SPK Building
206 Beverly St, Toronto
(1 block South of St.George and College)

Free Parking.
Restaurant and bar available on premises (opens at 6:00 p.m.).

Friends and family members are welcome
7:00 p.m. - Networking; free refreshments and health snacks; restaurant and cash bar
8:00 - Presentation
9:00 - Questions and answers
9:30 – 11:00 - Networking; free refreshments; cash bar

This presentation should be of interest of anyone interested in simplifying communication. It will be based on publications presented at two IEEE conferences: CISIM 2007 (6th International Conference on Computer Information Systems and Industrial Management Applications, Elk, Poland, June 28 - 30, 2007, ‘Information Management on Industrial Automation Projects’) and IPCC 2007 (50th Annual Conference of the IEEE Professional Communication Society, Seattle, WA, October 1 – 3, 2007, ‘Communication solutions for today’s engineering management’). Today’s perpetually improving technology brings new dramatic challenges. Author’s communication solutions to these challenges are based on the use of simple models designed to speed-up learning and extend retention of knowledge and skills. Two examples will be used: one for general management, and another for a project with intensive high tech content.  Brief introduction of some technologies will be followed by the discussion on the use and abuse of new communication aspects brought in with those technologies. Some traps and urban myths surrounding new technologies (and also older ones) will be unveiled. An increased importance of recognizing needs for integration of technical and non-technical content will be stressed. Pragmatic skills and practices, necessary to succeed today, will be pointed out. Three brief stories, taken straight from the author’s recent experience will be told. They address ‘groupthink’ syndrome, central databases fallacy, and supplier equipment integration challenges.

Jan Jekielek (http://www.nutshellmodels.com) is a Managing Partner, NutshellModels.com, involved in developmental learning ('nutshell models') consulting as well as in selected electrical and automation engineering. Jan received a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the AGH University of Science and Technology. He is a Member of Education and Professional Communication Societies of the IEEE, Member of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), Education Chair of the Management Division of the Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society (ISA), and author and presenter of over 60 technical, business and engineering HR-related publications.