Global Citizenship: What I’ve Learned About the American PCB Business
Global Sourcing Spotlight: The Best Products to Buy Offshore Through Global Sourcing
Nolan's Notes: The Rise (and Risk) of Data
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.
Share on:
Suggested Items
IPC Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Patty Goldman
11/22/2024 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007In my first article of this special series, I wrote a synopsis of the IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame (HOF) Award, along with a commentary on its first few members, particularly Pritchard. Over the years, IPC members who have contributed significantly to IPC and our industry have been awarded this high honor and recognition. Though many early HOF members have passed away and are unknown to today’s IPC membership, their contributions still resonate. Over the coming months, I look forward to researching and reporting on IPC Hall of Fame members and their contributions. This month, I highlight Patty Goldman.
Winners of IPC Hand Soldering World Championship at electronica 2024 Announced
11/21/2024 | IPCIPC hosted its Hand Soldering World Championship in Munich, Germany, at electronica on 14-15 November 2024, welcoming 14 competitors from 13 companies and 12 countries worldwide. Skilled contestants competed to build an electronics assembly in accordance with IPC-A-610 Class 3 criteria, and were judged on the functionality of the assembly, compliance with the assembly process and overall product quality. The contestants were allowed a maximum of 60 minutes to complete the assembly.
IPC Issues Clarion Call for EU to Reclaim Leadership in Electronics Manufacturing
11/21/2024 | IPCIPC released a synopsis of its recent white paper, Securing the European Union’s Electronics Ecosystem. This condensed document presents a comprehensive overview of the current challenges in Europe’s electronics manufacturing industry and shares actionable steps to help the EU achieve a stronger, more autonomous ecosystem.
Enjoy the Journey: PCB Design Instructor Kris Moyer on His Sustainable Lifestyle
11/19/2024 | Michelle Te, IPC CommunityWhen I contacted IPC design instructor Kris Moyer to discuss his sustainable lifestyle, he responded to my text with a call. "I'm calling you from about 8,000 feet, sitting at the foot of Mammoth Lakes," he told me. “My friends and I are about to get in the pool for the afternoon." Kris can do this because he actually lives full-time in his travel-trailer at this campground. He's now a permanent camper, taking him anywhere the winds blow—and where there's strong internet service—so he can teach his PCB design classes, offer expert interviews, and live off the land.
IPC Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week with a Focus on Electronics Manufacturing Excellence
11/19/2024 | IPCIPC, a leading global electronics industry association and source for industry standards, training and advocacy, is proud to announce its participation in National Apprenticeship Week, scheduled for November 17-23, 2024.