Tag: UCF

OM Podcast #49: An Interview with the CEO of the Florida Semiconductor Engine About Reshoring

In this episode of the Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast, Barry Render talks with Dr. Ron Piccolo, CEO of the Florida Semiconductor Engine, about why semiconductors have become such a critical issue for the U.S. economy. From phones and cars to medical devices and defense systems, semiconductors power everyday life—but much of the manufacturing and packaging happens overseas, creating supply‑chain and security risks.

A key focus of the conversation is advanced packaging, which refers to newer ways of assembling semiconductor chips to improve performance, reduce heat, and increase reliability. Piccolo explains that while high‑volume manufacturing will likely remain global, the U.S. has a strong opportunity to bring specialized, high‑reliability packaging back home—especially for industries like space, healthcare, and defense.
The episode also explores how universities, government, and industry can work together to build regional innovation ecosystems. Supported by a National Science Foundation grant, the Florida Semiconductor Engine aims to create a one‑stop shop for design, prototyping, and testing—strengthening U.S. competitiveness while supporting high‑skill jobs and regional growth.

 

TRANSCRIPT LINK
A Word document of this podcast will download by clicking the word Transcript above.

Prof. Barry Render
Prof. Ron Piccolo

Want to be first to hear our latest podcasts?
Just open your Apple Podcasts app, search “Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast,” and subscribe to get our newest episodes as soon as they’re released!

Instructors: assignable auto‑graded exercises using this podcast are available in MyLab OM. To learn more, view our earlier blog post featuring Chuck Munson or contact your Pearson representative: Find your rep

OM Podcast #16: Real-World Engagement with OM Simulations

In the latest podcast, Barry Render, coauthor of the #1 Operations Management textbook on the market, interviews Dr. Andy Johnson, who teaches Operations Management and Supply Chain to over 1,000 students a semester at University of Central Florida. Andy and Barry discuss the unique way UCF’s course is set up, and the OM Simulations the course is centered around, which bring an essential real world, engaging hands-on element to the course.

Did you know our podcast is now available on Apple podcasts? Just go to your Apple podcasts app, search “Heizer Render OM Podcast,” and subscribe to get all our podcasts on your mobile device as soon as they come out!

 

 

Transcript

A Word document of this podcast will download by clicking the word Transcript above. Instructors, assignable auto-graded exercises using this podcast are available in MyLab OM.  See our  earlier blog post with a recording of author and user Chuck Munson to learn how to find these, or contact your Pearson rep to learn more!  https://www.pearson.com/en-us/help-and-support/contact-us/find-a-rep.html