Larry Smith Insight
Sean Lynch | June 25, 2006Larry Smith is one of the best lecturers the University of Waterloo has to offer. The great thing about Larry is that he’s a bit of a geek. Even though he’s teaching economics, he gives the whole thing a CS-Engineering treatment that tends to result in a few increadible gems of insight. The following is a few I’ve caught over the past few weeks.
“The technology sector is driven by the market place, not by cool technology.”
Inventory control isn’t sexy, but it built Walmart
[on the creation and eventual adoption of computerized inventory control in the 70s]
The technology market place is inherantly chunky and if it continues to develop products that require massive investments, it will be more and more volitle.
[on investment cycles and capacity planning]
Look at VoIP. Vonage shares are dropping like a stone and Skype is giving it away. Too many railways, not enough demand.
[on market saturation]
“Companies institutionalize ambition.” Waterloo co-ops are some of the cockiest kids out there and cocky is synonymous with self-confidence.
[on the importance of "animal spirits" in investment]
I took Larry Smith's class myself. Check out my article
Kejda Gjermani | July 23, 2007I took Larry Smith’s class myself. Check out my article on him at http://kejda.net/2007/07/11/larry-smith-and-his-disciples-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/
You may find it interesting, although I focus more on his economics and less on his technology remarks.
You have a nice blog overall
Nice Quotes.
Ontario Highway Traffic Act | December 1, 2007Nice Quotes.
Larry is DEFINITELY one of the best lecturers Waterloo has
Uzair | July 26, 2010Larry is DEFINITELY one of the best lecturers Waterloo has to offer. His Macroeconomics class should be mandatory for all engineers if not for the unbelievable amounts of insight and technical connection then for entertainment alone!