Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1502623
60 SMT007 MAGAZINE I JULY 2023 engineering school called me 'Professor Patty' a few days ago." She then explained the reason for her call: "I have a student who needs a proj- ect for a course. I was wondering if you could work with him. I was thinking of something on cost of ownership." "Wow, some of us were just thinking about that regarding component placement machines," Maggie responded. "I have some great ideas, so send the student over." A Day Later Paul LaCroix was nervous. He had an appointment to discuss a possible term proj- ect with the famous Professor Patty Coleman. Despite his nervousness, Paul felt amazingly blessed. As a young boy, he and his family had barely survived the 2010 Haitian earthquake, and then emigrated to the United States. Every day at supper, when the family says grace, they include a prayer of thanks to the Lord for their good fortune. Now, he was blessed enough to be a student at one of the most prestigious uni- versities in the world. As he approached her office, Patty went out to greet him. "Paul, c'est bon de vous voir. Comment se passe l'année scolaire pour vous jusqu'à present?" Patty said in quite good French. (For those whose French is a little rusty: "Paul, it is good to see you. How is the school year going for you so far?") Paul, a little stunned, replied, " Très bien, mon professeur, merc i de demander." (" Ver y good, my professor, thank you for asking.") Patty's effort to break the ice succeeded as they both laughed. "How is my French? I feel it is a little rusty," Patty said. "It is very good, with an inter- esting accent," Paul responded kindly. ey both laughed again, and Patty said, "Yes, I learned my French in several places, so I have a muddled accent." She then explained why she invited this student to meet with her. "Paul, I have what I think is an exciting and useful project for you, and it will fulfill the project requirement for ENGS 127," Patty said. Maggie Benson at Benson Electronics has a need to understand the cost of ownership methodology. She is expecting you to sched- ule a visit soon to discuss the project." Paul agreed to take on the assignment. He soon contacted Maggie and a few days later, he was sitting in her office at Benson Electronics. Maggie asked Paul about his life in Haiti and coming to the United States. Maggie was touched by Paul's story, especially hearing about the numerous times his family barely had enough to eat. What a story! Maggie felt blessed for her own life and all that she had. Aer a few minutes of chatting, Maggie decided it was time to discuss the project. "We need to purchase a new component place- ment, or CP, machine," she began. "A pushy salesperson is trying to convince us that their company's CP machine is a better deal as it has a lower cost of ownership. I want you to per- form an analysis to see if this is true compared