Sunday, April 26, 2020

Biodata, Curriculum Vitae of Jacob Matthan


 



Polymer Technologist,

Microelectronics Materials Engineer,

Macintosh/Apple Addict,

Innovator, Motivator,

Connector, Technology Leader

Founder of Findians and CHAFF


 

JACOB MATTHAN

 

Contents

  1. Introductory Note
    1. Motivator
    2. Connector
    3. Technology Leader
  2. Example of Motivator, Connector, Technology Leader
  3. Blowing My Trumpet
    1. My Qualities
      1. Multicultural Background
      2. Multitechnological Education and Experience
      3. Communication Skills
        • Bibliography
          1. Material Science
          2. Microelectronics Materials and Special Processes
          3. Management and Other Subjects
      4. Teaching Abilities
      5. Curriculum Vitae
      6. Other Relevant Facts
  4. Needs of Your Organization
  5. Guidelines of My Terms
  6. Concluding Remarks

https://jmatthan.blogspot.com/2020/04/biodata-curriculum-vitae-of-jacob.html

  1.  Introductory NoteOn this web page you will find a presentation of my background and experience. You may find something I have to offer suits your needs, either on a contractual or long term association basis.
     Time is precious - so if you are interested in what I have to offer, download this document, print it at your leisure and send it to the relevant person in your organization - both of us will save time and money.

     This is the technology of tomorrow - sans postal services.

     In order to be able to understand my background I have to introduce three important words:

     Motivator, Connector and Technology Leader.

    1.  MotivatorA Motivator is an individual who has excellent diplomatic skills and ensures that those who work with him are driven to attain the goals that have been set for them. A motivator sticks by his principles and leads, by example, from the top. He can turn a sticky situation with his staff and superiors into a positive one for the good of the organization as he spurs action at all levels. He is never one for personal glory - as he has all the laurels he requires.
      A good motivator is able to demonstrate that each action taken has a very personal benefit to the people who are influenced by the actions and decisions. Good motivators are few and far between.
        
    2.  Connector :A Connector is best described through this short news item:


      Why You Need Connectors

      (Source: Success , 230 Park Ave., New York, NY 10169, and contained in the April 1996 issue of communication briefings .)
      Every company needs connectors - people equally skilled in technology and business. The late Sigfrido Lichtenthal explained how to identify connectors and how to use their skills:

      1. Look for people with a strong business background who have shown an interest in technology - or vice versa.
      2. Realize that connectors will have to deal with people in both camps. So pick only those with good communication skills who can not only paint the big picture but also can provide details when necessary.
      3. Limit the proportion of connectors in your organization to 10 to 15% of your staff - the same proportion as among professionals in general. Also, you only need a few to act as catalysts (motivators) who will help your specialists work more effectively.
      4. Do not think that the chief of an organization must also be a connector. It is enough that the CEO or other executives understand the need for connectors.
      5. Recognize the value of connectors for any organization - large or small - although the larger it is, the greater the need for connectors. Reason: Large organizations have more layers between decision making levels and reality.  

    3.  Technology Leader :A Technology Leader is a person who has a multidisciplinary background with a very broad vision, great common sense and a sharp logical brain, not necessarily skilled in the field he has been asked to be involved with, but who can lead a group of professionals based on his analysis of the global trends he pictures when he applies the science of technological forecasting to specific tasks.
        

  2.  Example of Motivator, Connector, Technology LeaderIt is very rare to find an individual who has all these three qualities. Probably the best example of such an individual is late Tan Sri Dr. B. C. Sehkar, who is considered, all over the world, as the Father of the Natural Rubber Industry. He is the man who once shocked the world when he stood up in the US and said he could provide Natural Rubber at the price of the monomer, i.e., the raw material for the Synthetic Rubber industry - and oil and petrochemical companies in the developed countries knew that this was no idle threat.
  3. Being a chemist, he started work in a Rubber Research organization and developed, along with his colleagues of various disciplines from Agronomy to Rubber Chemistry, the concept of continuous tapping from the rubber tree with ethylene application to stop the clotting mechanism. However, he did not rush to implement such a radical development, as it could have thrown the entire rubber industry into turmoil.He gradually redefined the role of the rubber tappers who would have otherwise lost their jobs. He gradually increased the yield and reduced the labor by redistribution of the labor into more rewarding tasks. When the continuous tapping of rubber latex from the rubber tree was introduced, about a decade after the original discovery, there was no disruption, strikes, unemployment or revolt.


  4.  Blowing My Trumpet
    1.  My Qualities: 

      I am such a person as late Tan Sri Dr. B. C. Sehkar. I can Motivate, Connect and be the Technology Leader.
       When fiber optics was at its very early stages in the mid-sixties, I made my pronouncement on what radical inventions could happen in the application field. Even today some of the concepts have not yet been discovered or implemented as the technology is still in the process of evolution. In the next few years one of the most radical of my inventions will find its place in the portals of history of technological innovation.

       In the mid-seventies, when alcohol-based polymer producing industries were being closed, I was at the forefront of preserving this technology as the amount of crude oil in the world is not limitless and man will have to return to renewable sources of raw materials - alcohol being one of the most abundant. Something which will be understood a decade away.

       More recently, at the tail end of the last millennium, I was been the one who has been shouting from the rooftop that the entire telecommunication industry is going to undergo a very radical revolution, such as may be seen by, for example, the introduction of the WAP enabled devices, Network Computer (NC) or TV top Internet Connectivity. This would allow penetration of Internet access into over 90% homes and industries, even in the third world, just as domestic appliances like radio, TV and telephones, and unlike the PC which will, at best, only make a 50% penetration. But this can only happen when the right technology which is in my hands is brought into play - so the future depends on my willingness to patent the invention and then license it.

       My background, which major features I highlight below, will demonstrate why I am considered a Motivator, Connector and Technology Leader.
      1.  Multicultural Background 

        I have international cultural skills having lived almost 35 years in Finland, 15 years in India, 6 years in UK (including time in Germany) and before that 20 years in India, going backwards in time. I have friends in all levels of society, not only in these countries but as far-flung as Malaysia (including, of course, the late Tan Sri Dr. B. C. Sekhar), China, Singapore, USA, Australia. My language abilities are versatile. (However, as a language of technical and cultural communication I have restricted myself to English. This, in my opinion, is culturally correct and it levels the playing field for all my friends and contacts, subordinates and superiors.)
         In an international organization this is very important as I am able to quickly understand and act on local customs - such as the bribery and corruption in certain countries, the religious taboos in others or the social norms in a third.
      2.  Multitechnological Education and Experience
         My technology background is extremely varied. I am a Chemist, a Polymer Technologist, and a Microelectronics Materials Engineer. I have worked as a Research Assistant, as a Business Development Director, as a Technical Director and as a Managing Director, and at all levels in-between. I have been employed and have employed people. I have been a farmer and an industrial worker. I have been employed and unemployed. I have been involved with creative processes and destructive processes. I have been a student and a teacher. I have had successes and had failures.

         This combination is absolutely unique and is the basis for someone to become a Motivator, Connector and Technology Leader. Without such a varied multitechnological background this would be impossible.
      3.  Communication Skills
         I am a good Communicator , having been a journalist, a reporter, an editor (especially of scientific documents) and a writer of technical, socio-political and cultural pieces of work. These communication skills are absolutely vital if one intends to be a Motivator, Connector and Technology Leader.
        • Bibliography
           Given below are some of my works, published and unpublished, covering the last 37 years of activity:

          1. Material Science
            • Published Work
              1. THE BRABENDER PLASTOGRAPH, J. Matthan, RAPRA Bulletin, UK, Vol. 21, No. 5, Sept.-Oct., 1967, pp. 72 - 73. 
              2. WILL PLASTICS LAST, J. Matthan, Building Maintenance, UK, October 1967, pg. 14. 
              3. SIX OF THE BEST, J. Matthan, Building Maintenance, UK, November 1967, pp. 10 - 11. 
              4. EVALUATION OF THE VARIABLES OF THE BRABENDER PLASTOGRAPH, J. Matthan, RAPRA Research Report 65, UK, January 1968, pgs. 27. 
              5. WEATHERING OF PLASTICS, J. R. Crowder, J. Matthan, PLASTICS, UK, October 1968, pp. 1135 - 1138. 
              6. PROTECTION OF METALS - POWDER COATING, J. Matthan, D. Edwards, RAPRA Bulletin, UK, Vol. 22, No. 6, Nov.-Dec. 1968, pp. 86 - 89. 
              7. DURABILITY OF PLASTICS IN BUILDING - CASE HISTORIES ON THE USE OF PLASTICS IN BUILDINGS, J. Matthan, K. A. Scott, Proceedings Agrément Board Conference, Church House, Westminster, London, UK, April 1969, pgs. 6. 
              8. POLYPROPYLENE, J. Matthan, Chapter in "Fibres, Films, Plastics and Rubbers", edited by J. R. Scott and W. J. Roff, Butterworths and Co (Publishers) Ltd., UK, 1972. 
              9. PVC, J. Matthan, Chapter in "Fibres, Films, Plastics and Rubbers", edited by J. R. Scott and W. J. Roff, Butterworths and Co (Publishers) Ltd., UK, 1971.
              10. AGEING AND WEATHERING OF PLASTICS, J. Matthan, M. Wiechers (néé Robin), K. A. Scott, Collection of 11 individual RAPRA Literature Reviews 
                1. Weathering Factors and Exposure Tests 
                2. Polyurethanes 
                3. Polyolefins 
                4. Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyester Resins 
                5. Epoxy Resins and glass fiber reinforced epoxy resins 
                6. PVC 
                7. Acrylics 
                8. Phenolic and Amino Resins 
                9. Cellulose Esters 
                10. Polystyrene; and 
                11. Other plastics materials 
                Published as a RAPRA Literature Reviews, sponsored by the British Plastics Federation (Building Group) and the U. K. Government, Ministry of Technology, UK, between 1967 and 1969, 1970, pgs. 200. 
              11. WEATHERING, K. A. Scott, J. Matthan, Chapter in "Glass Reinforced Plastics", edited by Brian Parkyn, Butterworths and Co (Publishers) Ltd., UK, 1970, pp. 220 - 231. 
              12. POLYMERS IN ELECTRONICS, J. Matthan, H. Torvela, S. Leppavuori, Proceedings of the 7th European Conference on Electrotechniques, "Advanced Technologies and Processes in Communications and Power Systems" organised by La Societe des Electriciens, des Electroniciens et des Radioelectriciens (SEE), IEEE French Section and Le Groupement des Industries Electroniques (GIEL), Paris, France, April 1986, pp. 135 - 143. 
              13. MICROELECTRONICS RESEARCH REQUIRES INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH, J. Matthan, H. Torvela, S. Leppavuori, Proceedings of the Societe Europeenne pour la Formation Ingenieurs (SEFI) Annual Conference, Helsinki, Finland, April 1987, pp. 621 - 630. 
              14. PAST AND FUTURE IMPACT OF ELECTROACTIVE POLYMERS ON THE ELECTRONICS SECTOR, J. Matthan, H. Torvela, A. Uusimäki, S. Leppavuori, Makromol. Chem., Macromol. Symp. 22, 161-190 (1988) (Also in Plenary Lecture Proceedings, European Polymer Federation First Meeting, European Symposium on Polymeric Materials, Groupe Francais d Etudes et d' Applications des Polymeres, Lyon, France, Sept. 1987, pgs. 23) 
            • Unpublished work prepared by or under the leadership of Jacob Matthan 
              • FINELINE TECHNIQUES IN MICROELECTRONICS, Jacob Matthan, Lecture delivered to participants of the course on Microelectronics Packaging Techniques at the School for Extension Education, University of Oulu, 13th April 1991. 
              • ROLE OF NEW MATERIALS IN MICROELECTRONICS, J. Matthan, Invited Lecture, European Advanced Materials Conference, Hämeenlinna, Finland, 25th September 1990. 
              • POLYMERS IN MICROELECTRONICS, J. Matthan, Invited Lecture, Bangalore Chapter of the International Hybrid Microelectronics Society, Bangalore, India, 8th December 1989. 
              • POLYMERS IN MICROELECTRONICS, J. Matthan, A. Uusimäki, S. Leppavuori, Invited Lecture, Hyderabad Chapter of the International Hybrid Microelectronics Society, Hyderabad, India, 6th December 1989. 
              • RELEVANCE OF ELECTROACTIVE POLYMERIC COMPOSITIONS TO ELECTRONICS, J. Matthan, Lecture, Course on New Adaptations of Plastics for Electronics, Organization for Education of Engineers (INSKO), Espoo, Finland, 11th February 1988. 
              • TECHNOLOGY OF POLYMER PASTES, J. Matthan, Lecture, Course on New Adaptations of Plastics for Electronics, Organization for Education of Engineers (INSKO), Espoo, Finland, 10th February 1988. 
              • PIETSOSÄKHÖISTEN KOMPOSIITIMATERIAALIEN VALMISTUSTEKNIIKAN KEHITTÄMINEN (DEVELOPMENTS IN FABRICATION TECHNIQUES OF PIEZOELECTRIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS), A. Uusimäki, J. Matthan, S. Leppavuori, SITRA Report, Microelectronics Laboratory, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 1987 (In Finnish). 
              • POLYMERS AND THEIR USE IN COMPONENT PROTECTION, J. Matthan, Lecture delivered at Microelectronics Seminar Lectures, 21st March 1986, Linnanmaa, Oulu, Finland.
              • ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF POLYMERS, J. Matthan, Lecture delivered to Students, University of Oulu, Finland, 1985. 
              • INTRODUCTION TO POLYMERS FOR MICROELECTRONICS ENGINEERS, J. Matthan, Lecture delivered to Students, University of Oulu, Finland, 1985. 
              • POLYMER BLENDS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF SELF-REGULATING HEATERS, J. Matthan, T. Jaakola, S. Leppavuori, Microelectronics Laboratory, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 1985. 
              • MARKET STUDY ON THE DEMAND FOR VINYL ACETATE MONOMER AND PRODUCTS DERIVED THEREFROM, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1982. 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY REPORT ON THE MANUFACTURE OF TEXTILE COTS AND APRONS, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1979. 
              • MARKET STUDY FOR ENGINEERING PLASTICS IN INDIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO POLYACETALS AND POLYCARBONATE, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1978. 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY STUDY ON A UNIT TO MANUFACTURE SCOOTER TYRES, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1978 Chapter, National Seminar, Madras, India, 1974. 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY REPORT ON THE PRODUCTION OF BIAXIALLY ORIENTED POLYPROPYLENE FILM FOR ELECTRICAL APPLICATIONS USING THE BUBBLE PROCESS, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1978. 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY REPORT ON THE MANUFACTURE OF FINER VARIETIES OF LATEX THREAD, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1978 (Updated 1980). 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY REPORT ON THE MANUFACTURE OF TUBULAR QUENCHED POLYPROPYLENE FILM, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1977. 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY REPORT ON THE PRODUCTION OF RIGID AND FLEXIBLE PVC FOAMS, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1977. 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY REPORT ON THE MANUFACTURE OF HIGH QUALITY RUBBER LATEX GLOVES, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1976. 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY REPORT ON THE PRODUCTION OF BIAXIALLY ORIENTED POLYPROPYLENE FILM FOR PACKAGING USING THE STENTER PROCESS, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1976, (Updated 1977, 1978, 1979). 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY REPORT ON THE PRODUCTION OF TECHNICALLY SPECIFIED RUBBER IN INDIA, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1976 (Updated 1978, 1980). 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY REPORT ON THE MANUFACTURE OF RECLAIMED RUBBER, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1975. 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE MANUFACTURE OF POLYPROPYLENE STRAPPING, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1975. 
              • MARKET STUDY OF DEMAND FOR PVC IN INDIA IN THE NEXT DECADE, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1975.
              • MARKET STUDY OF DEMAND FOR EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE PRODUCTS IN INDIA, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1975. 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY STUDY ON MANUFACTURE OF INDUSTRIAL LAMINATES, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1975. 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE MANUFACTURE OF CONVEYOR BELTS, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1974. 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY REPORT ON ESTABLISHING A FACTORY TO PRODUCE PULTRUDED PRODUCTS, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1974. 
              • MARKET STUDY OF DEMAND FOR ENGINEERING PLASTICS IN INDIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ABS AND SAN, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1974. 
              • MARKET STUDY ON DEMAND FOR ACRYLIC POLYMERS IN INDIA, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1974. 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY REPORT ON THE MANUFACTURE OF POLYVINYLACETATE EMULSIONS AND ADHESIVES, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1974 (Updated 1978). 
              • REPORT ON ESTABLISHING A RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FACILITY FOR SYNTHETIC ADHESIVES, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1974. 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY REPORT ON THE MANUFACTURE OF SYNTHETIC ADHESIVES, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1973. 
              • FUTURE OF POLYOLEFINS IN INDIA, 2 Volumes, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1973. 
              • POWDER PROCESSING OF POLYMERIC MATERIALS AND ITS RELEVANCE TO INDIA, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1973.
              • CASE STUDY ON THE NEED TO PRODUCE POLYPROPYLENE COPOLYMERS IN INDIA, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1973. 
              • AUTOMOBILE TYRES AND TUBES - RADIAL TYRE TECHNOLOGY AND ITS RELEVANCE TO INDIA, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1973. 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE MANUFACTURE OF WOVEN FABRIC AND SACKS FROM HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1973. 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY REPORT ON THE EXTRUSION COATING OF MULTIFARIOUS SUBSTRATES, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1973. 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY REPORT ON ESTABLISHING A TYRE AND TUBE FACTORY FOR ALL CLASSES OF VEHICLES, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1972. 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY REPORT ON ESTABLISHING AN UNIT TO PRINT ON PLASTICS BY FLEXOGRAPHIC AND ROTOGRAVURE TECHNIQUES, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1972.
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY REPORT ON ESTABLISHING A FACTORY TO PRODUCE FOAM PRODUCTS FROM NATURAL RUBBER LATEX, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1971. 
              • TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY STUDY TO PRODUCE PHENOLIC COATED FIBREGLASS WOVEN MESH FOR HIGH STABILITY HIGH SPEED BONDED GRINDING WHEELS, Polymer Consultancy Services, 1970. 
              • CASE HISTORY REPORT ON THE DURABILITY OF PLASTICS IN BUILDINGS, RAPRA Report for the British Plastics Federation, 1969. 
              • HIGH SHEAR VISCOMETER AS A TOOL TO MEASURE THE MELT FLOW CHARACTERISTICS OF POLYOLEFINS, RAPRA, 1969. 


            • Microelectronics Materials and Special Processes
              • Published work 
                1. POLYMERS IN ELECTRONICS, J. Matthan, H. Torvela, S. Leppavuori, Proceedings of the 7th European Conference on Electrotechniques, "Advanced Technologies and Processes in Communications and Power Systems" organised by La Societe des Electriciens, des Electroniciens et des Radioelectriciens (SEE), IEEE French Section and Le Groupement des Industries Electroniques (GIEL), Paris, \France, April 1986, pp. 135 - 143. 
                2. MICROELECTRONICS RESEARCH REQUIRES INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH, J. Matthan, H. Torvela, S. Leppavuori, Proceedings of the Societe Europeenne pour la Formation Ingònieurs (SEFI) Annual Conference, Helsinki, Finland, April 1987, pp. 621 - 630. (lecture delivered on my behalf by Prof. Heikki Torvela).
                3. PAST AND FUTURE IMPACT OF ELECTROACTIVE POLYMERS ON THE ELECTRONICS SECTOR, J. Matthan, H. Torvela, A. Uusimäki, S. Leppavuori, Makromol. Chem., Macromol. Symp. 22, 161-190 (1988) (Also in Plenary Lecture Proceedings, European Polymer Federation First Meeting, European Symposium on Polymeric Materials, Groupe Francais d Etudes et d' Applications des Polymeres, Lyon, France, Sept. 1987, pgs. 23). 
                4. HIGH Tc SUPERCONDUCTING YBa2Cu3O7-d PREPARED BY THE OXALATE ROUTE, J. Matthan, A. Uusimäki, R. Laitinen, S. Leppavuori, Kemi-Kemia, Finnish Chemical Congress, Helsinki, Finland, November 1988. 
              • Unpublished work 
                1. FINELINE TECHNIQUES IN MICROELECTRONICS, Jacob Matthan, Lecture delivered to participants of the course on Microelectronics Packaging Techniques at the School for Extension Education, University of Oulu, 13th April 1991. 
                2. ROLE OF NEW MATERIALS IN MICROELECTRONICS, J. Matthan, Invited Lecture, European Advanced Materials Conference, Hämeenlinna, Finland, 25th September 1990. 
                3. POLYMERS IN MICROELECTRONICS, J. Matthan, Invited Lecture, Bangalore Chapter of the International Hybrid Microelectronics Society, Bangalore, India, 8th December 1989. 
                4. POLYMERS IN MICROELECTRONICS, J. Matthan, A. Uusimäki, S. Leppavuori, Invited Lecture, Hyderabad Chapter of the International Hybrid Microelectronics Society, Hyderabad, India, 6th December 1989. 
                5. HIGH Tc SUPERCONDUCTING YBa2Cu3O7-d PREPARED BY THE OXALATE ROUTE, J. Matthan, A. Uusimäki, R. Laitinen, S. Leppavuori, Poster, Finnish Chemical Congress, Helsinki, Finland, 1 - 3 November 1988. 
                6. RELEVANCE OF ELECTROACTIVE POLYMERIC COMPOSITIONS TO ELECTRONICS, J. Matthan, Lecture, Course on New Adaptations of Plastics for Electronics, Organization for Education of Engineers (INSKO), Espoo, Finland, 11th February 1988. 
                7. TECHNOLOGY OF POLYMER PASTES, J. Matthan, Lecture, Course on New Adaptations of Plastics for Electronics, Organization for Education of Engineers (INSKO), Espoo, Finland, 10th February 1988. 
                8. PIETSOSÄKHÖISTEN KOMPOSIITIMATERIAALIEN VALMISTUSTEKNIIKAN KEHITTÄMINEN (DEVELOPMENTS IN FABRICATION TECHNIQUES OF PIEZOELECTRIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS), A. Uusimäki, J. Matthan, S. Leppavuori, SITRA Report, Microelectronics Laboratory, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 1987 (In Finnish). 
                9. POLYMERS AND THEIR USE IN COMPONENT PROTECTION, J. Matthan, Lecture delivered at Microelectronics Seminar Lectures, 21st March 1986, Linnanmaa, Oulu, Finland.
                10. ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF POLYMERS, J. Matthan, Lecture delivered to Students, University of Oulu, Finland, 1985. 
                11. INTRODUCTION TO POLYMERS FOR MICROELECTRONICS ENGINEERS, J. Matthan, Lecture delivered to Students, University of Oulu, Finland, 1985. 
                12. POLYMER BLENDS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF SELF-REGULATING HEATERS, J. Matthan, T. Jaakola, S. Leppavuori, Microelectronics Laboratory, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 1985. 


            • Management and Other Subjects
              • Published work 
                1. ESSENTIALS FOR SURVIVAL - HOLIDAY IN INDIA, Annikki Matthan and Jacob Matthan, Findians Briefings Vol. 1, No. 3, pgs. 2-4, 1992. 
                2. FINNISH FINANCIAL FIASCO, Annikki Matthan and Jacob Matthan, Findians Briefings Vol. 1, No. 3, pgs. 8-11, 1992. 
                3. APPEARING FILES, Annikki Matthan and Jacob Matthan, Findians Briefings Vol. 2, No. 1, pgs. 2-5, 1993. 
                4. WESTERN RECYCLING DOOMED, Jacob Matthan, Findians Briefings Vol. 2, No. 2-3, pgs. 6-7, 1993.
                5. CRITICISM - CONSTRUCTIVE OR DESTRUCTIVE (with an Open Letter to President Vaclav Havel, President of Czechoslovakia), Jacob Matthan, Findians Briefings Vol. 2, No. 2-3, pgs. 12-14, 1993. 
                6. HANDBOOK FOR SURVIVAL IN FINLAND, Annikki and Jacob Matthan, 196 pages, Findians Oy, Finland, 1994. Updated version published in 2004.)
                7. SEVEN YEARS HARD LABOUR IN A FINNISH HOLIDAY CAMP - A FINNISH UNIVERSITY, Jacob Matthan, 165 pages, Findians Oy, Finland 1994. 
                8. SPORTS AS AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR INTEGRATION OF ETHNIC MINORITIES IN OULU, J. Matthan, Published by Pohjois-Pohjanmaa Sports Federation (PoPLi), Printed by "Alakko nää mua?" project, Oulu, Finland, October 1999, 178 pages. 
              • Unpublished work 
                1. EVOLUTION OF CHRISTIANITY IN INDIA FROM THE 1st CENTURY AD, J. Matthan, A. Matthan, Invited Lecture, Adventist Church of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 15th March 1990. 
                2. HUNDRED YEARS OF FREE JOURNALISM IN A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY, J. Matthan, Invited Lecture, English Club of Oulu, Oulu Lyseo, Oulu, Finland, 16th February 1989.
                3. MEDIA IN INDIA, J. Matthan, Invited Lecture, Haapavesi School for Professional Studies, Haapavesi, Finland, September 1988. 
                4. INTRODUCTION TO INDIA, J. Matthan, Lecture, English Language Course organised by the English Club of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, June 1988. 
                5. FORTY YEARS OF INDEPENDENT INDIA, J. Matthan, Invited Lecture, Trainee Teachers at the Primary School, Linnanmaa, Oulu, Finland, 17th February 1988. 
                6. INTRODUCTION TO INDIA, J. Matthan, Lecture, English Language Course organised by the English Club of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 12th June 1987. 
                7. INTRODUCTION TO INDIA, J. Matthan, Lecture, English Language Course organised by the English Club of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 12th June 1986. 
                8. THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS OF INDEPENDENT INDIA, J. Matthan, Lecture, English Club of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 1985. 
                9. IMPORTANCE OF ROTARY TO MEMBERS OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF MADRAS SOUTH, TAMIL NADU, INDIA, J. Matthan, Lecture, Rotary Club of Merikoski, Oulu, Finland, !985. 
                10. MEANING OF ROTARY TO MEMBERS OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF MADRAS SOUTH IN TAMIL NADU - SOUTH INDIA, J. Matthan, Rotary Club of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 1985. 
                11. INDIA 1985, J. Matthan, FINN-BRITS Autumn ê85, Finland, pgs. 20 - 22. 

      4.  Teaching Abilities
         Above all, the reason I am a Motivator, Connector and a Technology Leader, is because I am also a Teacher - I can teach others by intensive personal study which takes me to a level which enables me to earn the respect of my students. I use my communication skills to ensure that the ideas are conveyed to all levels within an organization, basically, because to be a good teacher, one has to be an excellent listener, to listen to the sounds that emanate from around and gauge how to teach.

         I have taught many special subjects in the field of Polymers, Plastics and Microelectronics. Among the management subjects that I have taught recently are Project Management, Modes of Entry in International Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Financial Terminologies.

      5.  Curriculum Vitae
        • HIGHER EDUCATION1960 - 1963 UNIVERSITY OF DELHI, Delhi, B.Sc. (Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics)
          1963 - 1966 NATIONAL COLLEGE OF RUBBER TECHNOLOGY, London, GPI (Polymer Science and Technology including Business Administration)
        • SPECIALISATION1966 Graduateship of the Plastics Institute of London (GPI).
          1969 Associateship of the Plastics Institute of London (API) .
          1975 Associateship of the Plastics and Rubber Institute of London (APRI).
          1978 Fellowship of the Plastics and Rubber Institute of London (FPRI).
          1990 Fellowship of the Institute of Materials, London (FIM).
        • EXPERIENCE
        • 2012+ Retired, Accounts Manager in FarOy Oy, Hospitality Services
        • 2008-2012 Director - Raantel Oy. Hospitality Services
        • 2007 (October)+ - Adviser, Strategic Manpower Services for Findians for Head Hunting between Finland and India 
        • 2003 (April)+ - Angel Services, Social Service, Blogging, Organisation of CHAFF (Chamber for Assistance of Finns and Foreigers)
        • Blogs: Jacob's Blog, Oulu CHAFF Blog, Oulu Best Buy Blog , Seventh Heaven Blog for Mumbai Cathedralites (Cathedral and John Connon School) , Kooler Talk (Web Version) for Delhi Stephanians (St. Stephen's College), Jacob's Politics, Move The UN Blog.
          Groups: Findians, Oulu CHAFF, Seventh Heaven for Cathedralite 59ers, O-India

          2003 (April)+ - Official Retirement
          2002 (January)+ - Author, Handbooks (Extrusion Coating) - Unpublished
          2000 - 2002 - Owner, ETNICA TMI International Procurement Service
          1999 (July)+ - Chairperson of the ANM? Liikunta ja Kulttuuri ry (ANM? SCA- ANM? Sports and Culture Association).
          1999 (Jan) / 2001 (Nov) - Member of the Finnish Tolerance Working Group of the Finnish Sports Federation representing the Pohjois-Pohjanmaa region of North Finland to promote Integration of Ethnic Minorities.
          1998 - 2000 - Project Secretary, (ANM?) Will You Play With Me? Project, City of Oulu and the Pohjois-Pohjanmaa Sports Federation to use Sports as a tool for Integration of Ethnic Minorities.
          1998 - 2001 - Elected Member to the Finnish Government Ethnic Minorities Advisory Board. Appointed by the Government of Finland for a term of 3 years.
          1997+ - Advisor, National Equal Opportunities Network (NEON) of Finland.
          1997+ - Vice Chairperson, Oulu Area Same Law For All Association.
          1997+ - Amazon.com Associate as Findians Paradise Book Store.
          1995+ - Web Editor - Findians Briefings, Kooler Talk, Seventh Heaven.
          1994-1995 Managing Director, Findians Oy, Oulu, Finland.
          1992-1996 Board Member, Findians Oy, Oulu, Finland.
          1992 January - 1992 March Project Manager, Microelectronics Laboratory, University of Oulu, Finland.
          1991 May - 1991 December Project Leader, Fineline Project,
          Microelectronics Laboratory, University of Oulu, Finland.
          1990 January - April 1992 Acting Chief Engineer and Laboratory Manager/Editor - Scientific English, Microelectronics Laboratory, University of Oulu, Finland.
          1988 - 1989 Project Engineer and Coordinator/Editor - Scientific English Microelectronics Laboratory, University of Oulu, Finland.
          1984 - 1987 Research Scientist / Editor - Scientific English Microelectronics Laboratory, University of Oulu, Finland.
          1969 - 1984 Founder and/or Managing Director and/or Technical Director, Polymer Consultancy Services Ltd., Agropolymer Research Services Ltd., Flexpak Ltd., Polyprint Ltd., Industrial Engineering Services, Polymer Engineering Services/Polymer Development Services, Madras, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin and Bombay, India.
          1966 - 1969 (Research Assistant) Rubber and Plastics Research Association of Great Britain (RAPRA), Shawbury, Shrewsbury, Salop, England.
          1964 (SUMMER) Trainee Farbenfabriken Bayer AG, Leverkusen, West Germany.
        • CONSULTATIVE EXPERIENCE IN MATERIAL SCIENCERAPRA, UK. Several tens of investigative jobs for Companies such as ROLLS ROYCE, CIBA, ICI, BP, etc.
          PRIVATE CONSULTANCY. Work conducted for several tens of companies such as BASF, JOHNSON and JOHNSON, CARBORUNDUM UNIVERSAL, ICI, etc.
        • IMPORTANT CONSULTING PROJECTS (a few examples)1969 - 1984 AUTOMOBILE TYRES and TUBES/BIAXIALLY ORIENTED POLYPROPYLENE FILM (Electrical/Bubble Process - Packaging/Stenter Process)/ TECHNICALLY SPECIFIED CRUMB RUBBER/EXTRUSION COATING (Paper and Textiles)/PLASTICS IN BUILDING - CASE STUDY ON DURABILITY/ POLY(VINYLACETATE) EMULSIONS/ PULTRUDED PRODUCTS/RIGID and FLEXIBLE PVC FOAMS/RUBBER LATEX GLOVES/TUBULAR QUENCHED POLYPROPYLENE FILM.
        • SUBJECT EXPERIENCE (a few examples)1966 - 1984 AUTOMOBILE TYRES and TUBES/BIAXIALLY ORIENTED POLYPROPYLENE FILM (Production by Stenter and Blown Bubble Processes) (Packaging and Power Factor Capacitor Uses)/EXTRUSION COATING/INJECTION MOULDING/PLASTICS IN BUILDING/PRINTING TECHNOLOGY (Flexographic and Rotogravure Techniques, Photopolymeric Plates)/TECHNICALLY SPECIFIED NATURAL RUBBER/RUBBER TECHNOLOGY (Production of foam mattresses, pillow, gloves, latex thread, motorcycle and cycle seats, etc.) THERMOFORMING
          1984++ Polymers in Electronics/Polymers in Microelectronics/ Piezo and Pyroelectric Polymeric Composites/Electroceramics /Microelectronics Science and Technology/ High Temperature Superconductors/Lasers in Microelectronics/ Composite Electromechanical Devices for Micromovement Applications in Manufacturing Processes
        • RESEARCH
          • RAPRA, UK.1. 1966 - 1969 Evaluation of the Variables of the Brabender Plastograph, RAPRA RESEARCH REPORT NO. 65
            2. 1967 - 1969 High Shear Viscometer Study of Melt Flow Index of Polyolefins, Unpublished RAPRA REPORT
            3. 1967 - 1969 Case Study - Durability of Plastics used in Building in UK. Unpublished BRITISH PLASTICS FEDERATION/ RAPRA REPORT
          • Laboratory of Microelectronics, UNIVERSITY OF OULU, FINLAND.1. 1984 - 1990 Polymer/Ceramic Blends Microelectronics and PTC Properties
            2. 1984 - 1989 Speciality Gas Sensors based on Thick Film Technology Industrial and Automotive Industries
            3. 1985 - 1987 Power Hybrid Technology
            4. 1985 - 1986 Technoeconomic Research Future of Electronics Active and Passive Components
            5. 1987 Piezo Polymer Composites
            6. 1988 - 1990 High Temperature Electroceramic Superconductors
            7. 1991-1992 Fineline Techniques in Microelectronics
              

      6. Other Relevant Facts
        • MAJOR LECTURES
          1. Project Management,
            24 hours lecture course for Euro Engineers at Ylivieska Professional College, Finland.
          2. How to Start Your Own Business,
            12 hours lecture course for Euro Engineers at Oulu Professional College, Finland.
          3. International Marketing,
            16 hours lecture course for Euro Engineers at Oulu Professional College, Finland.
          4. Introduction to Finance for Engineers,
            12 hours lecture course for Euro Engineers at Oulu Professional College, Finland.
          5. Project Management,
            12 hours lecture course for Euro Engineers at Oulu Professional College, Finland.
          6. Recent Advances in Fineline Technology,
            Department of Electronics and Communications, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India, January 1994
          7. Polymers in Microelectronics,
            Bombay Chapter, Plastics Institute, India, January 1992
          8. Polymers in Microelectronics,
            Bangalore Chapter, Plastics Institute, India, January 1992
          9. Polymers in Microelectronics,
            Madras Chapter, Plastics Institute, India, January 1992
          10. Fineline Technology,
            Department of Electronics and Communications, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India, January 1992
          11. Advanced Packaging Techniques in Microelectronics,
            Department of Electronics and Communications, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India, January 1992
          12. High Temperature Superconductors,
            Department of Electronics and Communications, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India, January 1992
          13. Lasers in Microelectronics,
            Department of Electronics and Communications, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India, January 1992
          14. Fineline Techniques in Microelectronics,
            School of Extension Education, University of Oulu, 13th April 1991.
          15. Role of New Materials in Microelectronics,
            European Advanced Materials Institute Conference, Häämeenlinna, Finland, September 25th 1990.
          16. Evolution of Christianity in India from the 1st Century AD,
            Seventh Day Adventist Church of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 15th March 1990.
          17. Polymers in Microelectronics,
            International Society for Hybrid Microelectronics, Indian Chapter, Bangalore, India, 8th Dec. 1989.
          18. Polymers in Microelectronics,
            International Society for Hybrid Microelectronics, Indian Chapter, Hyderabad, India, 6th Dec. 1989.
          19. Hundred Years of Free Journalism in a Third World Country,
            English Club of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 16th February 1990.
          20. Media in India,
            Haapavesi School of Professional Studies, Haapavesi, Finland, September 1988.
          21. Introduction to India,
            Summer School, English Club of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, June 1988.
          22. Forty Years of Independent India,
            Teachers Training School, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 17th February 1988.
          23. Relevance of Electroactive Polymeric Compositions to Electronics,
            New Adaptations of Plastics for Electronics, Organization for Education of Engineers, Espoo, Finland, 11th February 1988.
          24. Technology of Polymer Pastes,
            New Adaptations of Plastics for Electronics, Organization for Education of Engineers, Espoo, Finland, 11th February 1988.
          25. Past and Future Impact of Electroactive Polymers on the Electronics Sector,
            Invited Plenary Lecture delivered at the European Symposium on Polymeric Materials, First Meeting of the Europe Polymer Federation, Lyon, France, 14th September 1987.
          26. Introduction to India,
            Summer School, English Club of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 12th June 1987.
          27. Introduction to India,
            Summer School, English Club of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 12th June 1986.
          28. Polymers in Electronics,
            Audio-Visual Lecture, 7th European Conference on Electronics, Advanced Technologies and Processes in Communication and Power Systems, Paris, France, 22nd April 1986.
          29. Polymers and Their Use in Component Protection,
            Microelectronics Seminar, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 21st March 1986.
          30. Electrical and Electronic Properties of Polymers,
            University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 1985.
          31. Thirty-Eight Years of Independent India,
            English Club of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 1985.
          32. Importance of Rotary to Members of the Rotary Club of Madras South, Tamil Nadu, India,
            Rotary Club of Merikoski, Oulu, Finland, 1985.
          33. Meaning of Rotary to Members of the Rotary Club of Madras South in Tamil Nadu - India,
            Rotary Club of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 1985.
          34. Introduction to Polymers to Facilitate Project Appraisal,
            2nd Programme on Technical Aspects in Project Appraisal, sponsored by Industrial Development Bank of India, Bangalore, India, 17th January 1981, (organised by Development Banking Centre, Management Development Institute, Jeevan Tara Building, 1st Floor, Gate No. 3, 5 Parliament Street, New Delhi 110001).
          35. Plastics in Electronics,
            Plastics and Rubber Institute, Indian Chapter, Regional Seminar, Bangalore, 1980.
          36. Plastics in Agriculture,
            Plastics and Rubber Institute, Indian Chapter, National Seminar, New Delhi, 1978.
          37. Plastics in Agriculture,
            Plastics and Rubber Institute, Indian Chapter, Regional Seminar, Madras, India, 1977.
          38. Plastics in Building,
            National Building Organization International Seminar, New Delhi, India, April 1975.
          39. Plastics in Transport,
            National Seminar, Plastics and Rubber Institute, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India, 1974.
          40. Research and Development in Plastics,
            Plastics, Elastomers and Polymers Seminar, Madras, 1974.
          41. Consultancy Services in India,
            Plastics and Rubber Institute, Indian Chapter, Regional Seminar, Madras, India, 1973.
          42. Quality Control Techniques for PVC Using the Brabender Plastograph,
            Plastics and Rubber Institute, Indian Chapter, Conference on PVC Processing, New Delhi, India, 1972.
          43. Durability of Plastics in Building,
            Conference on Plastics in Building, Agrément Board of Europe, Westminster, London, England, 11th April 1969.              
        • INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
          • 1994
            • July 1994 FINLAND BASE - Visit to Bangalore, India to demonstrate the ActaLink Software from Acta Systems Oy on the Digital Alpha OSF/1 Platform at the Digital Research and Development Laboratory to Indian newspapers, publishing houses and photo agencies.
            • January 1994 FINLAND BASE - Visit to Bombay and Bangalore, India to demonstrate High Technology from Finland for 7 Finnish Companies from the Oulu Region. Lecture on Fineline Techniques in Microelectronics at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Visit to Seventh Day Adventist South Asia Publication Division, Hosur, Tamil Nadu, India, to discuss publication of book.  
          • 1993
            • July 1993 FINLAND BASE - Visit to Southern India to investigate potential of trade between Finland and India in specific areas of High Technology. Lecture at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore on Fineline Techniques in Microelectronics. Visit to Spicer Institute, Seventh Day Adventist Institution in Poona, Maharashtra, India, to discuss publication of book.  
          • 1991
            • 92 Dec. 91 - Jan. 92 FINLAND BASE - 10 Lectures in India in Madras, Bangalore and Bombay to audiences of the Plastics Institute, Madras, Bangalore and Bombay Chapters and to the Electronics Department of the Indian Institute of Science on Fineline Techniques.  
          • 1990
            • FINLAND BASE - Dublin, Eire. BRITE/EURAM project negotiations. Ruabon, U. K BRITE/EURAM project commencement discussions.  
          • 1989
            • FINLAND BASE London, UK. BRITE/EURAM cooperation negotiations. Brussels, Belgium. BRITE/EURAM project negotiations. Hyderabad, Bangalore and New Delhi, India. Invited to address conferences on Microelectronics. Attended 5th International Workshop on Physics of Semiconductor Devices.  
          • 1988
            • FINLAND BASE London and Leeds, U. K. Attended conference on Electroceramics. Research cooperation negotiations.  
          • 1987
            • FINLAND BASE Göteborg, Sweden. SCANPLAST 1987. Conference on Piezoelectric Polymers. Bournemouth, Swindon, Leeds, London, Edinburgh, U. K. Attended 6th European Microelectronics Conference. Negotiations with British Universities on cooperative research programmes. Lyon, France. Delivered Plenary Lecture at 1st Conference of the European Polymer Federation. Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield, UK. INTERPLAS 1987. Research cooperation. Equipment procurement.  
          • 1985
            • FINLAND BASE Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester, Oxford, Cambridge, London, U. K. Cooperative research negotiations with British Universities. INTERPLAS 1985.  
          • 1984
            • FINLAND BASE Göteborg, Sweden. SCANPLAST 1984. Birmingham, London, U. K. Consultancy.  
          • 1979
            • INDIA BASE Helsinki, Finland. Collaboration negotiations for biaxial oriented polypropylene film manufacture. Walsrode, West Germany. Procurement of polymer processing equipment.  
          • 1975
            • INDIA BASE Kokkola, Helsinki, Finland. Collaboration negotiations. Dusseldorf, West Germany. Kunstoffe International Exhibition.  
          • 1974
            • INDIA BASE London, Welwyn Garden City, Liverpool, U. K. Procurement of polymeric raw materials.  
          • 1969
            • U. K. BASE Brussels, Belgium. International Conference and Exhibition on Plastics in Building.  
          • OTHER PERSONAL DATA
            1. Fellow (Highest Category) of the Institute of Materials (formed by the amalgamation of the Plastics and Rubber Institute of London, The Institute of Metals and The Ceramics Institute of UK.). Member from 1965 (Student Membership, Graduateship obtained by examination in 1966, Associateship awarded in 1969 and Fellowship awarded in 1978) till date. Youngest ever recipient of the Fellowship.
            2. Member, Madras Chapter Management Committee, Indian Section, Plastics and Rubber Institute of London, (several years between 1970 and 1978).
            3. Member, Indian Section Management Committee, Indian Section, Plastics and Rubber Institute of London, (several years between 1970 and 1982, both as elected and ex-officio).
            4. Charter Chairman, Bangalore Chapter, Indian Section, Plastics and Rubber Institute of London, 1978 - 1980, and Member, Management Committee of Bangalore Chapter, as Immediate Past Chairman 1980 - 1982.
            5. Co-Chairman, Indian National Committee on Science and Technology (NCST) on Plastics Machinery, to prepare the national plan for the Indian Central Government Ministry for Science and Technology, 1974 - 1976.
            6. Member, Committee of the University of Oulu to introduce Education of Finnish University Students on Third World Countries, 1989-1992.
            7. Rotarian, Rotary Club of Madras South, Madras, India, 1972 - 1977. Classification - Polymer Science and Technology.
            8. Life Member, English Club of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
            9. Specialist Postage Stamp and First Day Cover Collector and Dealer, Indian Postage Stamps and First Day Covers and Finnish Postage Stamps.
            10. Specialist Coin Collector, Antique and Modern South Indian and Modern Finnish Coins.
            11. DX Enthusiast.  

  5. Needs of Your Organization
     If you have the need for an individual with any or all of these characteristics, irrespective of what field of activity you are involved with, (Adhesives, Agro-Polymers - the materials of tomorrow, Computer Science, Electronics, Information Technology, Journalism, Marketing, Material Science, Microelectronics, Personnel Management, Plastics, Polymers, Project Management, Publishing, Rubber, Scientific Editing, Teaching, Telecommunications, Research, etc.) and if you are prepared to pay the right amount for such an individual, then you have to look no further. Your search has ended. We can talk terms.

  6. Guidelines of My TermsBeing a Motivator, Connector and Technology Leader, I will naturally have some unusual characteristics. Here are a few of them:
    • I have been married over 53 years. I understand the meaning of the value of the home and family. My greatest and most valuable resource is the human beings that I deal with, and hence the example, especially of my family values, has a tremendous impact on all those around me.
    • More and more people will be working out of their preferred environments for a majority of their tasks. Hence, in the flextime concept, the majority of tasks should be undertaken from the environment that suits that task, not necessarily the confines of a company office. Present firewall standards being employed by some companies are not conducive to this form of round the clock commitment to the objectives of the company.
       It is difficult to efficiently work in a company which institutes firewall standards that do not permit a free working and communication environment. Only freedom with adequate security built on trust with the staff can yield long term benefits for any company concerned about human values.

    • Computers are not items that one has to struggle to use, but objects that should be intuitive to the needs of the user. The PC driven by Microsoft Windows software is probably the least intuitive of gadgets. If one picks up an Apple Macintosh, there is hardly ever any need to pick up a manual. More time is spent creatively and productively. I am not a person who will waste time struggling with tools that do not work efficiently. My character is to adopt the best productive working system for the benefit of the organization that I work for.  
     
  7. Concluding Remarks
    •  Only On-line Motivator, Connector, Technology Leader?What I have given above are the key aspects of a Motivator, Connector and Technology Leader. I am probably the only one of this breed who is on-line. If you have seen something that interests you in the above, call me - night or day.
        


    Jacob Matthan

    Sarkkatie 7
    FIN-90250 Oulu
    Finland
    Tel:Mobile: +358 44 936 1387
    jmatthan at gmail.com

     
    Last Modified: Sunday, April 26 2020

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Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Finland - Leader in Innovation? Think Again! Suomi - innovaatioiden johtaja? Mieti uudelleen!q



Home  shopping for groceries has been common in most parts of the world for many years. I have been marketing books, electronics and other products as an Associate of Amazon USA and UK from 1996 onwards. These operations have worked seamlessly!

In Finland, online grocery shopping is a relatively “new” phenomenon. One of the largest Finnish groups, SOK Corporation, offers online grocery shopping through is shops as Sale snd Sokos Herkku Oulu (along with their associated S-Pankki banking service) .
 
They have contracted a service, foodie.fi, which belongs to an organization Digital Foodie Oy, to execute the operation on their behalf. 

Online banking and credit card providers as S-Pankki, Nordea Bank, other major banks and credit and debit card providers are involved with the payment operations!

Last Friday I was admitted to the Oulu University Central Hospital for major surgery. I was likely to be hospitalised at least for a week. 

My wife suffers from Alzheimer’s. She is the caregiver for our 47 year old youngest son. (Other children live abroad.)

I did the important grocery shopping for my wife and son on Thursday to ensure she was okay over the weekend. I intended to use the foodie.fi app to order groceries from Sokos Herkku Oulu, something which I had done seamlessly in January 2019 when I had a couple of my toes amputated.

I found the updated foodie.fi app to be totally unplanned and cumbersome. I would probably have given it a rating of less than 1 star. For instance, buttons which should be there are not there. 

One of the first buttons on a shopping page would be “Add to Shopping Cart”! Such a button does not exist on the foodie.fi page. One has to figure out how to add an item to the shopping cart! Foodie.fi developers may be very clever but to expect ignorant people like me to have their level of intelligence may be asking too much?

And the  actions that take place when certain buttons are clicked are totally incomprehensible!

With a great deal of difficulty I managed to put 47 items in my shopping basket and I was then ready for checkout. 

In January 2019 it had been a simple process and my VISA debit card from Nordea Bank had been charged automatically when checking out!

Not so this time. When I filled in the card details, I was taken to the Nordea Bank page which gave me three options to enter my bank account to make the payment! The sum was not debited to my debit card!

Nordea Bank has currently three methods to log in. The first is the old tried and tested method of using a paper code card (which has been in use from 1991), the second is fingerprint login, and the third is something known as Nordea Codes which requires one to carry around a plastic gadget called a Code Generator. Danske Bank has also such a gadget. 
Can you imagine anything so retrograde as carrying around half a dozen such plastic gadgets on your key ring to log into banks! 

Certainly not an innovative development from any Finnish Bank. I could devise for them a dozen methods much better than this Code Generator. But, here I am that I must think of carrying a Code Generator for my banks when packing my bag to take to the hospital before major surgery! 

I use the old paper code card on my computer and fingerprint identification  on my iPhone to do my Nordea banking. I have not activated my Nordea Code Generator device till date as it is too backward to even think of using it. 

But here was foodie.fi not offering any of the other two methods of logging in into Nordea Bank except the Code Generator!

So I decided I would use another bank to make the payment. 

My wife and I use our S-Pankki joint account mainly receive the bonus payments earned by shopping is SOK Corporation assspcatedvorgsnisatioms such as buying petrol. My wife also uses it to identify herself for any identification process, as access to medical records and other websites which need such a step. She is the main account holder in S-Pankki. We do not keep much money in the account. 

It takes a day to transfer money from our Nordea Bank account to the S-Pankki account, so I transferred the required funds for my online shopping so that it would be available the next day. 
Early Tuesday morning, after verifying that the funds were available in S-Pankki, from my hospital bed I went into foodie.fi to complete the transaction. 

Lo and behold, when it came to paying the amount from my S-Pankki account, three times after logging in and putting in all the correct passwords from my S-Pankki login card, I was greeted by an error message which did not allow the transaction to be completed. Three times I was confronted by the same error telling me to try yet again!


I decided that next step would be to contact S-Pankki through their online CHAT facility. Since the matter was too complex to explain it in my limited foreigner’s Finnish, I sent the Chat message in English. I promptly got a reply from the Chat responder saying his English was not good enough and giving me the Customer Service phone number of S-Pankki.

I rang S-Pankki at 09:15 on Tuesday morning and explained the issue to the lady, also telling her how critical it was as I was stuck in a hospital bed and my wife was running out of food. She said that as her Finnish was not good enough she would ask someone to ring me back as soon as possible to resolve the issue!

At 11:15 I again rang to S-Pankki Customer Service and explained the matter was rather critical. The lady said that the person who spoke good English had been tied up and would call me back as soon as possible.

At 16:15, as there had been no call back,  I rang again to S-Pankki but they said they had no one available to call me but would I ring  foodie.fi to resolve the issue!

So I called foodie.fi. The minute I mentioned Sokos Herkku Oulu, they told me to call them to sort out the matter!

So I called Sokos Herkku Oulu. The lady handling Customer Service was also handling the bakery, so besides serving patonkis to customers, she listened to my story.

Obviously she was not experienced in these matters so she said she would talk to her boss and call me back.

She called me back after half an hour and said her boss did not know how to handle this and advised me to again contact foodie.fi.

I did this and I was cut off quickly advising me to call webinar foodie.fi Oulu. They gave me the phone number. When I dialled that number I was back chatting to the hard-working bakery lady in Sokos Herkku Oulu.

It was obvious we were getting nowhere, and as it was near 19:00 hours, we decided to end the matter there. I had to take some serious painkillers which would soon put me to sleep!

I was planning an alternate strategy to look after the problem. On Wednesday morning at just before 10 am, I got a call from S-Pankki. I told the lady that I had stopped wasting my time barking up a tree with no fruit on it, and told her to tell her IT team to solve their issues. I was not going to waste my time solving their companies problems.

What was obvious from this incident was that the software “solutions” offered by foodie.fi, Sokos Herkku Oulu, Nordea Bank and S-Pankki are all seriously defective. They would all need a revision from ground zero.

Further, it is obvious that the Customer Service of foodie.fi and S-Pankki need to retrain their personnel in how they deal with their customers. 

In addition, the boss at Sokos Herkku Oulu, who threw up his hands and asked the lady in charge of the bakery to resolve a serious customer issue, needs to go for basic retraining on how to handle complaints.

This incident shows clearly that Finland is nowhere near the top in innovation. The banking software in Finland is obsolete, online service apps are way below anything prevailing even in third world countries, and there is a huge void in something known as customer service!

My advice to the banks is to get some people who know banking to redesign their internet banking service. 

My advice to any retailer planning to do online food delivery is to stop using incompetent organisations as foodie.fi who have no idea what they are doing. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing!

My advice to Sokos Herkku Oulu is to bring in competent managers who are trained in customer service.

And my advice io S-Pankki is probably to shut down their banking operations until they can provide a workable service to all their customers.

In short, this experience shows that Finland is not the Innovative country it claims to be! 
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Thursday, August 23, 2012

Coincidence! Wish I was 30 again!

Education time was yesterday!

Ultimate international competition in Oulu.


Day before yesterday, I took the grandkids to a friend's pizzeria. When coming out I saw a shop selling Frisbees.

It had obviously just opened a couple of months ago as I have lived in this locality for 27 odd years and never noticed this shop before.

Grandson Samu told me he was playing a game in his school called Ultimate Frisbee. His school was one of 7 in England which was taking this "sport" seriously!

I promised to buy him one, more about curiosity about the plastic that was being used to make the Frisbees.

Yesterday we went to the shop and I was amazed to see the range of Frisbees available for all sorts of Frisbee related sports, the two most distinguished ones being Frisbee Golf and Ultimate Frisbee!

I asked the shopkeeper about Ultimate Frisbee and its popularity in Finland. He told me it was extremely popular and the National Championships were being held in Oulu this weekend!

When we got home I looked up what information was available about the Frisbee.

I realised that this was one part of my knowledge about a plastic commodity which was woefully lacking!

Samu explained the game to me. It is one which is extremely energetic and also of great skill. It is likely to become an Olympic Sport very soon!

I learnt a lot yesterday about the
origin and technology of Frisbees, and also how it has developed from a cookie tin into a highly scientifically oriented plastic product. The designs these days involves testing the prototypes in wind tunnels. The ordinary plastic disc is an amazing piece of aerodynamic engineering.

In a way I was relieved that as I was retired and do not have to wake up every morning genned up about all that is going on in Plastics. I felt a little naked that since 1984, when I moved to Finland and the field of Microelectronics, I had lost some of my deepest educational roots.

I told Samu that way back in the mid sixties I knew the Chairman of the most famous manufacturer of teets for babies feeding bottles called "Griptight". He had told me then that if I ever invented a new type of ball, he and I would be multibillionaires.

I now realised that I never looked out of the box, as the Frisbee is just one of that "new type of ball"!

How I wish I was back in my
in my "thirties" as this experience has got my development taste buds raring to go again!

Samu and I will watch some of the Finnish National Frisbee Championship in Oulu this weekend with different objectives. Him to develop his game skill, me to fill a large void in my professional life!
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Thursday, July 12, 2012

Passing of a legend DARA


It is with great sadness that my childhood hero, Dara Singh, wrestler, actor, director, parliamentarian, passed away this morning (12th July 2012) at 07:30 am at his Juhu residence in Mumbai. He was born on 19th November 1928. He was 84.

He suffered a cardiac arrest a few days ago and was on a ventilator at the Dirubhai Ambani Hospital.

Respecting his wish, he was moved back to his home where he passed away surrounded by his family and friends.

The last rites will be performed at 14:00 hours Indian Standard Time.

He is survived by his wife and two children.

Dara never lost a fight in the ring. He was the undisputed world champion. A very gentle personality but a towering fighter, he gave all when he was in the ring.

He served the nation in the Rajya Sabha and will be remembered by all who ever saw him fight in the ring.

May he rest in peace.
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Saturday, April 14, 2012

Thirteen - 13




I was flying to Helsinki in April, Friday the 13th. When I checked in Online, I found my seat number was 13F. When I reached the airport, the gate number for the flight was 13. Ominous?

Lucky for me that I think 13 is my lucky number.

Then I pondered on this a little longer. The flight was full, so all of us were fellow travellers who must have believed 13 was our lucky number, and more so me and other 5 travellers in Row 13, than anyone else.

So much for 13!
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