Fred Schindler

Ignorant, Stubborn, and Unwilling to Listen [MicroBusiness]

Addresses management styles and explores how the following traits impact management outcomes: ignorance, stubbornness, and an unwillingness to listen.

Perspectives on globalization and outsourcing

The phenomena of outsourcing, globalization and offshoring are impacting the microwave and RF engineering community. Many of us, even if not yet directly affected, are concerned. There are considerable short-term instability as manufacturing and design capabilities shift to lower cost locations. In the long term, however, we have the prospect of greater prosperity throughout the globe. Improving standards of living in now economically underdeveloped areas will level the field, and underdeveloped areas will gradually become developed. And as prosperity increases in underdeveloped areas, new markets for goods and services is created, raising the possibility of increased global economic activity. Granted, this is a very optimistic view, but this is the outcome that we are best off encouraging.

Tips for the Working Engineer [MicroBusiness]

Presents advice and tips for engineers in the workplace to improve their careers and succeed in the place of employment.

The Ethereal Nature of Data [MicroBusiness]

Explores the etheral nature of documents, both print and data that is stored online via computer and digital systems.

Hey, Students [MicroBusiness]

Presents information to graduating students who are in the process of interiewing and conducting professional relationships in the microwave industry.

My Great-Grandfather Was a Webmaster [MicroBusiness]

My great-grandfather was a webmaster. Actually, he was a Webmeister. The same goes for my grandfather. My dad recently showed me old portraits of some of his family members. They all had their names written on them in elegant script. Some also included their occupations, and I was amused to see ?Webmeister? printed on my great-grandfather?s portrait. This was, of course, long before anyone had thought of the Internet. This was in an era during which electricity was just coming into common usage.

Standing in a Tub of Ice Water [MicroBusiness]

Examines the processes and outcomes of launching engineering experiments. Why do we pursue engineering projects that don’t appear rewarding? We are human and susceptible to all manner of foibles, including our emotions. Sometimes, these emotions get in the way of sound business decisions. Sometimes, we create a rationale to support a questionable decision. Sometimes, we confuse peripheral factors for central ones, just to support preconceived notions.

Management by Walking Around [MicroBusiness]

Management by walking around (MBWA) is an old concept. Sometimes it is also referred to as management by wandering around. The term dates back to Hewlett–Packard (HP) at a time when HP was still primarily a test equipment company. Elaborates on this concept and examines the benefits of the style of management.

What's the Problem? [MicroBusiness]

Examines the significance of understanding where problems exist and being able to find effective solutions.

Just Ask [MicroBusiness]

Discusses the importance of joining hte MTSS Society and volunteering for various activities and programs.