July 15, 2021
No Miracles

 
Most project engineers understand a bit of chemistry, physics and mechanics. They understand the laws of nature are inviolable.

But, somehow, when it comes to writing contracts with suppliers, they think their project is special, the supplier or contractor does not need to make a profit on their contract.

Deal fairly with your suppliers. And you don't have to come at this from a charitable point of view. Understand that if they smell a rat, you are going to end up getting squeezed in the end--it is your skin that is going to get tanned, so to speak.

I am not saying be a pushover--no, I am saying be professional in every sense of the word.

Being known as being fair and honest is important to your current project and to future projects. Reputations get around, probably far faster and wider than you ever imagined.

A word to the wise.


What is your opinion? Drop me a line at jim.thompson@ipulpmedia.com. I would like to hear from you.


 
Young Engineering Manager of the Year, call for nominations

We are looking for an individual who has done an extraordinary project, one that almost defies belief. Its extraordinary features can be schedule, technology, cost or all three. There is an age limit on the manager eligible for this award: they must be under 35 years old when they completed the project.
 
We have often gotten nominees that go something like this, "I nominate Joe because he has done a great job of running our engineering department for the last fifteen years." Quite frankly, we are not interested in such nominees.
 
However, if you know someone who has led a very exceptional project in the recent past (the last two or three years) and meets our age requirement, we want to know about it. We want to honor them and hold them up as an example for Engineering Managers in every pulp and paper mill around the world.
 
Just send your nomination, with as much details as you can provide, to jim.thompson@ipulpmedia.com. We will seriously consider it.
Current Patent Activity is available here.


Please write when we tickle your brain cells! Email jthompson@taii.com