Qualcomm

Pre-2010, Qualcomm was innovative and focused on producing the best designs and wireless chipsets and solutions. Engineers were rewarded for creativity and encouraged to innovate, try out new things, and constantly ask ourselves, "What if?"

Post-2010, Qualcomm focused on short turn-around time, unreasonable deadlines, and ridiculous technical goals. This direction drove Qualcomm to compromise quality and innovative executions. Instead, it wanted to make use of cheap labor overseas and meet deadlines with products that customers are not so thrilled to design in. Then came cost-cutting measures by a new CFO who does not know how Qualcomm was created: engineering talent, not a cheap workforce. The reduction in force was carried out with gross favoritism, keeping untalented buddies and losing solid, loyal employees. Management involved with the layoff broke US employment laws.

It is OK to cut costs by trimming the right waste; the process must be carefully evaluated to not jeopardize the company's philosophy, focus, or future success. Make better use of the company's cash; stop buying technology companies with unproven designs and products, as they will destroy Qualcomm in the long run.