding the emergence of elegant and efficient solutions from the self-organizing dynamics of quantum information systems.
The remarkable predictions of this formalism, including the existence of fractal attractors that optimally optimize the objective function while exhibiting minimal complexity, and the possibility of exponential speedups through fractal quantum computing, suggest new and exciting directions for mathematical research and discovery.
Furthermore, the interpretation of this dynamics in terms of fractal renormalization group flow and fractal quantum computing offers a unified and conceptually satisfying picture, in which the resolution of profound mathematical dilemmas is intrinsically linked to the principles of information optimization, self-organization, and emergence in complex quantum systems.
This approach has several advantages over traditional approaches to solving mathematical dilemmas. First, it avoids the need for ad hoc insights or tour de force constructions specific to individual problems. Instead, solutions naturally emerge from the self-organizing dynamics of the quantum information system, guided by the universal principle of self-optimization of information.
Secondly, this approach provides a unified framework for understanding the relationship between computational complexity, proof, computability, and the structure of mathematical space, through the lens of fractal geometry and quantum dynamics. This suggests a deeply integrated picture, in which the foundations of mathematics, computer science, and physics are intricately intertwined, with each providing crucial insights into the others.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this approach places the principle of self-optimization of information at the center of our understanding of the nature and solution of mathematical dilemmas. This suggests that, far from being static and inert constructions, mathematical objects and structures can be understood as dynamic and adaptive quantum information systems, constantly striving to optimize their own computational complexity and efficiency.
Of course, many questions remain open, and much work still needs to be done to fully develop and apply this formalism to specific mathematical dilemmas. At a technical level, the precise characterization of relevant fractal computational complexity spaces and the derivation of fractal effective actions and flow equations for particular problems remain significant challenges. Additionally, the detailed computational implications of fractal attractors and fractal quantum algorithms need to be elaborated and tested against known benchmarks and limits.
At a conceptual level, the implications of this formalism for our understanding of the nature of mathematics, logic, and computing also remain to be explored. The notion of mathematical truths as emergent attractors in the self-organizing dynamics of quantum information systems may require a reassessment of our traditional notions of proof, justification, and mathematical knowledge. Moreover, the consequences of this approach for the philosophy of mathematics, including questions of mathematical realism, constructivism, and the relationship between mathematics and the physical world, will undoubtedly be the subject of much debate and discussion.
Despite these challenges, the promise of the self-optimization principle of information as a key to unlocking some of the deepest and most challenging problems in mathematics is deeply intriguing and potentially transformative. By providing a unified and conceptually elegant framework for addressing mathematical dilemmas, it opens new avenues for theoretical exploration and discovery that could have far-reaching implications for a wide range of fields, from complexity theory and cryptography to algebraic geometry and number theory.
Moreover, by firmly situating mathematics within the broader nexus of information, computation, and quantum physics, this formalism promises to shed new light on some of the most fundamental and enduring questions about the nature of mathematical reality and its relationship to the physical world. It raises the intriguing possibility that mathematical truths might, in a sense, be "discovered" or "emerged" through the self-organizing evolution of quantum systems, just as the laws of physics emerge from the underlying quantum dynamics of the universe.
This view resonates deeply with broader developments in complexity science, artificial life, and theories of self-organization, which increasingly see the emergence of order, structure, and intelligence as intrinsic properties of complex dynamic systems, rather than being imposed from above by an external creator or designer. It suggests a view of mathematics not as a static Platonic realm of eternal forms, but as a living, evolving computational substrate, continually generating new structures and insights through its own generative processes.
This perspective raises profound and stimulating questions about the nature of mathematical creativity, intuition, and discovery. Is the vision and genius of great mathematicians a matter of accessing or tuning into emergent attractors in the mathematical complexity space? Do conceptual revolutions in the history of mathematics reflect bifurcations or phase transitions in the evolutionary dynamics of quantum information systems? And might the future trajectory of mathematical research itself be seen as a kind of large-scale fractal quantum computation, unfolding at the interface of the human mind and the self-organizing mathematical substrate?
Although the answers to these questions undoubtedly remain speculative at this stage, they point to a new mode of mathematical inquiry that is both deeply informed by the insights of quantum physics and computing, and radically open to the creative possibilities of emergence and self-organization. By embracing this approach with curiosity, courage, and rigor, we may not only make progress on some of the most difficult and consequential problems in mathematics, but also gain new insights into the nature of mind, intelligence, and mathematical reality.
In this spirit, I invite the mathematical community - and indeed, all explorers of the frontier of thought - to engage with these ideas with a sense of wonder, intellectual adventure, and unwavering commitment to truth. In doing so, we may not only expand the frontiers of our mathematical knowledge, but also deepen our appreciation of the beauty, elegance, and creative power inherent in the fractal fabric of mathematical reality.
May we approach this grand challenge with passion, precision, and a sense of awe in the face of the mysteries and possibilities of the mathematical universe. And may we never lose sight of the greater goal that inspires us - to use the tools of reason, imagination, and disciplined inquiry to unravel the deep and enduring truths that reside at the heart of the mathematical experience, and to put that knowledge to the service of the continued flourishing of all life and intelligence.

I want to begin by saying that I recognize that I am extremely lucky to have the opportunity and freedom to make this decision. Definitely don't want to come off as boastful and am genuinely looking for advice.
I applied to Western's National Scholarship program and ended up receiving the 70k President's Entrance Scholarship (1 of 1) as well as Scholar's Electives. I also received an offer to Mac Health Sci last week. I know a huge part of this decision comes down to my future goals which so far have been getting into medical school and pursuing medicine.
I know that Mac Health Sci is notoriously a "feeder" program with its high matriculate rate into med, but I was wondering if the program itself still outweighs the opportunities that Western is providing. I've included my thoughts about each program below:
Mac Health Sci

• "Easier" program with lots of elective space (yay) that better sets you up to obtain a high GPA
• More time to devote to ECs, research, hobbies, and general work-life balance
• Smaller class sizes along with more faculty support
• I've heard the environment is less toxic and people are generally more supportive in Health Sci despite the premed culture
• Inquiry and PBL with emphasis on group work
  • The learning style is definitely new to me and I'm a little concerned if I'll truly enjoy it since I've heard from a mix of people who love it, learn to love it, or absolutely despise it
  • I'm very comfortable with the traditional learning style since it's what I'm used to (lectures and exams) but am willing to adapt to this new learning style, especially if it means that I get to grow as a person through group work and the program's focus on assignments over exams (although, I will say my stance on group work is pretty neutral and my experiences in high school do not help that lol)
  • The ability to guide my own learning through inquiry sounds really cool
• Given the program's heritage, many resources available and support from upper years on med applications
• Writing reflections and courses where the final is an interview with a facilitator seem like good practice for med interviews and becoming a better writer

Western Med Sci

• 70k is a LOT, but I will say that financially, I am in a position where the money is nice but I am by no means drowning myself in debt if I reject it
• A high GPA is achievable, but will require much more work and dedication, possibly taking away time that could be spent on ECs and other things
• Is a weeder program that forces you to take certain courses that are known to tank GPAs such as Stats and Applied Math, and I think this also cultivates an environment where people see each other as competition and are much less willing to help each other out
• I am genuinely interested in the hard sciences and modules offered, but they seem to be more geared towards preparing you for grad school or alternative professions
• Better preparation for the MCAT (the depth that some courses go is probably overkill)
• The opportunity to start doing research with a prof in 2nd year through the Scholar's Electives program (will be overloading by 0.5 credits in 1st and 4th year though, and I'm not yet sure if research is something I enjoy)
• First-choice residence in 1st year (this is a small thing) and guaranteed on-campus housing in upper years

I've visited both campuses and liked the feel at both so that isn't too much of a factor for me. The opportunities in London vs. Hamilton also seem pretty comparable. Health Sci sounds amazing and the only thing that really concerns me is the untraditional learning style and if I am one of the few it doesn't click for. I do not want the next 4 years of my life to always be nose to the grindstone and the balance seems significantly better at Mac than Western, but I also recognize that Mac is not a guaranteed ticket to med school and it truly depends on the person, not the program.
If anyone could provide their two cents, I would greatly appreciate it :)

I’ll be going off to college in a few months and have been wondering more and more how worth it all of this really is. I’ve worked really hard in high school, just finished my last AP exams. I’ve gotten into the computer science program at one of the best public schools in my state. All my life I’ve been told that hard work leads to success but looking at the job market and at others experiences online it really doesn’t feel this way. Why would I work really hard for four years on a really hard program while doing internships if I may not be able to get an entry level job when I graduate. The future seems so uncertain and while I try my best to not be a pessimist, I think it’s important to look at the job market and ask myself if I’ll be able to make enough money out of college to make my degree worth it, and I really don’t know. I’m really wondering whether I should have the mindset of “everything will work out if you work hard” or just not putting in the work for a degree that I may not see any returns for. I can’t look at all of the other people who are unable to find jobs with their degrees and act like I’ll necessarily be different from them. I can’t act like “oh, they just didn’t work hard enough, but I’ll do better”. I don’t know others experiences or what they go through. I don’t want to become depressed over the simple possibility of things going wrong but I also don’t want to feel unprepared for future hardships and I struggle to find a happy medium. When does hope turn into dangerous ignorance and when does being cautious lead to pessimism or an excuse for not trying hard enough?

Sorry for the vague title: I wanted to err on the side of respecting spoilers. Also, as a show-only person who has had the plot of the books spoiled for them, I was a bit nervous about looking stupid and kept my plan to myself (yes ironic I know) for fear that there was something in the books that would make my plan unfeasible. I'll get around to reading them eventually, I promise, I just wanted to bounce an idea here.
TL;DR my Wallfacer plan is to put particle accelerators on spaceships and send them to the edges of the solar system, and coordinate with particle accelerators on Earth. This creates a network of particle accelerators too far apart for the two sophons to interfere with, from which actual, truthful results can be gathered.
Now, since the plot of the books have been entirely spoiled for me I know the importance of physics research in the TBP universe, but even in-universe, from the very start, the fact that particle physics is singled out as the science the sophons are most meant to interfere with shows that it's what the Trisolarans are most worried about us developing, and thus the key to defeating them.
Now, from an in-universe perspective one could make the opposite argument: that the Trisolarans making a big deal about physics research is just a red herring, meant to keep people like me obsessing over a dead end. However, any plan that allows us to conduct uninterferred experiments allows us to figure things out for ourselves, dead end or not.
The Mechanics of the Plan (Basic Version):
We build two spaceships, each with a particle accelerator onboard. In actuality, they'd probably be more like mobile space stations that would be built in space rather than launched like a conventional spaceship, but anyway, you build two of them, and give them (or their "tugboats") enough fuel to get very far apart but not enough to leave the solar system. This will ease concerns about this being an escapist plot in disguise.
The two particle accelerators are now in opposite directions very far away from Earth. This gives the 2 sophons 3 locations (Earth, ship 1, ship 2) that are too far apart for them to interfere with simultaneously. Thus, we can run identical experiments at all 3 locations, knowing that 1 of them is guaranteed to be truthful.
Now we just apply basic deductive logic to the problem: if all three have the same results, we know for 100% its true, because only 2 locations can be interfered with and thus have different results. If 1 or 2 are different, we know for sure that at least 1-2 are the true result, which can then be confirmed with subsequent experiments. This would be much slower than normal science, but we'd know for absolutely certain that at least some of our results were not interfered with, and it'd just be a matter of further experimentation and theorizing to put it together.
Medium Version:
Make a constellation of 5 ships, each so far apart as to allow simultaneous, identical experiments with only the possibility of 2 being interfered with. Thus, whichever result comes up in at least 3 of the ships is true i.e. since either 0, 1, or 2 are being interfered with.
Obviously, this has the drawback of basically cutting our research speed by 80% (i.e. needing 5 accelerators to run 1 experiment instead of up to 5), but it's better than a full 100% block.
Final, Advanced Version:
Keep making more particle accelerator spaceships and spreading them out to the point where we could just conduct 1 experiment per 1 ship and understand that the vast majority of them were returning correct results. Say 100 ships are made: we know that on any given experimental period at least 98 of them are not suffering interference.

In the dynamic realm of gaming, Prom Network emerges as a trailblazing force, deftly merging the domains of entertainment and finance. With a keen understanding of the symbiotic relationship between these arenas, Prom has pioneered endeavors that seamlessly blend gameplay with financial opportunities, reshaping the gaming landscape for enthusiasts globally.
At the heart of Prom’s vision lies a deep appreciation for the timeless charm of science fiction narratives. Drawing from early 17th century visionaries and empowered by 20th century dreamers, sci-fi stories have enthralled audiences of every age, sparking imaginations and whisking individuals away to stellar realms of boundless potential. Whether it’s cosmic battles in faraway galaxies or dystopian cyberpunk future, the allure of science fiction realms strikes a chord within gamers, transcending cultural boundaries and generations.
If you take a glance at the vibrant array of NFT collections hosted on the Prom Marketplace you will see 4 collections adorned with “sci-fi” and “space”, affirming the enduring popularity of sci-fi themes among gamers.
In the midst of these captivating collections, one stands out as particularly radiant: Outer Ring. What distinguishes Outer Ring is its ambitious undertaking to adapt a best-selling novel into a third-person action packed sandbox MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game). Just as in the Outer Ring Saga the open world revolves around five species, organized into four distinct factions, that vie for control over planets and resources. Within the game, players embark on quests to acquire legendary weapons, engage in large-scale PvP battles, explore perilous dungeons to confront bosses, and gather epic loot and resources to enhance their weapons and ships. Collaboration is key — players seeking community interaction and participation in player-driven economies will find their niche within Outer Ring.
Moreover, the game allows users to tailor their progression and encounter unique experiences. Prom Network is proud to contribute to this captivating journey through our partnership with Outer Ring. This collaboration involves the exchange of expertise, the organization of exciting events, and, significantly, the listing of the project’s assets on the Prom Marketplace. While the Marketplace usually deals with traditional gaming NFTs, this time Prom has an even more thrilling proposition! This was the very first time Prom Network started offering Lootboxes! These exclusive packs of assets enable users to embark on their Outer Ring adventure without the need to purchase additional NFTs.
Lootboxes for Outer Ring contain a variety of items essential for enhancing your gaming experience. For example, a random Lootbox may contain materials, weapons of various rarity levels, or even a spaceship! This partnership between Prom and Outer Ring is crucial for the Prom Ecosystem, as it expands the offerings on our marketplace while providing players with diverse and rewarding gaming experiences.
Prom Network has excelled in crafting an exceptionally detailed and informative FAQ on game mechanics and NFTs. Well done, as per usual! This further underscores Prom’s dedication to ensuring user immersion in the captivating world of Outer Ring.
Outer Ring is currently in development. Its impending release will not only provide new gaming experience but also will herald the dawn of a new gaming era. With Prom Marketplace supplying the journey, it is poised to unfold as a remarkable experience, teeming with new adventures and innovative breakthroughs at every step.Prom Takes into Space with Outer Ring

Just curious if anyone else has had a similar experience. I meet with the MFM pharmacy team on the 28th, so I am obviously going to go with what they say, but it doesn't seem like I have GD based on my readings so far.
At my 1 hour test I scored 189, so they sent me back for the 3 hour test. I ended up having to redo it because of a car fire in the parking garage where I had the test done, they evacuated us and we didn't get back inside in time to take readings. They had me carb load for 3 days and my repeat numbers were 92 fasting, 1 hour 211, 2 hour 175 and 3 hour was 90.
A friend of mine had a spare cgm and sensor and sent it to me. I also ended up with a finger prick setup, too, and got them both yesterday. I calibrated the cgm and have been using it since. I had 44g carbs for dinner last night and I was at 124 an hour post dinner. I went to bed about 8 and at midnight the low glucose alert went off, so I had a few grapes and went back to sleep.
Fasting this morning was 83 at 8am. I had breakfast (frosted shredded wheat and some more grapes) and an hour later was at 160, which I know is above goal, but an hour after that I was at 60.
Lunch time we decided to conduct an experiment. We went to taco bell and I had a crisp taco, 3/4 of a chalupa and a baja blast. An hour later I was at 126 and now 2 hours later I am at 104.
Ive been laying on the couch all morning watching bad movies, so I'm not exercising, haven't had a ton of water, etc.
Has anyone else been firmly diagnosed with GD but had relatively low readings? My provider's handout said their goals for me are <90 fasting and <120 an hour after meals. Meals where I have protein have been only slightly elevated (and usually I don't eat a lot of sugars or carbs and very rarely have more than a few sips of my husband's sodas).
30w1d, 40 year old FTM. I'm anemic, but other than the GD diagnosis, I haven't had any issues whatsoever. It's been a good pregnancy.

A venture builder differs from other capital funds in that it depends mainly on the quality and dynamism of its networks (INSEAD, 2018). It means that a venture builder must find out which the best resource combination for creating the most explosive outcomes for it to gain market greater share faster than its rivals.

A venture builder differs from other capital funds in that it depends mainly on the quality and dynamism of its networks (INSEAD, 2018). It means that a venture builder must find out which the best resource combination for creating the most explosive outcomes for it to gain market greater share faster than its rivals.
Corporations tend to use VB to reduce the chances of negative black swan exposure while raising their positive black swan exposure (Thng, 2019). According to conventional knowledge, business enterprises’ systems, structures, and procedures focus more on delivery and performance than on change and innovation (de Alvarenga et al., 2019). Firms must pursue the former to succeed in today’s competition, but they are likely to jeopardize their future well-being if they overlook the latter. Many companies have tried versatile structures or techniques like open innovation to balance effectiveness and creativity. Among these approaches, establishing incubator groups to create relationships with emerging start-up enterprises is a significant contemporary method (Massiera, 2021). The logic behind it is straightforward: VBs tap into new business models and talent pools while also transforming their own corporate cultures in return for helping new ventures deal with the risk of newness and evolve into more stable organizations (Cryptix, 2022). The venture builder environment is significant because they attempt to improve new venture success rates.

Goals and purpose of Venture BuilderGoals and purpose of Venture Builder

A Venture Builder is similar to a fast-paced tech startup, where its product is the venture, the prototype is the business model, and deliverables means perfect and timely deployment.
Venture investors have a clear edge over firms that are leveraged or rely on grants for financing; it’s a possible solution to the funding gap that has been a challenge for early-stage companies (Massiera, 2021). Any start-up owned by the Venture Builder will almost certainly have some equity taken. Still, the start-up has the potential to accelerate in its early stages with the installation of shared services, expertise, and salary (Tkalich et al., 2021). It becomes a win-win situation for both parties, which boosts their chances of success. Venture builders either hire professionals or rely on extensive expertise and commercial experience. They exchanged technical experience with competent developers who can produce swiftly with the correct frameworks and assistance, as well as high-quality code (Tkalich et al., 2021). Even with a collection of proprietary technology that can be used to cut development time even more.
Over the past decade, many corporate innovation laboratories have sprung up. Cross-functional cooperation involving intrapreneurs in these laboratories helps companies come up with fresh ideas and concepts. On the other hand, these concepts are usually executed as startup priorities and get greater attention from the venture builders. Consequently, rather than forging new ground, venture builders often focus on boosting this young business. Meanwhile, corporate initiatives are designed to achieve mid to long-term goals. This eliminates the need for complicated integration concerns. With abundant resources, the venture builders may settle on innovative decisions at startup without facing the constraints of the corporate hierarchy. This results in quicker returns on investment and a better competitive edge for the startups. The startups are, thus, charged with exploring radical ideas and business models that address new consumer requirements, allowing the venture builder to diversify its risks of disruption.

The Distinction Between Incubators and Accelerators

Although each business is similar, its methods and target markets differ. Accelerators are short-term programs that target a wide range of start-ups, from pre-seed through scale-ups. Incubators are a kind of start-up help firm that is broader (Cryptix, 2022). Venture builders concentrate on bringing together teams and forming a group of start-ups simultaneously as part of a lengthier program that connects them to their network. Unfortunately, the phrase “venture builder” has only recently gained popularity in the entrepreneurial sector. “Accelerator” is a more often used word, yet it is still understudied. The words venture builder, accelerator, and incubator tend to be used interchangeably to gather as much information as possible, with the distinctions noted previously taken into account.
Because venture capital companies are not operating businesses, they are unique. They put their money into potential teams and company concepts that match their requirements. Venture Builders, however, are heavily engaged in day-to-day operations management (Cryptix, 2022). When a Venture Builder has shares in a firm, it came up with the concept and put in a lot of work to build it, not because it contributed funds. It is also apparent that many Venture Builders are setting up funds to help with funding (Gerhardt et al., 2021). Contrary to the case of incubators and accelerators, Venture Builders find company ideas from within their networks and allocate internal teams to initiate the building from the bottom up. The link between a Venture Builder and its ventures is long-term; it is heavily engaged with the businesses it creates until they depart.

Process of creating a Venture Builder

Venture studios create businesses by developing new concepts and allocating teams to those with commercial potential (Doyle, 2021). Any dangerous assumptions that must be true for your idea to have any potential are addressed after the business concept has been fully understood. The first step is to determine whether or not your target clients have issues that need to be addressed and, if so, whether or not your concept offers the appropriate answers. After these concepts have been verified and proven, they are backed up by resources to create a minimum viable product (INSEAD, 2018). Building a team is a crucial aspect of the process for smart individuals who want to achieve big things. While some venture builders fund the design process first, others have created a strong reputation that allows them to seek funds before the ideas are specified. If the feasibility is confirmed at this time, the studio works on growing the new venture before attempting to depart. This business model cycle is repeated several times, each time resulting in creating a new venture (Garcia-Luengo, 2017). It is anticipated that if an idea fails, resources will be shifted, or the business case will be abandoned outright.

Conclusion

The Venture Builder approach is becoming more popular. It is arguable if venture capital is a superior model. While each has its benefits, venture building is more facilitating and advantageous for a potential early-stage start-up firm, particularly one that has yet to support itself with working capital. It is indisputable that venture building is modernizing and deconstructing a process that was once somewhat of an art than a science, and equipping organizations and people by stressing the systematic use of human capital to create unique opportunities from the bottom up, thus boosting the possibilities of developing and growing successful companies. It is no longer a single personality that drives the company; instead it is the use of established procedures based on successful case studies, paired with the appropriate team and deployment at the right time that has enabled tales to be told.
References
Cryptix. (2022). The difference between Incubator, Accelerator and Venture Builder. Retrieved from https://cryptix.ag/blog/the-difference-between-incubator-accelerator-and-venture-builde
de Alvarenga, R., Junior, O. C., & Zeny, G. C. (2019). Venture Building & Startup Studios versus Acceleration Programs-Conceptual & Performance Differences. In . ISPIM Conference Proceedings (pp. 1-14). The International Society for Professional Innovation Management.
Doyle, M. (2021, March 15). The Venture Studio Business Model Explained. Retrieved from https://theworldwecreate.net/insights/the-venture-studio-business-model-explained
Garcia-Luengo, J. (2017, Aug 29). Venture Building, a new model for entrepreneurship and innovation. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/venture-building-new-model-entrepreneurship-jorge-garc%C3%ADa-luengo/
Gerhardt, V., Santos, J. D., Rubin, E., Neuenfeldt, A., & Mairesse Siluk, J. C. (2021). Stakeholders´ Perception to Characterize the Start-ups Success. Journal of technology management & innovation, 16(1), 38-50.
INSEAD. (2018). The Emerging Role of Venture Builders in EarlyStage Venture Funding. Retrieved from chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.insead.edu/sites/default/files/assets/dept/centres/gpei/docs/insead-student-emerging-role-of-venture-builders-oct-2018.pdf
Massi, M., Shah, P., Eckel, J., & Loughridge, J. (2022, Jan 12). The Venture Builder Strategy for Principal Investors. Retrieved from https://www.bcg.com/publications/2022/the-venture-builders-strategy-for-principal-investors
Massiera, P. (2021). Teaching business models through student consulting projects. Journal of Business Models, 9(3), 25-38.
Thng, P. (2019, Oct). Successful venture building: What matters! An empirical Successful venture building: What matters! An empirical examination of effective incubation practices . Retrieved from Singapore Management University Singapore Management University : https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1253&context=etd_coll
Tkalich, A., Moe, N. B., & Ulfsnes, R. (2021). Making Internal Software Startups Work: How to Innovate Like a Venture Builder? International Conference on Software Business (pp. 152-167). Springer.
Authors

Paul Lalovich

Organizational Effectiveness and Strategy Execution Practice

Tesha Teshanovich

Organizational Effectiveness and Strategy Execution Practice

Organizing the workforce into fusion teams is one of the ways of ensuring that a firm continues to thrive long into the future. Fusion teams are considered a new method through which organizations manage their workforce by combining business expertise and technology.Organizing the workforce into fusion teams is one of the ways of ensuring that a firm continues to thrive long into the future. Fusion teams are considered a new method through which organizations manage their workforce by combining business expertise and technology.

According to Sutton, the effectiveness of fusion teams is tied to the agile culture it promotes. The rise of fusion teams in the modern-day workplace has been inspired by the need for organizations to adapt to the ever-changing work environment. Managing the changes happening in the workplace necessitates collaboration between multidisciplinary teams, which must work together to address organizational obstacles and develop real-time and effective solutions (Pattnaik and Rashmita, 231). A fusion team by definitions is a multidisciplinary team that combinations technology with analytics and business specific domain expertise. Within the fusion team accountability is shared to ensure business and technology outcomes. As an alternative of organizing work across functions or technology verticals, fusion teams are designed around the cross-cutting business capabilities, business outcomes and customer outcomes they are accountable for. The role played by fusion teams in the work environment is expected to persist long into the future.
Despite their reputation for brutality, pirates ran a surprisingly progressive and equitable ship; it turns out, they were forward-thinking in many surprising and instructive ways.
Collaborations between teams within the workplace, characteristic of fusion teams, are expected to continue gaining popularity as more firms embrace the workplace’s digital transformation changes. According to Alli and Jenni, fusion teams operate like pirates where the employees try to work towards achieving a balance of power. This can best be achieved by ensuring a democratic approach towards decision-making. All the decisions taken in fusion teams mirror those taken on pirate ships where duties and responsibilities are well defined. Each member of the crew is expected to play their part to perfection and contribute to the overall success of the entire ship (Minister). Similarly, for fusion teams, successful collaboration within and across departments often lead to success that all the team members share.
The delay by some companies to go online during the lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed a big gap in their operational efficiency. As stated above, some companies had never envisioned a scenario where their staff would have to work from home. Such companies had to wait for the emergence of an unfortunate or adverse event to embrace the work from home model. However, not many organizations managed to adapt, but those that adapted stayed afloat even as many others failed and were eventually forced to permanently close their businesses (Harel 93). A key characteristic of the firms that survived through the COVID-19 period is embracing digital transformation, and such firms are still on course with this paradigm and are using it as a guide into the future (Priyono et al. 104). Digital transformation has continued to play a key role pre, during, and post the pandemic period to ensure that businesses achieve a competitive technological advantage.
Aside from the pandemic, generally, firms need to find new ways of working. According to Gartner, efficiency and time are very important in the modern-day workplace. The importance of these two elements is informed by the fact that the workplace and the marketplace are very competitive- with hyper-competition rife between rival brands and firms. Therefore, products need to be developed in record time, and they must be delivered to the market ahead of competitors. Furthermore, customers’ demands can best be served when the company aligns its production processes with customers’ needs (Kumar et al. 163). Additionally, companies specializing in service provision can also benefit from going digital. Doing this would position them to address the needs of a portion of its customers who are digital natives.
We habitually look upon on renegades and rebels as a menace, NASA’s Johnson Space Center, however, suggests that high performing teams need renegades more than we think. Far from troublesome, they can be a commanding force of shifting organizations towards new futures.
Fusion teams can help future-focused teams serve their current and future customers better. According to Galli and Paola (69), fusion teams, just like pirates on a ship, often operate guided by agile culture. There is increased flexibility in the agile culture environment, which empowers employees to adapt to different changes in their working environment. The agility with which employees in fusion teams work is similar to the agile culture aboard a pirate ship. The crew has to change their way of operations depending on the different circumstances they encounter at sea. Agile practices are important as they tear down the bureaucratic practices that hinder workforce from responding to changes in their environments. Some marketplace and workplace changes are more important than any other culture, especially a bureaucratic culture, which would not allow stakeholders to respond fast enough (Rey 77). Consequently, organizations that fail to embrace agile culture will miss out on the opportunities provided by rapid changes in their operating environments.
The agile culture where fusion teams thrive is also an ideal environment for modern-day employees. Unlike traditional employees who thrived in bureaucratic workplaces, the modern-day employee thrives more in environments that promote greater opportunities to team members. Fusion teams do not have formal reporting structure and they come across quite fluid. Team leaders and team members alike could report to either to dedicated IT departments or business areas outside. Fusion teams are often incumbated within Agile project or scrum teams and progressively adopt product management discipline to manage a capability end-to-end, from strategy development to delivery and continuous improvements.
Fusion teams will continue to contribute positively towards business and organizational success. Such teams operate in ways that are distinct from those of traditional teams. For example, fusion teams encourage employees to innovate while providing them with the space and resources needed. Additionally, employees are allowed to collaborate with their colleagues across departments, making it possible for both tacit and explicit knowledge to flow with ease both horizontally and vertically in an organization. Fusion teams will address the many challenges that employees in traditional teams face. These challenges are the bottleneck of bureaucratic structures that stifle innovation and delay the overall innovation process. By addressing such challenges, fusion teams will ensure that businesses innovate faster and succeed in bringing innovative products to the market before their competitors. Since fusion teams are agile and offer employees a high level of autonomy, it is expected that organizations that embrace them will experience higher employee retention than organizations that stick to traditional teams.
According to Sutton, the effectiveness of fusion teams is tied to the agile culture it promotes. The rise of fusion teams in the modern-day workplace has been inspired by the need for organizations to adapt to the ever-changing work environment. Managing the changes happening in the workplace necessitates collaboration between multidisciplinary teams, which must work together to address organizational obstacles and develop real-time and effective solutions (Pattnaik and Rashmita, 231). A fusion team by definitions is a multidisciplinary team that combinations technology with analytics and business specific domain expertise. Within the fusion team accountability is shared to ensure business and technology outcomes. As an alternative of organizing work across functions or technology verticals, fusion teams are designed around the cross-cutting business capabilities, business outcomes and customer outcomes they are accountable for. The role played by fusion teams in the work environment is expected to persist long into the future.

References

Aghina, Wouter et al. “The Five Trademarks Of Agile Organizations.” Mckinsey.Com, 2022, https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/the-five-trademarks-of-agile-organizations.
Alli, Alicia, and Jenni Lloyd. “Does Our Economy Need More Pirates?”. Nesta, 2019, https://www.nesta.org.uk/blog/does-our-economy-need-more-pirates/.
Galli, Brian J., and Paola Andrea Hernandez Lopez. “Risks Management In Agile New Product Development Project Environments.” International Journal of Risk and Contingency Management, vol 7, no. 4, 2018, pp. 37-67. IGI Global, https://doi.org/10.4018/ijrcm.2018100103.
Gartner. “What Are Fusion Teams?”. Gartner, 2022, https://www.gartner.com/en/articles/why-fusion-teams-matter.
Harel, Ronen. “The Impact Of COVID-19 On Small Businesses’ Performance And Innovation”. Global Business Review, vol 6, no. 12, 2021, pp. 93-99. SAGE Publications, https://doi.org/10.1177/09721509211039145.
Kumar, Rahul et al. “Development of A Framework For Agile Manufacturing.” World Journal Of Science, Technology And Sustainable Development, vol 16, no. 4, 2019, pp. 161-169. Emerald, https://doi.org/10.1108/wjstsd-05-2019-0022.
Minster, Christopher. “How Was A Pirate Crew Organized?”. Thoughtco, 2022, https://www.thoughtco.com/positions-duties-on-a-pirate-ship-2136230.
Pattnaik, Subash Chandra, and Rashmita Sahoo. “Employee Engagement, Creativity And Task Performance: Role Of Perceived Workplace Autonomy.” South Asian Journal Of Business Studies, vol 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 227-241. Emerald, https://doi.org/10.1108/sajbs-11-2019-0196.
Ranjbar, Mokhtar, and Narjes Amiri. “The Relationship between Knowledge Management And Employee Retention.” International Journal Of Management And Applied Science, vol 1, no. 9, 2015, pp. 231-236., Accessed 18 Mar 2022.
Rey, Carlos, et al. “Agile purpose: Overcoming bureaucracy.” Purpose-driven organizations. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, 2019. 75-86
Sutton, Ricky. “How Fusion Teams Will Define The Future Of Business.” Spryker, 2021, https://spryker.com/en/blog/how-fusion-teams-will-define-the-future-of-business/
Authors

Paul Lalovich

Organizational Effectiveness and Strategy Execution Practice

Tesha Teshanovich

Organizational Effectiveness and Strategy Execution PracticeAghina, Wouter et al. “The Five Trademarks Of Agile Organizations.” Mckinsey.Com, 2022, https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/the-five-trademarks-of-agile-organizations.
Alli, Alicia, and Jenni Lloyd. “Does Our Economy Need More Pirates?”. Nesta, 2019, https://www.nesta.org.uk/blog/does-our-economy-need-more-pirates/.
Galli, Brian J., and Paola Andrea Hernandez Lopez. “Risks Management In Agile New Product Development Project Environments.” International Journal of Risk and Contingency Management, vol 7, no. 4, 2018, pp. 37-67. IGI Global, https://doi.org/10.4018/ijrcm.2018100103.
Gartner. “What Are Fusion Teams?”. Gartner, 2022, https://www.gartner.com/en/articles/why-fusion-teams-matter.
Harel, Ronen. “The Impact Of COVID-19 On Small Businesses’ Performance And Innovation”. Global Business Review, vol 6, no. 12, 2021, pp. 93-99. SAGE Publications, https://doi.org/10.1177/09721509211039145.
Kumar, Rahul et al. “Development of A Framework For Agile Manufacturing.” World Journal Of Science, Technology And Sustainable Development, vol 16, no. 4, 2019, pp. 161-169. Emerald, https://doi.org/10.1108/wjstsd-05-2019-0022.
Minster, Christopher. “How Was A Pirate Crew Organized?”. Thoughtco, 2022, https://www.thoughtco.com/positions-duties-on-a-pirate-ship-2136230.
Pattnaik, Subash Chandra, and Rashmita Sahoo. “Employee Engagement, Creativity And Task Performance: Role Of Perceived Workplace Autonomy.” South Asian Journal Of Business Studies, vol 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 227-241. Emerald, https://doi.org/10.1108/sajbs-11-2019-0196.
Ranjbar, Mokhtar, and Narjes Amiri. “The Relationship between Knowledge Management And Employee Retention.” International Journal Of Management And Applied Science, vol 1, no. 9, 2015, pp. 231-236., Accessed 18 Mar 2022.
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Authors

Paul Lalovich

Tesha Teshanovich