Stan Rak: Elevating the Ideas and Insights of IPC's Thought Leaders Program
April 25, 2024 | Stanton Rak, SF Rak CompanyEstimated reading time: 1 minute
As a member of the IPC Thought Leaders Program (TLP), I am responsible for identifying knowledge-sharing opportunities that can generate ideas and insights that strengthen the IPC community as well as create a sustainable and lasting future for its members. I am delighted to highlight some of my recent contributions as a member of the TLP.
Webinar: Improving Technical Writing
In a September 2023 workshop on workforce development, I delivered a webinar titled "Technical Paper Writing: Industry Best Practices for Conference Manuscripts." The webinar was prompted by my observations as chair/co-chair of the IPC APEX EXPO Technical Program Committee (TPC) for 2022 and 2023, as well as preparations for ECWC16. TPC members believe there is a need to communicate and document information in a formal and permanent record for the advancement of science and technology. Technical papers add to the credibility of our work so others can truly understand the benefits and advance the field themselves. It is also important that any work presented at IPC APEX EXPO is described in a manner that can be reproduced by others. Additionally, many members of the IPC community are involved with standards task groups and know that high-quality technical papers are often leveraged to help create new and stronger industry standards.
In my leadership role on the TPC, I observed that technical manuscript writing was more prevalent in scientific and academic communities and less so in engineering and industrial environments (where most IPC members reside). I also noted that technical paper writing is in danger of becoming a lost art. In today’s fast-paced world, information is often communicated digitally in brief formats like text messages, posts, and video clips. PowerPoint presentations are useful for conveying information in most professional settings. All these forms of communication serve a valuable purpose: the timely and illustrative dissemination of information. But the quality and breadth of the information can have its limitations.
To read the rest of this article, which appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of IPC Community, click here.
Suggested Items
Enhance Your Electronics Expertise Through IPC Courses in August
07/25/2024 | Corey Lynn, IPCAs the global leader in standards, training, and certification for the electronics industry, IPC is pleased to announce an array of upcoming online instructor-led courses this August. These courses are designed to equip professionals with the latest skills and knowledge required to excel in the ever-evolving field of electronics manufacturing and design. Whether you want to deepen your expertise in PCB design and manufacturing, understand the intricacies of intermetallic compounds, or learn about counterfeit part mitigation, IPC has a course tailored for you.
The Knowledge Base: The Value of Industry Certifications
07/24/2024 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseIndustry certifications have become increasingly significant in the modern job market, offering a range of benefits to both individuals and employers. These certifications serve as formal recognitions of expertise and proficiency in specific areas, validating a person's skills and knowledge. In the context of the electronics assembly industry, certifications are particularly valuable, given the technical nature of the work and the rapid advancements in technology.
Tom Edman Leads IPC Board of Directors
07/17/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineIPC elected several new board members at IPC APEX EXPO in April, including new Board Chair Tom Edman, CEO of TTM, who assumes the role from Bob Neves, CTO and chair of Microtek Laboratories. Tom and TTM have long been active in many facets of IPC. I caught up with Tom and asked him about his new board appointment, IPC, and the industry he serves. He emphasizes IPC’s work in standards and advocacy as especially important for our industry.
Getting Clear About Certification With Charlie Capers
07/17/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamWalk through the entrance at Zentech Dallas and you’ll see a wall of certification plaques prominently displayed. Beyond being impressive and a point of pride, these certifications tell a story to potential customers: This company is ready to do business. Charlie Capers, former vice president and general manager, shares his insights on quantifying the ROI of certifications. You may not see it on paper, but it’s definitely there. He also talks about his expectations for new hires and shares a case study about the importance of collaborating with your PCB designers.
Winners of 2024 IPC Masters Competition China Announced
07/17/2024 | IPCFrom July 8-10, the 2024 IPC Masters Competition China was successfully held in Pudong, Shanghai. This year’s competition, was the largest in the history of the Greater China region, bringing nearly 400 electronics industry elites from 18 provinces and municipalities.