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Conference 7.286::digital

Title:The Digital way of working
Moderator:QUARK::LIONELON
Created:Fri Feb 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:5321
Total number of notes:139771

1100.0. "DECradio Pilot " by NITMOI::DECRADIO () Mon May 07 1990 13:18

From the May 1, 1990 issue of Digital This Week
-----------------------------------------------

Hear here:  DECradio pilot to be conducted in Tewksbury

Beginning next week, employees in the TWO facility in Tewksbury 
will be "plugged in" to DECradio, an audio service that delivers 
news and training right to individual cubicles.  The first 
broadcast is scheduled for May 8 at 11:30 a.m. 
  
    DECradio is the brainchild of Mai Cramer, an instructional 
designer who works in Educational Services Design & Publishing in 
Chelmsford. She may be better known as host of "Blues After 
Hours" on WGBH-FM.

    "No one, to my knowledge, has ever used interactive talk 
radio in a business environment," Mai says.  "Yet radio is 
well-suited to business.  It's low-tech, low-cost, accessible and 
non-intrusive.  It doesn't interfere with the flow of the work 
day."  

    The idea for DECradio came about a little over 18 months ago. 
Rapid change in the company, especially in the Manufacturing 
environment that TWO is part of, requires increased access to 
information, to training, and to communication.  "We wanted to 
foster a kind of 'town meeting' atmosphere," Mai says, "an 
atmosphere where people can have access to the kind of 
information they need to do their jobs better -- whether it's 
information from a manager or a training broadcast."

    To make that access easier, Building C in Tewksbury was wired 
for sound in April. Each individual cube has a box with a volume 
control knob and a headphone jack, or connection, so that 
employees can tune in to DECradio when necessary.  But long 
before that, in January, February and March, "focus groups" of 
employees were set up to discuss what they hope to get from 
DECradio.

    "The focus groups were very important to us," says Mai.  
"Their input helped us to determine the kind of programming that 
DECradio will carry."
    
    During the pilot, DECradio's programming will consist of 
training broadcasts and interactive talk programs discussing 
everything from research in technology to the future of the 
organization to the group's customers.  The network will operate 
on a one-day repeat schedule throughout the pilot.  That is, 
Monday's programs will be repeated on Tuesday, Wednesday's 
programs will be repeated on Thursday, and so on.  "The repeat 
schedule allows more people to hear the programs, since not 
everyone will be in her office for every broadcast," Mai notes.

    After the broadcasts the program tapes will be put into 
circulation in the Digital library system.  Newscasts are planned 
as an integral part of the talk programming -- news about the 
computer industry, manufacturing, and Digital. 

    "DECradio gives Process Engineering the chance to diversify
the types of training we offer to employees," says group manager 
Mike Elia.  "Most importantly, it's another way of keeping the 
lines of communication open."

T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
1100.1MSDSWS::DBROWNDwight Brown, KXOWed May 09 1990 01:303
    Pardon me, but what is "Digital This Week" ?  I'm in the field and am
    obviously out of touch.
    
1100.2DTW - Maynard area newsleterCVG::THOMPSONMy friends call me AlfredWed May 09 1990 12:474
	Digital This Week is a Maynard area newsletter. I think it comes
	out weekly (sounds right).

				Alfred
1100.3NOTIME::SACKSGerald Sacks ZKO2-3/N30 DTN:381-2085Wed May 09 1990 14:371
Actually, Digital This Week comes out biweekly.  You figure it out.
1100.4Moderator?MSBCS::KINGMid-Range Systems Business Group @BXBWed May 09 1990 15:339
    Will there be something like a moderator of this medium who will
    control what the content of the broadcast will be?
    
    I can just imagine what will happen when a timesharing cluster crashes.
    
    All at once "is the system up?"  A system manager's nightmare...
    
    
    Bryan
1100.5KOBAL::DICKSONWed May 09 1990 17:101
    It is a lot more organized than that.  :)
1100.6Our stock will be worth zeroSCCAT::BOUCHARDKen Bouchard WRO3-2Thu May 10 1990 22:415
    DECradio...HMMM...sounds like an idea whose time came and went about
    fifty years ago.Let's hope our competitors don't get wind of this too
    soon,I can hear their jokes now...
    
    Ken
1100.8KOBAL::DICKSONFri May 11 1990 14:2921
    Its clear you don't know what you are talking about.  DECradio is a
    training mechanism that does not require the participant to register
    for a course, go somewhere to hear a speaker, or even stop what they
    are doing at their desk.
    
    Maybe somebody who knows all there is to know about how to do their
    jobs, and what the competition is doing, doesn't need any additional
    training.  But most of us aren't like that.
    
    I've never taken a formal course in my 13 years at DEC.  I could never
    justify the time it would take, compared to just reading it out of
    a book.  But if I had DECradio at my site I should would use it.
    
    It is not that expensive, either.  The most expensive part of putting
    it into a large building is the wiring, and we already have plenty of
    wires to every desk, if we can stop the turf battles over who owns
    them.
    
    - Paul Dickson
      (Not a disinterested party; I am a producer of three episodes of
       of the DECradio talk show.)
1100.9more info pleaseSMOOT::ROTHDon't avoid it- do it NOW!Fri May 11 1990 15:189
Re:< Note 1100.8 by KOBAL::DICKSON >

Could you shed some light on the technology involved here? I am
asumming it has nothing to do with radio but is a glorified wired
intercom system...

Inquiring minds want to know-

Lee
1100.10re: previousDEMON::DEMON::CRAMERFri May 11 1990 16:1912
	We looked into several available technologies during the 
	design stage, including AM carrier current and FM carrier 
	current. Carrier current was not chosen because security
	outside the building couldn't be assured. Audio as a data
	type over the net isn't quite here, although it may be
	a choice in the near future. The system we built was the 
	cheapest that would deliver high fidelity audio to each cube. 
	We called it "radio" because the programs and the feel are
	like radio. 

	Mai
	
1100.11some tech detailsKOBAL::DICKSONFri May 11 1990 16:2014
    There is a studio, about what you might find at a very *very* small
    AM station.  They went with "low-end professional" gear for the most
    part.  No cart players, for example, just some cassettes.  The only
    big-ticket items in the studio are the mixing console and the open-
    reel recorder that makes copies of live programs for repeat broadcasts.
    There is a telephone line interface for call-ins.  No turntables,
    because there is no music programming.
    
    Distribution is through PA-type 70-volt wiring to 100 desks.  (TWO-C
    is a small building.)  Each desk has a little box containing a matching
    transformer and a volume control.  A pair of headphones plug into the
    box.  This method was chosen as being the most cost effective for the
    particular site.  For larger buildings something else should be
    investigated, as the cost of stringing more wire could kill you.
1100.12Q4 PROGRAM SCHEDULEDEMON::DEMON::CRAMERFri May 11 1990 17:01176
          DECradio Pilot Program                                                
          FY90 Q4 Schedule
          * Denotes live call-in program.
          ______________________________________________________________
          Date______Time_____Topic______________________________________
    *     May 8     11:30    Introduction to DECradio/TRG Organization
          May 8     4:00     How to Manage Stress (Part 1)
          May 9     8:00     The Winning Difference: 20 Minutes
                             That Could Change Your Life
          May 9     11:30    Introduction to DECradio/TRG Organization
          May 9     4:00     How to Manage Stress (Part 1)
          May 10    8:00     How to Manage Stress (Part 2)
      *   May 10    11:30    The Problem with Meetings 
          May 10    4:00     How to Manage Stress (Part 3)
          ______________________________________________________________


          DECradio Pilot Program                                                
          FY90 Q4 Schedule
          * Denotes live call-in program.
          ______________________________________________________________
          Date______Time_____Topic______________________________________
          May 11    8:00     How to Manage Stress (Part 2)
          May 11    11:30    The Problem with Meetings
          May 11    4:00     How to Manage Stress (Part 3)
          May 14    8:00     How to Manage Stress (Part 4)
       *  May 14    11:30    Project Management Issues
          May 14    4:00     How to Manage Stress (Part 5)
          May 15    8:00     How to Manage Stress (Part 4)
          May 15    11:30    Project Management Issues
          May 15    4:00     How to Manage Stress (Part 5)
          ______________________________________________________________


          DECradio Pilot Program                                                
          FY90 Q4 Schedule
          * Denotes live call-in program.
          ______________________________________________________________
          Date______Time_____Topic______________________________________
          May 16    8:00     How to Manage Stress (Part 6)
       *  May 16    11:30    Luis Morrero     Managing Change
          May 16    4:00     The Winning Difference: 20 Minutes
                             That Could Change Your Life
          May 17    8:00     How to Manage Stress (Part 6)
          May 17    11:30    Managing Change
          May 17    4:00     The Winning Difference: 20 Minutes
                             That Could Change Your Life
          ______________________________________________________________


          DECradio Pilot Program                                                
          FY90 Q4 Schedule
          * Denotes live call-in program.
          ______________________________________________________________
          Date______Time_____Topic______________________________________
          May 18    8:00     Know Your Customer
                             The Story of Burlington, VT Manufacturing
       *  May 18    11:30    Transferring Manufacturing Processes from 
                             Development to User Sites
          May 18    4:00     Team Building
          May 21    8:00     Know Your Customer
                             The Story of Burlington, VT Manufacturing
          May 21    11:30    Transferring Manufacturing Processes from 
                             Development to User Sites
          May 21    4:00     Team Building
          ______________________________________________________________


          DECradio Pilot Program                                                
          FY90 Q4 Schedule
          * Denotes live call-in program.
          ______________________________________________________________
          Date______Time_____Topic______________________________________
          May 22    8:00     The Secrets of Power Negotiating (Part 1)
      *   May 22    11:30    Digital's Patent Process
          May 22    4:00     The Secrets of Power Negotiating (Part 2)
          May 23    8:00     The Secrets of Power Negotiating (Part 1)
          May 23    11:30    Digital's Patent Process
          May 23    4:00     The Secrets of Power Negotiating (Part 2)
          ______________________________________________________________



          DECradio Pilot Program                                                
          FY90 Q4 Schedule
          * Denotes live call-in program.
          ______________________________________________________________
          Date______Time_____Topic______________________________________
          May 24    8:00     The Secrets of Power Negotiating (Part 3)
       *  May 24    11:30    Know Your Customer
                             Mid-Range Systems Business Manufacturing 
          May 24    4:00     The Secrets of Power Negotiating (Part 4)
          May 25    8:00     The Secrets of Power Negotiating (Part 3)
          May 25    11:30    Know Your Customer
                             Mid-Range Systems Business Manufacturing 
          May 25    4:00     The Secrets of Power Negotiating (Part 4)
          ______________________________________________________________



          DECradio Pilot Program                                                
          FY90 Q4 Schedule
          * Denotes live call-in program.
          ______________________________________________________________
          Date______Time_____Topic______________________________________
          May 29    8:00     Sales Training Audio Cassette Program
                             Printer Selection
      *   May 29    11:30    GIA Manufacturing
          May 29    4:00     The Power of Goal Setting
          May 30    8:00     Sales Training Audio Cassette Program
                             Printer Selection
          May 30    11:30    GIA Manufacturing
          May 30    4:00     The Power of Goal Setting
          ______________________________________________________________



          DECradio Pilot Program                                                
          FY90 Q4 Schedule
          * Denotes live call-in program.
          ______________________________________________________________
          Date______Time_____Topic______________________________________
          May 31    8:00     Marketing Management Checklist
       *  May 31    11:30    Know Your Customer
                             Low-End Systems Manufacturing          
          May 31    4:00     Sales Training Audio Cassette Program
                             Digital Announces the Vax 9000 
          June 1    8:00     Marketing Management Checklist
          June 1    11:30    Know Your Customer
                             Low-End Systems Manufacturing          
          June 1    4:00     Sales Training Audio Cassette Program
                             Digital Announces the Vax 9000 
          ______________________________________________________________


          DECradio Pilot Program                                                
          FY90 Q4 Schedule
          * Denotes live call-in program.
          ______________________________________________________________
          Date______Time_____Topic______________________________________
          June 4    8:00     The Secrets of Power Negotiating (Part 5)
      *   June 4    11:30    Measuring the Difference
                             Computer-Aided Software Engineering Tools
          June 4    4:00     The Secrets of Power Negotiating (Part 6)
          June 5    8:00     The Secrets of Power Negotiating (Part 5)
          June 5    11:30    Measuring the Difference
                             Computer-Aided Software Engineering Tools
          June 5    4:00     The Secrets of Power Negotiating (Part 6)
          ______________________________________________________________



          DECradio Pilot Program                                                
          FY90 Q4 Schedule
          * Denotes live call-in program.
          ______________________________________________________________
          Date______Time_____Topic______________________________________
          June 6    8:00     The Project Management System (Part 1)
       *  June 6    11:30    Project Management Tools
          June 6    4:00     The Project Management System (Part 2)
          June 7    8:00     The Project Management System (Part 1)
          June 7    11:30    Project Management Tools
          June 7    4:00     The Project Management System (Part 2)
          ______________________________________________________________


          DECradio Pilot Program                                                
          FY90 Q4 Schedule
          * Denotes live call-in program.
          _________________________________________________________________
          Date______Time_____Topic_________________________________________
          June 8    8:00     The Effective Sales Manager's Checklist
     *    June 8    11:30    Evaluation of the Q4 Broadcasts
          June      4:00     Basic Marketing
          ______________________________________________________________
                                                                     
1100.13I think its great!!MSBCS::KINGMid-Range Systems Business Group @BXBFri May 11 1990 19:2313
Sounds like a great idea!!  Now that I understand how it works, it sounds like 
it would be beneficial since there will be repeat broadcasts.  How many people
work in the building that it is being piloted in?  Were they polled prior to
installing the system.  I.e. asked how many think they would be able to use this
frequently.  As with every new thing, I'm sure there might be some resistance.

Will the base note author be updating this note on its progress here?


Thanks,


Bryan
1100.14KOBAL::DICKSONFri May 11 1990 19:274
    About 100 people work there.  Every office cubicle is equipped.
    
    Focus-group interviews were done to determine what kinds of programming
    would be useful, which would not be useful, and so on.
1100.15News tooKOBAL::DICKSONFri May 11 1990 19:323
    Not mentioned in the schedule above is that the "live call-in" shows
    also contain news breaks with DEC and industry news, and even a
    few "commercials" for internal service groups.  (like the library)
1100.16DEMON::DEMON::CRAMERFri May 11 1990 22:4715
	In addition to focus groups with the engineers, there was 
	an informal survey of the group done by e-mail. Finally, 
	the management team contributed a lot of ideas for 
	instructional content. Focus groups were the best source
	of information. The program is being evaluated with help 
	from Ed Services QA group. There will be additional focus 
	groups after the program gets going a little longer. 

	BTW, all but one program producer is a member of the 
	target audience. As to how it's going, the first two live 
	shows went well and we're collecting feedback from 
	listeners with short audience opinion forms (we're all
	ears!)
	
	Mai
1100.17JUMBLY::DUNNFri May 18 1990 12:5221
>                  <<< Note 1100.10 by DEMON::DEMON::CRAMER >>>
>
>	We looked into several available technologies during the 
>	design stage, including AM carrier current and FM carrier 
>	current. Carrier current was not chosen because security
>	outside the building couldn't be assured.
>
I don't understand this:

o  anybody with very little kit can stand outside our buildings and pick
   up VDU emissions that could be a lot more juicy than stress management
   talks, so why the sensitivity ?

o  if there is sensitivity, why not scramble the signal ?  Are decoders
   really more expensive than hard-wiring a building ?	

I'm very interested in the concept, but there's no way something that's
hard-wired would ever be able to fly here in Reading on cost grounds - we
had a real problem getting Ethernet put in our area !   

Peter
1100.18KOBAL::DICKSONFri May 18 1990 13:3911
    It is more than stress management.  There can be competitive info
    discussed.
    
    Yes, descramblers would be too expensive.  You would need one for
    every listener.
    
    The clear way to go to me is to use the extra pair of wires in the
    telephone line.  (At least in the USA, industry practice is to bring
    two pairs to each telephone jack, although the phone itself only uses
    one pair.)  Of course, there are other things you might want to do with
    that extra pair...
1100.19are there some development hints here?CVG::THOMPSONMy friends call me AlfredFri May 18 1990 14:424
    Sounds like yet an other reason to develop and install mixed
    media broadband lines for various forms of communication.
    
    			Alfred
1100.20re: .17NITMOI::DECRADIOFri May 18 1990 19:092
	We're investigating expansion through telecom.
	Will let you know what develops.