Skip to content

Ideas in Motion

Lessons from the Pandemic: Made in America

Feb 26, 2021 5:30:00 AM / by

0 Comments

Early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned a painful lesson about outsourcing. The fact that there few or no domestic manufacturers of ventilators, face masks, and other critical medical equipment and supplies added to the severity and spread of the virus. In addition to the medical supply industry, 60% of manufacturers experienced significant disruptions in their supply chain.  It is time to take a hard look at insourcing/reshoring as part of America’s strategic preparedness plan, and that is exactly what astute manufacturers are doing.

Read More

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Risk Management

Feb 22, 2021 5:30:00 AM / by

0 Comments

After two decades of focusing on risk management in a continually disruptive business environment, the epic failure of preparedness for the COVID-19 pandemic is teaching American companies a hard lesson. It’s time to rethink how organizations approach risk management. If we didn’t understand that many risk management plans are the result of known implications and proven mitigation efforts in a static environment, we surely do now. There is nothing static about this virus. Nor can we expect the next crisis to be more predictable in what has become a globally volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment (“VUCA”).  This pandemic is an opportunity for risk managers to reimagine their approach for a highly uncertain future.

Read More

Robotics: The Next Enhancement to STEM Education

Jan 4, 2021 7:00:00 AM / by

0 Comments

Traditionally, school curricula focused on the ability to read, write, and communicate. As science and technology have advanced, “literacy” has taken on a much broader definition. The contemporary belief is that students must be proficient and fluent in technology tools, be able to manage, synthesize, analyze and critique multiple information streams of simultaneous information, all while maintaining ethical standards. These tasks are even more daunting in a world where globalization has encouraged (or even required in many roles) cross-cultural relationships for ideation, information-sharing, and problem-solving. Soft skills like collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking have become must-have “new literacy” for job applicants. In fact, an Oxford University study found that as many as 47 percent of jobs in the United States will become wholly automated within the next 20 years. This will lead to a transformation of labor, and will generate new job opportunities.

Read More

Catalysts and Hindrances to Productivity and Creativity

Dec 28, 2020 7:00:00 AM / by

0 Comments

Creativity is a skill most people have instinctually. We “practice” it” daily, whether consciously or purposefully. As we reflect on our accomplishments at work, for example, we find that to be a source of motivation. In fact, Kaizen, or “continuous improvement,” has as its central tenant an innate and unlimited ability to innovate and create. Here we will look at some catalysts for creativity and some hindrances as well. 

Read More

Key Traits of Today’s Leaders

Dec 22, 2020 3:37:34 PM / by

0 Comments

People don’t quit their jobs, they leave their toxic/incompetent leaders. Successful companies need a laser focus on developing effective leadership skills. The style of micro- management and command and control that prevailed years ago is irrelevant. The cornerstone of success in today’s employment environment depends on relationship-building that begins with a leader’s ability to facilitate authentic, nurturing relationships with colleagues and clients – especially in these difficult times of the COVID pandemic.

Read More

How Your Company Can Stand Out at a Virtual Tradeshow

Dec 15, 2020 11:36:44 PM / by

0 Comments

In our last article, we outlined the benefits of exhibiting at a virtual trade show. But how can you ensure your company stands out among the rest?

Read More

Artificial Intelligence Could Soon Make 3D Modeling Easier Than Ever

Dec 14, 2020 8:00:00 AM / by

0 Comments

Sketches and models are an essential stage in the engineering design process. However, 2D computer-aided design models do not always have the precision needed to solve complex problems.

Read More

Inspire Creativity With the Perfect Daily Routine

Dec 8, 2020 8:00:00 AM / by

0 Comments

In order to solve problems effectively, engineers must learn to innovate. For them to design new products and services or improve on those that have already been created, a creative mindset is essential. This continuous innovation is essential for driving economic and societal growth.

How do you get yourself into a creative mindset? Do you swear by a round of push-ups each morning, or do you eat the same thing each day? Maybe your best work is done to the sound of the morning birds, or you can only get down to brass tacks once the sun has gone down.

Whatever your preferences, one thing is for sure: whether they are writers, artists, or mechanical engineers, creative people don't rely on sudden revelations. Instead, their insights come from a consistent pattern and routine to their days. It is the mastery of everyday habits (not some mysterious spark of inspiration) which leads to success.

Read More

The Doctor Will Zoom You Now: The Rise of Telehealth

Dec 2, 2020 11:04:46 PM / by

0 Comments

Telehealth, also known as remotely delivered healthcare, has been provided by healthcare providers for decades, but it was used by only 11% of Americans last year. Back then, federal regulations effectively hamstrung the ability of the technology to gain traction.

Read More

Managing Remote Work

Nov 13, 2020 6:15:00 AM / by

0 Comments

Working from home has become a popular option for many Americans. About 43% of workers regularly telework at least part of the time. An additional 25 – 30% of employees have had to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are obvious benefits to working from home. One of those is increased productivity. A recent study found that remote employees work 1.4 more days per month than their office-based peers, resulting in more than three additional work weeks annually. Telework also reduces or eliminates commuting time and associated expenses. It also can allow workers more flexibility throughout the day, possibly fewer distractions, and a healthier lifestyle. In this article, we take a closer look at how employees who are new to teleworking can adapt to this working model, as well as how managers can make sure that their employees’ work stays on track.

Read More