The Finite-Capacity, Sequence-Dependent Displacement-Irreversibility Theory (FCSDIT)
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: This paper proposes the Finite-Capacity, Sequence-Dependent Displacement-Irreversibility Theory (FCSDIT), a general framework for analyzing how limitedsystem capacity, competing process demands, sequence dependence, and nonrecoverableopportunities interact.The motivating case concerns an individual who allocates a substantial portion of adoles-cence to intensive work and future preparation. Under appropriate resource and deadlineconstraints, such allocation may displace alternative experiences whose original temporalopportunities cannot be recreated after the relevant window has closed. The paper retainsthis case as the primary application while generalizing the underlying mechanism beyondhuman goals and beyond time.The proposed framework includes a multi-resource constraint model, a state-transitionrepresentation, a definition of operational shortfall, a temporal-window loss measure, anequilibrium-capacity threshold, a conditional displacement theorem, and a dynamic optimiza-tion formulation. It then examines information processing, many-to-one transformations,computational capacity, memory, bandwidth, energy, production, and organizational schedul-ing.A central conclusion is that displacement is not automatically irreversible, and a staticequilibrium does not automatically fail in the long run. Displacement becomes necessaryonly under specified infeasibility conditions. Irreversibility requires a separate account ofwhy the relevant time, information, or state cannot be restored under the permitted recoveryoperations. The framework therefore supplies conditional mathematical claims and a researchprogram rather than an unsupported assertion of universal applicability.Keywords: finite capacity; resource allocation; process displacement; temporal opportunitywindows; sequence dependence; information processing; irreversibility; dynamic optimization;feasibility; equilibrium-capacity threshold.
Author: Shan, Shamiul Hoque
Language: English
Subfield: Strategy and Management
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225754047
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