Research Techniques for the Consultant: Using the IEEE’s XPLORE Database
Location: KeyPoint Credit Union
Consultants need to quickly understand previous technical developments and current difficulties associated with a proposed client project. While some of this information can be obtained from specialists working for the client, and you may have considerable first-hand knowledge in the field, a full literature search can usually reveal details unknown to the client and lead to better recommendations and solutions. Such facts may include which companies/labs are working on similar products, what techniques are proving suitable for production, which methods have been abandoned for reasons of cost or implementation difficulties, what IP is available for licensing, and which conferences and forums are covering details of the selected technology.
After a brief overview of IEEE’s journals in computing, communications, packaging and other technical areas, the presentation will demonstrate methods for using the IEEE’s on-line database of journal and conference papers for analysis of published results that can affect and influence the direction of development activities. This includes how to access the 1.6 million items using XPLORE, some search and selection strategies, full-text versus abstracts searches, storing searches for re-use, and using Google Scholar. and Scitopia. Specific recommendations for accessing the full papers will be made. Sharing a portfolio of relevant citations can support your work proposal and provide authority for your recommendations. Maintaining access to IEEE’s literature can be a key differentiating factor for your consulting business.
About the speaker, Paul Wesling Paul is a Fellow of the IEEE, and received the IEEE Centennial Medal, the CPMT Board’s Distinguished Service award, the Society Contribution Award, and the IEEE’s Third Millennium Medal. He has organized over 500 courses for the local IEEE chapter in the Santa Clara Valley. Now retired, he is communications director and editor for the IEEE’s SF Bay Area Council. He is the person responsible for the very popular e-GRID emailings and website at e-GRID, which informs the entire Bay Area of upcoming IEEE events.
Paul Wesling received his BS in Electrical Engineering and his MS in Materials Science from Stanford University. Following earlier assignments, he joined Tandem Computers (now HP’s NonStop Enterprise Division) in 1985. As a member of the development team for advanced IC packaging, he designed several multi-chip module prototypes. Later he developed courses on reliability in Tandem’s Education Group, and organized a number of advanced technology and professional skills development courses for his Division and also for the IEEE. He managed a grant from the National Science Foundation for the development of multimedia educational modules in the field of IC packaging.
Location: KeyPoint Credit Union
2805 Bowers Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95051
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