Page 191 - PCMI December 2017 Journal

Other groups iden ed the need for easier naviga on on the website, and suggested that a generalized search engine be added. Member groups want to be able to easily search for suppliers, journals, publica ons, and members close to their geographic area.
Some other sugges ons included:
• Adding a page on educa on services and capabili es;
• Providing access to technical support;
• Sharing informa on about legisla on ini a ves;
• Providing virtual shop tours;
• Adding a cost conversion table; and
• Adding links to suppliers and equipment
manufacturers, allied industries and other trade associa ons.
Short Course Availability
A endees were mostly in agreement on the importance of the Short Course and technical educa on in general for the PCM industry. For years, Dr. David Allen conducted PCMI Short Courses, providing a basic instruc on on the PCM process. This was most helpful to those new to the industry. Most groups agreed that PCMI must reac ve the Short Courses, now that Dr. Allen has re red.
Some groups suggested that the short course be developed as a webinar so members would not have to travel. These groups also suggested that the webinars provide modules from which members could choose which to par cipate in, and pay per click. Another idea was to run this webinar in conjunc on with an in-person class at a centralized loca on.
Instead of conduc ng the Short Course, another sugges on made was to host technical breakout sessions at conferences. Three discussion groups would be set up, and members would choose which class to a end. The only problem with these concurrent sessions would be if a endees wanted to all of the classes.
PCMI Member Bene ts Enhancement Group Discussion Julia Dacey, PCMI Mee ngs & Program Assistant
Market Analysis and Related Tools
It was evident that during discussion, most groups acknowledged that a PCM Market Analysis could be a bene cial asset, but due to the wide and varied markets associated with PCMI, it would be di cult to gather the data. Groups also noted that some members might not share per nent data for compe ve reasons.
It was concluded that this research should be le to individual member companies, and PCMI should remain a technical group dedicated to proving informa on and educa onal on the process, rather than de ning the market.
Academic Sample Packet
Members at both conferences also discussed the Academic Sample Packet – and how to con nue to reach academics.
This informa on packet includes:
• A CD containing a PowerPoint and animated video providing overviews of the PCM process; and
• Sample etched pieces represen ng a cross- sec on of the wide range of parts that can be produced by PCM.
All a endees agreed it is extremely important to reach academics to foster the teaching of PCM in schools. Discussion was centralized on how to best reach them.
Many groups suggested that the CD documents
be added to a USB, as many computers today do not have a CD Drive. Another idea was to allow password access on the website to the video and PowerPoint. There was also a sugges on to produce the packet in mul ple languages.
Issue 130 December 2017 PCMI Journal Page 190