This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

IEEE

TECHNICAL ACTIVITES BOARD

MINUTES

12 February 2000

New Orleans, Louisiana

The first meeting of the 2000 IEEE Technical Activities Board was held on 12 February

2000 at the Inter-Continental New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana. Robert A. Dent,

Chair of the IEEE Technical Activities Board, called the meeting to order at 1:00pm.

Chair Dent reviewed the guidelines for conduct at meetings, which he noted were

developed to aid members of TAB in the proper conduct of business during the meeting,

and to facilitate efficiency. He also reviewed the Parliamentary Rules, and Robert's

Rules of Order. A list of attendees is attached (Appendix TAB 1).

NOTE: Minutes 3 through 33 were approved as part of the TAB Consent

Agenda. These items are shown individually for easy reference.

1. Review and Adoption of Agenda. The agenda was adopted as amended at the

meeting.

2. Approval of TAB Minutes. The Minutes of the 13 November 1999 IEEE Technical

Activities Board were approved with one amendment. Minutes were amended to

indicate that the IEEE Communications Society did not give a Society President’s

Report in November 1999.

3. Acceptance of TAB Management Committee Actions. The actions taken by the

TAB Management Committee at its 22 January 2000 meeting were accepted as

follows (Appendix TAB 2):

A. Endorsement of Revisions to TAB Bylaw T-204 – TAB Chair-Elect,

TAB Bylaw T-204.1 – Election of TAB Chair-Elect and TAB Bylaw T-

204.3 – TAB Approval of Candidates. In order to comply with IEEE

Bylaws, revisions to TAB Bylaw T-204 – TAB Chair-Elect, T-204.1 –

Election of TAB Chair-Elect and T-204.3 – TAB Approval of Candidates

were necessary to reflect the proper title change from TAB Chair-Elect to

Vice President-Elect of Technical Activities, and a Motion was made

that:

TAB endorse revisions to IEEE Bylaw T-204 –

TAB Chair-Elect, TAB Bylaw T-204.1 – Election

of TAB Chair-Elect and TAB Bylaw T-204.3 –

TAB Approval of Candidates for

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 2

recommendation of approval by the IEEE Board

of Directors.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed.

B. Endorsement of Revisions to TAB Bylaw T-204.2 – Duties of TAB

Chair. In order to comply with IEEE Bylaws, revisions to TAB Bylaw T-

204.2 – Duties of TAB Chair were necessary to reflect the title change

from TAB Chair-Elect to Vice President-Elect. A revision was also

needed to remove the statement that the Vice President – Technical

Activities is a member of the IEEE Assembly, which is inconsistent with

IEEE Bylaws, and a Motion was made that:

TAB endorse revisions to IEEE Bylaw T-204.2 –

Duties of TAB Chair, for recommendation of

approval by the IEEE Board of Directors.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed.

4. Approval of Revisions to the IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society Medical

Imaging Scientist Award. The TAB Awards and Recognition Committee submitted 

a proposal for revisions to the IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society Medical

Imaging Scientist Award, recognizing outstanding technical contributions to the field

of medical imaging science, and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve the revisions to the IEEE Nuclear and

Plasma Sciences Society Medical Imaging Scientist

Award, increasing cash prize from $1.5K to $2K,

effective 2000.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed (Appendix TAB 3).

5. Approval of Revisions to IEEE Control Systems Society Technology Award. The

TAB Awards and Recognition Committee submitted a proposal for revisions to the

IEEE Control Systems Technology Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to

control systems technology either in design and implementation or project

management, and a Motion was made that:

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 3

TAB approve the revisions to the IEEE Control

Systems Society Technology Award, increasing cash

prize from $1K to $2K, effective 2000.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed (Appendix TAB 4).

6. Approval of Revisions to IEEE Control Systems Society Hendrick W. Bode

Lecture Prize Award. The TAB Awards and Recognition Committee submitted a

proposal for revisions to the IEEE Control Systems Society Hendrick W. Bode

Lecture Prize Award, recognizing distinguished contributions to control systems

science or engineering, and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve the revisions to the IEEE Control

Systems Society Hendrick W. Bode Lecture Prize

Award, increasing cash prize from $1K to $2K, effective

2000.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed (Appendix TAB 5).

7. Approval of Revisions to IEEE Electromagnetic Compatibility Society

Transactions Prize Paper Award. The TAB Awards and Recognition Committee

submitted a proposal for revisions to the IEEE Electromagnetic Compatibility Society

Transactions Prize Paper Award, recognizing an outstanding paper published in the

IEEE Transactions on Electromagnetic Compatibility, and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve the revisions to the IEEE Electromagnetic

Compatibility Society Transactions Prize Paper Award,

increasing cash prize from $50 to $1K, effective 2000.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed (Appendix TAB 6).

8. Approval of Establishment of IEEE Electromagnetic Compatibility Society Most

Improved Chapter Award. The TAB Awards and Recognition Committee

submitted a proposal for establishment of the IEEE Electromagnetic Compatibility

Society Most Improved Chapter Award, recognizing the Chapter demonstrating the

greatest improvement over the past year in serving its members and in establishing

goodwill for the Society, and a Motion was made that:

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 4

TAB approve the establishment of the IEEE

Electromagnetic Compatibility Society Most Improved

Chapter Award, to be given annually, consisting of a

Certificate. The award will be funded by the IEEE

Electromagnetic Compatibility Society, effective 2000.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed (Appendix TAB 7).

9. Approval of Establishment of IEEE Electromagnetic Compatibility Society

Student Paper Award. The TAB Awards and Recognition Committee submitted a

proposal for establishment of the IEEE Electromagnetic Compatibility Society

Student Paper Award, recognizing superior work of undergraduate and graduate

university students presenting papers at the annual IEEE EMC Society Symposium,

and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve the establishment of the IEEE

Electromagnetic Compatibility Society Student Paper

Award, to be given annually, consisting of a first place

cash prize of $900 and certificate, plus reasonable travel

expenses (not to exceed $2.1K) for the recipient to

attend the symposium and present the winning paper; a

second place prize will also be awarded for $500, and a

Certificate. The award will be funded by the IEEE

Electromagnetic Society, effective 2000.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed (Appendix TAB 8).

10. Approval of Establishment of IEEE Communications Society and IEEE

Information Theory Society ComSoc/IT Joint Paper Award. The TAB Awards

and Recognition Committee submitted a proposal for establishment of the IEEE

Communications Society and IEEE Information Theory Society ComSoc/IT Joint

Paper Award, recognizing outstanding papers published in any publication of the

IEEE Communications or Information Theory Societies in the previous three years,

and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve the establishment of the IEEE

Communications Society and IEEE Information Theory

Society ComSoc/IT Joint Paper Award, to be given

annually, consisting of a cash prize of $500 for each

author (total cost not to exceed $1K for each paper),

and a plaque. The award will be funded jointly by the

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 5

IEEE Communications Society and IEEE Information

Theory Society, effective 2000.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed (Appendix TAB 9).

11. Approval of Establishment of IEEE Neural Networks Council Fuzzy Systems

Pioneer Award. The TAB Awards and Recognition Committee submitted a

proposal for establishment of the IEEE Neural Networks Council Fuzzy Systems

Pioneer Award, recognizing significant contributions to early concepts and

developments in the field of fuzzy systems, and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve the establishment of IEEE Neural

Networks Council Fuzzy Systems Pioneer Award, to be

given annually, consisting of a medallion and a travel

grant for the honoree and companion to attend awards

ceremony. Travel grant not a fixed amount, since some

recipients live near presentation sites while others must

travel overseas; amount to be capped based on

individual needs, IEEE guidelines and annual budget

allocation by IEEE NNC. Up to (2) awards made

annually. The award will be funded by the IEEE

Neural Networks Council, effective 2000.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed (Appendix TAB 10).

12. Approval of Establishment of IEEE Neural Networks Council Meritorious

Service Award. The TAB Awards and Recognition Committee submitted a

proposal for establishment of the IEEE Neural Networks Council Meritorious

Service Award, recognizing meritorious service to the IEEE Neural Networks

Council, and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve the establishment of IEEE Neural

Networks Council Meritorious Service Award, to be

given annually, consisting of a cash prize of $500 and

certificate; up to (2) awards made annually. The award

will be funded by the IEEE Neural Networks Council,

effective 2000.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed (Appendix TAB 11).

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 6

13. Approval of Establishment of IEEE Lasers and Electro-Optics Society Aron

Kressel LEOS Award. The TAB Awards and Recognition Committee submitted

a proposal for establishment of the IEEE Lasers and Electro-Optics Society Aron

Kressel LEOS Award, recognizing outstanding achievements in Opto-Electronic

Device Technology, and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve the establishment of IEEE Lasers

and Electro-Optics Society Aron Kressel LEOS

Award, to be given annually to an individual or

group up to three in number, consisting of a cash

prize of $1K and a certificate (in the case of corecipients,

each recipient will receive a certificate

and a prorata share of the honorarium). The

award will be funded by an endowment provided

by the Henry Kressel, managed by IEEE LEOS,

effective 2000.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed (Appendix TAB 12).

14. Approval to Consider “Waivers” to All Society Periodicals Package (ASPP)

Page Count Penalty Policy. The TAB Finance Committee submitted a request

to consider “Waivers” to All Society Periodicals Package (ASPP) Page Count

Penalty Policy. This will allow the publication to be exempt from the penalty but

would reduce the funds from participating in the ASPP program. The requests

must be submitted by 1 October of the year in question, and a Motion was made

that:

TAB approve the consideration of “Waivers” to ASPP

Page Count Penalty Policy. Requests must be submitted

by 1 October of the year in question. The TAB Finance

Committee will review/recommend to TAB, that TAB

will approve/reject requests at the last meeting of the

year.

Financial implications to TAB: none – Undetermined

impact to S/Cs.

The Motion passed.

15. Approval of Normal Financial Operations. In response to the withholding of

interest of dividends in the 1999 financials, the TAB Finance Committee

submitted a request that normal financial operations shall be continued, i.e.,

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 7

distribution of interest and dividends from the Investment Fund, until IEEE

Policies are reviewed. Therefore, a Motion was made that:

TAB approve that normal financial operations shall be

continued, i.e., distribution of interest and dividends

from the Investment Fund, until the IEEE Policy and

Procedures are reviewed, interpreted, and all

interpretations are approved by the IEEE Board of

Directors and IEEE Executive Committee.

Financial implications to TAB: Investment Funds will

be distributed to IEEE Entities.

The Motion passed.

16. Approval of IEEE Broadcast Technology Society 1999 Page Count

Modification. The TAB Finance Committee submitted a proposal to permit the

IEEE Broadcast Technology Society to reduce its 1999 Page Count Budget for

IEEE Transactions on Broadcasting, and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve permitting the IEEE Broadcast

Technology Society to reduce its 1999 page count

budget for IEEE Transactions on Broadcasting to 423

pages.

Financial implications to TAB: No impact to TAB;

Other ASPP Publications will forego their respective

share of approximately $8K “Penalty” otherwise

charged to BT, which is already reflected in financial

statements.

The Motion passed.

17. Approval of Interest Free Loan to IEEE Sensors Council. The TAB Finance

Committee submitted a proposal to extend an interest free loan to the IEEE

Sensors Council, for the IEEE Sensors Journal. It was agreed that the loan be

paid back within six years following the first publication of the IEEE Sensors

Journal, and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve to extend an interest free loan of $100K to

the IEEE Sensors Council. The loan will be paid back

within six years following the first publication of the

IEEE Sensors Journal (May, 2001).

Financial implications to TAB: $100K

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 8

The Motion passed.

18. Approval of Funds for Revenue Producing Initiatives. The TAB Finance

Committee submitted a request that as a guideline, TAB entertain requests for

start-up funds for revenue producing initiatives from entities who have inadequate

reserves, and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve that as a guideline, TAB entertain

requests for start-up funds for revenue producing

initiatives from entities who have inadequate reserves,

on a pay back basis.

Financial implications to TAB: Unknown

The Motion passed.

19. Acceptance of TAB Periodicals Review Committee Reports. The TAB

Periodicals Committee submitted a proposal to accept the IEEE Aerospace and

Electronic Systems, IEEE Oceanic Engineering and the IEEE Signal Processing

Societies Periodicals Review Committee reports. Therefore, a Motion was made

that:

TAB approve accepting the TAB Periodicals Review

Committee Reports on the Division IX Entities as

submitted.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed (Appendix TAB 13).

20. Approval of IEEE Transactions on Device and Material Reliability. The

TAB Periodicals Committee submitted a proposal for IEEE Transactions on

Device and Material Reliability. This periodical will be jointly sponsored by the

IEEE Electron Devices Society and IEEE Reliability Society, with distribution

being almost entirely electronic. Print copies will be available for ASPP print

subscribers only, and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve the IEEE Transactions on Device and

Material Reliability.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed (Appendix TAB 14).

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 9

21. Approval of IEEE Sensors Journal. The TAB Periodicals Committee

submitted a proposal for approval of the IEEE Sensors Journal, and a Motion was

made that:

TAB approve the IEEE Sensors Journal.

Financial implications to TAB: $100K loan to be repaid

by the sixth year after the first issue.

The Motion passed (Appendix TAB 15).

22. Approval of Title Change for IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques

Society Publication. The TAB Periodicals Committee submitted a proposal for a

title change for IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society publication

IEEE Microwave and Guided Wave Letters to IEEE Microwave and Wireless

Components Letters, and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve a title change for the IEEE Microwave

Theory and Techniques Society publication IEEE

Microwave and Guided Wave Letters to IEEE Microwave

and Wireless Components Letters.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed (Appendix TAB 16).

23. Approval of Terminating Discussion Regarding Elsevier’s Offer. The TAB

Periodicals Committee submitted a recommendation to terminate the discussion

regarding Elsevier’s offer of two of their titles at discount prices to IEEE Sensors

Council’s associated members, and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve the recommendation to terminate

discussions regarding Elsevier’s offer of two of their

titles at discount prices to IEEE Sensors Councils’

associated members. The Committee recommends staff

seek legal counsel before replying to Elsevier’s offer.

The Committee also recommends the Publications

Activities Board consider the broader issue of entering

into contracts with commercial publishers.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed.

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 10

24. Approval of Renaming TAB Book Broker Committee. The TAB Products

Committee submitted a proposal to rename the TAB Book Broker Committee to

the Conference Publications Committee. The new name better reflects what the

Committee has oversight for, rather than continuing to use the vague “Book

Broker” term. The new name also recognizes the fact that the Committee deals

with more than just TAB conference proceedings, and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve renaming the TAB Book Broker

Committee to the Conference Publications Committee.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed.

25. Endorsement of IEEE to Fund a Start-Up Loan to Publishers International

Linking Association. The TAB Products Committee submitted recommendations

on behalf of the PAB/TAB Electronic Products Committee, that IEEE fund a onetime

start-up loan in the amount of $150K to help launch the CrossRef initiative.

This initiative is a new joint effort underway to allow member organizations to

cross-link their information. This would allow users of this service to be able to

access material published by another member organization, and a Motion was

made that:

TAB endorse the recommendation that IEEE fund a

one-time start-up loan in the amount of $150K to

Publishers International Linking Association, Inc., to

help launch the CrossRef initiative, for

recommendation of approval by the IEEE Board of

Directors.

Financial implications to TAB: loan of $150K/with

potential revenue generator for TAB in the future.

The Motion passed.

26. Acceptance of TAB Society Review Committee Reports. The TAB Strategic

Planning and Review Committee submitted a proposal for TAB to accept the

TAB Society Review Committee reports of the IEEE Broadcast Technology;

IEEE Electron Devices; IEEE Lasers and Electro-Optics; IEEE Power

Engineering and IEEE Systems, Man and Cybernetics Societies, and a Motion

was made that:

TAB approve accepting the TAB Society Review

Committee Reports as submitted.

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 11

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed (Appendix TAB 17).

Also included are TAB Society Review Committee reports approved by TAB in

November 1999, which were omitted from the November 1999 Minutes. The

approved reports are for the IEEE Antennas and Propagation; IEEE Circuits and

Systems; IEEE Components, Packaging & Manufacturing Technology; IEEE

Control Systems; IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques; IEEE Nuclear and

Plasma Sciences; IEEE Oceanic Engineering and IEEE Solid-State Circuits

Societies (Appendix TAB 18).

27. Endorsement of Web Search Engine Initiative. The TAB Strategic Planning

and Review Committee submitted a proposal for a Web Search Engine Initiative.

The Web Search Engine will create an Internet portal, which will attract students,

engineers and researchers to an IEEE web site as a starting point in doing research

and gathering information within the scope of IEEE Societies. The site will also

provide a valuable service for IEEE Members in gathering information related to

the scope of IEEE Societies by returning web links and files that contain only

technical information within the scope of the IEEE.

The development of the business plan to access the feasibility and costs of

maintaining a technical subject web search engine will be phase (1). Following

approval of the business plan in June 2000, TAB will be requested to authorize

additional funding for development of a trial system, which will be phase (2).

Therefore, a Motion was made that:

TAB endorse the Web Search Engine Initiative, for

recommendation of approval by the IEEE Board of

Directors.

Financial implications to TAB: $200K (Phase 1: $50K),

(Phase 2: $150K) (Phase 3 will be requested as an

initiative for 2001).

The Motion passed (Appendix TAB 19).

28. Endorsement of Electronic Distinguished Lecturers Program Initiative. The

TAB Strategic Planning and Review Committee submitted a proposal for an

Electronic Distinguished Lecturers Program Initiative. This program will

determine the value of offering an Electronic Distinguished Lecturers Program,

which will be used by Society Chapters and members, particularly those located

in Regions 8-10, to supplement the current in-person form of the program. Due to

the lack of availability of speakers to travel to Regions 8-10, the current

Distinguished Lecturers program does not always meet the needs of our Chapters.

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 12

This program will create a template for Societies to provide improved

Distinguished Lecturers program support and a Motion was made that:

TAB endorse the Electronic Distinguished Lecturers

Program Initiative, for recommendation of approval by

the IEEE Board of Directors.

Financial implications to TAB: $20K (Ongoing support

will be part of Society budgets). The initiative will

consider the possibility of providing a Distinguished

Lecturer in Spanish to assess the feasibility.

The Motion passed (Appendix TAB 20).

29. Approval that IEEE Admission & Advancement Admit Applicants to Full

IEEE Membership. The TAB Strategic Planning and Review Committee

submitted a recommendation to ask the IEEE Board of Directors to assure that

IEEE Admission & Advancement admit any applicant with a degree in an

Information Technology (IT) area or three or more years experience in the IT

Industry to full membership, and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve recommending to the IEEE Board of

Directors, that IEEE Admission & Advancement admit

any applicant with a degree in an Information

Technology (IT) area or three or more years experience

in the IT Industry to full membership.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed.

30. Approval of Workshop for Society Vice Presidents of Conferences. The IEEE

Meetings and Services Committee submitted a proposal to organize a workshop

for Society Vice Presidents of Conferences, to share best practices and review

IEEE requirements. The Committee suggested that this be open to all IEEE

entities involved in holding conferences. Feedback will be sought from all

entities to evaluate the interest in this type of workshop, and a Motion was made

that:

TAB approve organizing a workshop for Society Vice

Presidents of Conferences.

Financial implications to TAB: $5K

The Motion passed.

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 13

31. Approval of Additional IEEE Meetings and Services Committee Meeting.

The IEEE Meetings and Services Committee submitted a request to restore the

number of meetings the Committee will have from two to three times per year,

and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve that the number of IEEE Meetings and

Services Committee meetings is restored from two to

three times per year.

Financial implications to TAB: $2K

The Motion passed.

32. Approval of a TAB Strategic Planning Retreat. Mr. Terman presented

information for a request to hold a TAB Strategic Planning Retreat. The goal of

the retreat will be discussion of areas, which are strategic to TAB, the S/C’s and

IEEE, looking 5-10 years ahead. The retreat will be planned for the

August/September 2000 timeframe. A plan will be presented to TAB at the June

TAB meetings and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve in concept to hold a TAB Strategic

Planning Retreat.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed.

33. Endorsement of Revisions to TAB Bylaw T-803.1 – RAB/TAB Transnational

Committee. Due to revisions to the RAB/TAB Transnational Committee Charter

in November 1999, TAB Bylaw T-803.1 – RAB/TAB Transnational Committee

needed to be revised to reflect this change. The Committee is now jointly

appointed by the Regional Activities Board (RAB), the Technical Activities

Board (TAB), the Publications Activities Board (PAB), the Educational Activities

Board (EAB), and the Standards Association (SA), and a Motion was made that:

TAB endorse revisions to TAB Bylaw T-803.1 –

RAB/TAB Transnational Committee, for

recommendation of approval by the IEEE Board of

Directors.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed.

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 14

34. Endorsement of Student Paper Awards Initiative. Mr. Steven Kosnocky,

Chair of the TAB Strategic Planning and Review Committee “Student Young

Member” Focus Group, presented a proposal for a Student Paper Awards

Initiative. He noted that the objective is to increase students’ interest in the IEEE

and the technical areas covered by the IEEE. This will increase student

membership and activity and later feed new members into postgraduate

membership and chapter activities. The increased prize amounts and travel grants

are expected to increase the prestige of the existing awards, provide more value to

the students and will provide the incentive to increase student participation.

Therefore, a Motion was made that:

TAB approve the Student Paper Awards Initiative.

The Motion Failed.

After further discussions a Motion was made to:

Withdraw this item from the Agenda.

The Motion to Withdraw passed (TAB Appendix 21).

35. Items Pulled from the TAB Consent Agenda.

A. Endorsement of Industry Plan Development Initiative. Al MacRae,

Chair of the TAB Strategic Planning and Review Committee (SPARC)

“Attracting Industrial Members” Focus Group, presented background

information regarding the Industry Plan Development initiative at the

TAB Caucus on 11 February 2000. He noted that the objective of this

initiative is to increase membership in Societies and IEEE by reaching out

to industry and employees, and to also build stronger relationships with

industry. He presented details on the plan including a project cost and

benefits analysis, and a Motion was made that:

TAB endorse the Industry Plan Development Initiative, for

recommendation of approval by the IEEE Board of Directors.

Financial implications to TAB: $40K – 2000

$30K – 2001

$30K – 2002

During discussions, concerns were expressed that IEEE has had past

activities in this area, therefore, more details were needed as to how this

initiative was different from past efforts.

The Motion failed (Appendix TAB 22).

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 15

To exercise his fiduciary responsibility, Chair Dent expressed his concerns

regarding this initiative, and advised TAB Members that he did not intend

to remove the original proposal for the Industry Plan Development

Initiative from the IEEE Board of Directors agenda. He noted that he will

bring this proposal forth as planned with funding amounting to $100K for

a three year period. TAB Members want to make sure that their comments

are conveyed to the IEEE BoD, as to why the original proposal failed,

noting that a more detailed plan is needed. It was requested that the

process for TAB items going forth to the IEEE BoD be reviewed.

Discussions ensued, and it was the consensus of the group that since

multiple Societies are interested in this plan, perhaps an initial definition

of a plan can be determined. Therefore, a Substitute Motion was made

that:

TAB approve to allocate funding for definition of

Industry Relations Initiative for $100K to be

spent, $30K for 2000, $35K for 2001 and $35K

for 2002. However, before more than $20K is

spent, TAB will review the results and approve

remaining expenditures.

Financial implications to TAB: $100K as noted

above.

The Substitute Motion passed.

B. Approval of Information Technology Workshop. Mark Haselkorn, Member of

the TAB Strategic Planning and Review Committee, discussed a proposal to hold

an Information Technology Workshop. He noted that the purpose of the

workshop is to learn from the IT industry how to serve the IT industry with a

strategy to merge IEEE’s resources with IT employees interest and needs, and a

Motion was made that:

TAB approve an Information Technology Industry

Workshop.

Financial implications to TAB: $50K

Discussions ensued, and a Substitute Motion was made that:

TAB approve the organization of an IT Technology

Workshop with funding to be provided by Industry.

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 16

Financial implications: to be provided by Industry

TAB Members had concerns regarding the Substitute Motion. It was consensus

that quick action is required, so IEEE can work towards being better organized in

this area.

The Substitute Motion failed.

The original Motion for an IT Industry Workshop, with funding of $50K to

be provided by TAB, passed (Appendix TAB 23).

36. Approval of Merging TAB Management Committee with TAB Strategic

Planning and Review Committee (SPARC). Lewis Terman, TAB Vice Chair

and Chair of the TAB Strategic Planning and Review Committee, presented a

proposal to merge the TAB Management Committee with the TAB Strategic

Planning and Review Committee. He stated that the merge would eliminate

numerous redundant presentations for the two Committees and reduce the number

of people involved. He reviewed the composition of the new Committee and

noted the new title would be the “TAB Management and Planning Committee,”

and a Motion was made that:

TAB approve the merger of the TAB Management

Committee with the TAB Strategic Planning and

Review Committee.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion failed.

It was consensus that each committee has its own functions, which need to be

preserved. The TAB Management Committee acts as the Executive Committee of

TAB between TAB meetings. The TAB Strategic Planning and Review

Committee needs to focus on strategic planning. It was consensus that the

activities of each will be reviewed, so that the meetings run more efficiently in the

future.

37. TAB Caucus Report. The following items were presented at the TAB Caucus on

Friday, 11 February and Saturday 12 February 2000:

A. President's Remarks. Bruce Eisenstein, IEEE President, discussed

details of a special meeting of the IEEE BoD held in January 2000.

B. Legal Orientation. Robert J. Dwyer, Jr., Esq., of Dorsey & Whitney,

discussed fiduciary duties and responsibilities of officers, directors, and

volunteers in general. Dwyer indicated that proxy voting should not be

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 17

allowed. This will require a change in TAB Operating Procedures (TAB

Appendix 24).

C. New Financial Model. Michael Masten, TAB Treasurer, discussed key

aspects of the New Financial Model including past events, present

developments and future actions. He explained the necessity for a new

model and defined its goals, which include developing better business

practices that can increase revenues and/or reduce expenses, and defining

a methodology for redistributing infrastructure expenses. He provided

details on the better business practices that were developed from the

sunsetting exercises, the actions identified by the IEEE Blue Ribbon

Infrastructure Committee, the 3% improvement efforts for 2000 budgets,

and several new opportunities. Mr. Masten provided an overview of what

resulted from the November 1999 Board Series, the Motions that went

forward from TAB and the outcomes. He also discussed Infrastructure

cost coverage for 2000, New Financial Model concepts and the 2001

budgets (Appendix TAB 25).

D. Streamlining and Decision-Making. Claude Brancart, Chair of the TAB

Ad Hoc Committee on Streamlining and Decision-Making, reviewed

background information on several streamlining activities. He discussed

major issues and perceptions including representation of TAB societies,

the names of IEEE-USA and IEEE-Canada, and the position statements

review/approval process. Mr. Brancart also discussed IEEE-USA optional

membership and reviewed some of their major activities. He also

presented several recommendations for consideration (Appendix TAB

26).

E. Update on IEEE Investment Fund. Thomas Lynch, Director of IEEE

Treasury & Risk, provided an update on the IEEE Investment Fund. He

provided an overview of the composition of the 2000 IEEE Investment

Committee and briefly reviewed their responsibilities, which include

determining specific needs, developing strategic assets allocation to meet

those needs, selecting managers, monitoring the manager performance

process and making revisions as necessary. He also discussed the

preliminary (i.e. pre-audit) performance for 1999, and the Fund's asset

allocation at 31 December 1999. The update also included a summary of

the IEEE's various investment managers.

John Vig, President of the IEEE Sensors Council, asked about the

management fees charged to participants in the Fund. Mr. Lynch replied

that IEEE's investment performance measurement consultant, Callan

Associates, Inc., was preparing a report to compare the IEEE's investment

management fees to fees charged by funds of similar size in Callan's

database of institutional plan sponsors. Callan was to complete the report

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 18

and present it at the Investment Committee meeting scheduled for 2-3

March 2000. Mr. Lynch indicated that he would share that report at the

June TAB meeting (Appendix TAB 27).

F. IEEE-USA – Development of Position Statements/Papers. Paul Kostek,

President of the IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society, presented

details on how positions are developed through committees and the review

process from Council, IEEE-USA OpCom and the IEEE-USA BoD. He

discussed TAB's role and the opportunity for TAB in developing Technical

Information Statements for IEEE-USA position statements. He also

provided details on how positions are used and how distribution is

determined (TAB Appendix 28).

G. Membership Development Status. Michael Garretson, Chair of the IEEE

Membership Development Committee, presented membership status by

Society for 1999 including a summary of activities and basic comparative

demographics. Chair Dent called a straw vote to determine interest in

receiving detailed information on electronic membership. The Board

unanimously affirmed and information will be provided at a later date (TAB

Appendix 29).

H. TAB Treasurer Report. Masten presented 1999 preliminary results and

actuals for TAB and Societies. He discussed the 2000 Institute and

Society/Council budgets. He reviewed the initiative approval process and

discussed the ASPP distribution policy. Masten also presented several TAB

Finance Committee motions. The motions passed and were placed on the

TAB Consent Agenda (TAB Appendix 30).

I. TAB Management Committee. Mary Ward-Callan, Managing Director of

IEEE Technical Activities, presented motions for revision to various TAB

Bylaws, which changed the name of the TAB Chair-Elect, to the proper

name of Vice President-Elect, needed in order to comply with IEEE Bylaws.

The motions were passed and placed on the TAB Consent Agenda.

J. Transnational Committee. David Green, Chair of the Transnational

Committee, reported on the activities of the Committee. He noted the recent

changes in the charter to incorporate a broader representation from all of the

IEEE Boards. He also discussed the activities of a working session

conducted during the meeting in which several working groups were formed

to address the following areas: Multilingual Services, Definition and

Measurement of Globalization, Non-Electronic Services and Funding, Legal

Registration Issues in Different Countries, and Regional Offices (TAB

Appendix 31).

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 19

K. RAB/TAB Section/Chapter Support Committee. Arthur Van Gelder,

Chair of the RAB/TAB Section/Chapter Support Committee, discussed

several recommendations that resulted from the IEEE 1999 Sections

Congress and reviewed items that were assigned to the Committee. He

stated that workgroups had been formed to address specific issues. He

also noted that volunteers are being sought to participate in Committee

Activities (Appendix TAB 32).

L. TAB Strategic Planning and Review Committee. Lewis Terman, Chair

of the TAB Strategic Planning and Review Committee, provided an

overview of the functions of the Committee, which he noted are to

develop and recommend strategic and long-range plans and goals for TAB

and performing a critical review of each TAB Society/Council and TAB

Committee. He also gave a summary of Committee activities during the

TAB Caucus on Friday, 11 February 2000. He presented the status of TAB

SPARC Focus Groups. He also presented several motions regarding 2000

initiatives for TAB, and a possible merger of TAB SPARC with TAB

Management Committee (Appendix TAB 33).

M. IEEE Branding. Adler reviewed the IEEE Board of Directors motions

that were passed regarding Branding, which included approving the IEEE

positioning statement, approving the new IEEE master brand as the kite

logo followed by “IEEE”, allowing the use of society logos and full name

of IEEE as long as they do not compete with the master brand. He also

discussed Committee recommendations and noted that seven working

groups will be formed, each will develop a logo and identity usage

specifications for their respective area. He also noted the related issues for

each of the groups and the timeline involved (Appendix TAB 34).

N. IEEE Meetings and Services Committee. Mr. Reuben Hackam, Chair

of the IEEE Meetings and Services Committee, reported on the activities

of the Committee including the development of the web-based On-line

Peer Review system. He presented a motion approving the organization of

a workshop for Society VPs of Conferences, and a motion for restoring the

number of Committee meetings to three times per year. The motions

passed and were placed on the TAB Consent Agenda (Appendix TAB

35).

O. TAB Periodicals Committee. Leah Jamieson, Chair of the TAB

Periodicals Committee, reported on the activities of the Committee

including several follow-up actions from its November 1999 meeting. She

also presented several motions endorsed by the Committee. The motions

passed and were placed on the TAB Consent Agenda (Appendix TAB

36).

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 20

P. TAB Products Committee. Michael Lightner, Chair of the TAB

Products Committee, provided an overview of the charge of the

Committee. He presented information on 1999 product revenue growth

and details on product framework, marketing and sales support. He also

reviewed pricing philosophy and strategy and several motions endorsed by

the Committee. The motions passed and were placed on the TAB Consent

Agenda (Appendix TAB 37).

Q. PAB/TAB Electronic Products Committee. Roger Pollard, Chair of the

PAB/TAB Electronic Products Committee, presented a summary of

activities. He reviewed the proposal for an electronic membership pilot,

the present operation of conference proceedings, where conference

proceedings need to go in the future, and the status of IEEE Xplore. He

also reviewed IEEE Spectrum Online, electronic peer review status and

reference linking (Appendix TAB 38).

R. Publications and Streamlining. Adler discussed the competition of

IEEE Explore, which he stated is intense and rapidly changing. He noted

the strength of the non-traditional competitors and presented examples of

their web pages. Adler also discussed priorities and areas for development

(Appendix TAB 39).

S. Contracting. Dwyer provided an overview of contracting and risk

management. He also discussed tax and intellectual property issues

(Appendix TAB 40).

T. 1999-Year End Review. Daniel Senese, Executive Director, IEEE,

provided an overview of significant IEEE activities regarding staff,

membership, volunteer efforts, and several accomplishments achieved

during 1999 (Appendix TAB 41).

U. Foundation Report. Emerson Pugh, Chair of the IEEE Foundation,

reported on the recent activities of the Foundation. He stated that the

mission of the foundation is to acquire and manage resources to further the

education and scientific goals of IEEE, and supports activities in awards,

education, history & special initiatives. He also reported on the

commitments for 2000 (Appendix TAB 42).

38. Secretary’s Report. Ward-Callan discussed contract management and

encouraged all to have contracts reviewed before negotiations. Ms. Ward-Callan

recommended that the contracts be forwarded to her office for review. There is

no fee for contract reviews and timeframes can be accommodated. She discussed

digital archives, and noted that many Societies are going in this direction. Ms.

Callan also noted that any contract amount over $250K will need to be approved

by IEEE ExCom (Appendix TAB 43).

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 21

A. IEEE Staffing Report. Mr. Matt Loeb, Staff Director of IEEE Institute

Projects and Research, presented IEEE Staffing Analysis information from

1990-1999. He noted that a request for this information came out of the

November 1999 TAB meeting in Snowbird, Utah.

Loeb reviewed the methodology for obtaining this information, which

included utilizing payroll records to determine staffing levels as of yearend

for temporary, regular and part-time employees. He noted that

Contractors are also included in the analysis. Prior to 1995, IEEE had no

contractors. Following 1995, IEEE had trouble with IT systems and

utilized contractors to assist with Y2K efforts. Also, IEEE needed to be

more responsive to IT needs in order to do business electronically and this

need was reflected in increases in IT staff over the past few years.

Another increase in staff was in the Pub area, which reflects the increase

in the number of pubs and page counts. However, the largest increase in

staff was in the Society Executive offices.

Loeb also reviewed the growth in the IEEE Marketing staff, noting that

the staff needed to expand for promotional efforts to support membership

and TAB products (Appendix TAB 44).

B. Revisions to S/C Constitution and Bylaws. Ward-Callan presented

revisions to Society/Council Constitutions and Bylaws as follows:

- IEEE Computer Society (Bylaws). To transfer Press Activities

policies and procedures from a separate entity to the Publications

Activities Board.

- IEEE Electromagnetic Compatibility Society (Bylaws).

General administrative changes which include: modifications to

AdCom Nominations and Elections process; composition of

Standing Committees; provision for President to be ex-officio

member on Society committees; and modifications to Society

awards honoraria and administration.

- IEEE Information Theory Society (Constitution and Bylaws).

General administrative changes which include: modifications to

AdCom Nominations and Elections process; composition of

Standing Committees; provision for President to be ex-officio

member on Society committees; and modifications to Society

awards honoraria and administration.

- IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society

(Constitution and Bylaws). General administrative changes,

which include: modification of AdCom election process and

composition; provision for a Society magazine; modification to

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 22

Constitution amendment process; provision for electronic

communications; and provision for ex-officio members.

- IEEE Signal Processing Society (Bylaws). General

administrative changes, which include: modifications to the notice

and location of Board meetings; and the expansion of the

composition of the Society’s Technical Directions Committee.

39. TAB Chair. Chair Dent reviewed the following:

A. Position of TAB Items Referred to IEEE ExCom/ BoD. Chair Dent

submitted a written status report of items referred to the IEEE Executive

Committee and Board of Directors as of November 1999 (Appendix TAB

45).

B. 2000/2001 Meeting Schedule. Chair Dent reviewed the 2000 and 20001

TAB Meetings Schedule (Appendix TAB 46).

40. TAB Nominations and Appointments Committee. Michael Adler, Chair of the

TAB Nominations and Appointments Committee, reported that the Committee

had its first meeting of 2000 the previous day. Adler then presented the

following:

A. Slate for 2001 IEEE Meetings and Services Committee Chair. Adler

presented a slate of candidates for the position of 2001 IEEE Meetings and

Services Committee Chair. He asked for nominations from the floor and

noted that TAB could select more than one candidate if they choose. A

Motion was made that:

TAB approve having one (1) candidate on the slate for 2001

IEEE Meetings and Services Committee Chair.

Financial implications to TAB: none

The Motion passed.

A slate was provided and nominations were then taken from the floor. A

vote was taken. Adler noted that Vijay K. Bhargava was elected as the

candidate that will be submitted to the IEEE Nominations and

Appointments Committee for review. It will then be forwarded to the

IEEE Board of Directors who will make the final appointment.

41. Society Presidents’ Forum. Terman reviewed agenda items for discussion. A

brief report was given on the Society Chapter Coordinators’ Retreat held in New

Orleans, attracting industrial members, and a Strategic Planning Retreat.

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 23

42. Division Directors’ Forum. Chair Dent noted that a Division Directors’ meeting

will be held later in the day.

43. Society/Council Presidents’ Reports. The Presidents of the following Societies

presented a brief overview of their Society Activities: IEEE Communications,

IEEE Education and IEEE Engineering Management.

44. Update on Financial Impact of TAB Actions Resulting from Meeting. Masten

summarized the financial impact of TAB actions resulting from the meeting as

follows:

- Request TAB VP to move continuation and distribution of unallocated

investment return (Distribution of $15M to TAB and S/C)

- Permit TAB to reduce its 1999 Page Count Budget (TAB: $0 – S/C Forgo

distribution of $8K)

- Consider Waivers of ASPP Page Count Penalty Policy (TAB$0 – S/C:

unknown)

- Provide an interest Free $100K Loan to Sensors Council (TAB: forfeiture of

Interest of $100K)

- Entertain request for start up funds for revenue producing initiatives (TAB:

unknown)

- Web Search Initiative (2000)* (TAB: $50K until June)

- IT Industry Initiative (TAB: Up to 50K)

- Electronic Distinguished Lecture Initiative* (TAB: $30K)

- One day VP Conferences Workshop (TAB: $5K – from existing budget)

- Meetings & Services Committee 3 Meetings per year (TAB: $2K)

- Industry Plan Development Initiative * (TAB: $100K; no more than $20K by

June)

* To be voted by IEEE Board of Directors on Sunday, 13 February 2000

45. New Business.

A. Creation of New S/Cs and Inclusion in ASPP. After discussions regarding

inclusions in the ASPP, a Motion was made that:

TAB approve that upon the creation of a new

Society/Council, TAB will permit the immediate

inclusion, with full distributions, of one journal,

transactions, or magazine in the ASPP. This Motion

will be retroactive effective as of 1/1/99.

Financial implications to TAB: ASPP distributions will

be allocated across the new set of pubs. Distributions

will be slightly less than without the new pub.

TAB Minutes

12 February 2000

Page 24

The Motion passed.

B. TAB Activities & Initiatives Not in the Annual Budget. Mr. Clifford

Lau, President of the IEEE Neural Networks Council, discussed support

for TAB activities and initiatives that are not in the annual budget, and a

Motion was made that:

TAB approve that any out-of-cycle budget and requests

to support TAB activities and initiatives that are not in

the approved annual budget shall be submitted to TAB

FinCom 60 days prior to the next TAB meeting for

evaluation and recommendation to TAB for

approval/disapproval.

Whereas: TAB Treasurer, assisted by the TAB Finance

Committee, has oversight responsibility for the

preparation of TAB S/C budgets and for the continual

monitoring of expenditures;

Whereas: Throughout the year, there are TAB activities

and initiatives that require financial support that is not

in the approved annual budget; and

Whereas: The financial impact of these out-of-cycle

budget requests need to be assessed and evaluated

knowledgeably

Be it so moved, that out-of-cycle budget requests be

submitted to the TAB FinCom for evaluation and

recommendation

The Motion failed.

46. Next Meeting. The next meeting of the IEEE Technical Activities Board will be

held 24 June 2000 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

47. Adjournment. Chair Dent adjourned the meeting at 5:00pm.

Mary Ward-Callan

TAB Secretary

Issued on 8 May 2000

Subject to Confirmation

The TAB Meeting Agendas and the TAB Meeting Minutes, as shown on the WWW, should only be 
used as reference.  The TAB Meeting Agenda and the TAB Minutes 
are subject to approval of the IEEE Technical Activities Board.

TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES BOARD 
MINUTES
14 November 1998
New Brunswick, New Jersey
(Privileged information, subject to approval)

The third meeting of the 1998 IEEE Technical Activities Board was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, New Brunswick, New Jersey. Dr. Lloyd A. 
"Pete" Morley, Chair of the Technical Activities Board, called the meeting to order at 8:05 am on 14 November 1998. A list of attendees is 
attached (Appendix TAB 74).