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      Keith Cruden 

Profile 

Broad, in-depth technical and managerial skills gained from more than 24 years of practical experience in Information Systems development, management and consulting. Specialising in helping clients to plan, implement and manage the technical, network and development infrastructure needed to respond to the ever-changing demands of their environment. Skills include Client/Server systems development, Data Warehouse implementation and Internet/Intranet/WWW connectivity. 

June 1989 to date Turner Young Associates Ltd. and Stewart Douglas Associates 

Owner and Managing Consultant 

As an independent consultant I have been specialising in Information Technology project management, training, database applications systems development, Local Area Network consulting and systems integration. I have provided consulting services to a number of national and international organisations based in Canada, the United States, Italy and United Kingdom. These services have included strategic planning, feasibility studies, project management, training and on-going consulting support. 

Recent client projects have included… 

  • United Nations (World Food Programme, Rome). Project management for a major client/server project that coordinated the activities of WFP staff in procuring donations up to $1.4 billion per year from donor countries. Provided project consultancy services for the implementation of a Data Warehouse.
  • A major British building society. Project consultant for the implementation of a corporate Data Warehouse.
  • Learning Tree International. Since mid-1996 I have been teaching "Introduction to Client/Server", "Hands-on Client/Server Development", "Web Site Development" and "Hands-on Data Warehousing" courses across the United Kingdom, Europe and the US.
In addition, I have been responsible for project management and consulting for a variety of client/server database applications systems including… 
  • Established World Wide Web sites for a major art gallery and several small manufacturing companies.
  • An inventory/warehouse management system for a medium-sized manufacturing company.
  • A multi-departmental inventory management system for a major fast food company.
  • A productivity management system for a major garment manufacturer.
  • An expense management system for a Canadian television company.
  • A wholesale catalogue and electronic ordering system for a large distribution company.
  • A grant management system for a Canadian federal government department.
  • A bill of lading system for a major international shipping company.
  • A property management system for a real estate management company.
Between mid-1993 and mid-1996, I taught a series of courses for Data-Tech Institute, "Understanding LANs", "Understanding Client/Server Computing", "Accessing the Internet" and "Enabling Networks for Internet Access". These courses required extensive travel across Canada, the US and the United Kingdom. 

In addition I have developed and taught NetWare System Management courses for Computer Consultants International (CCI) and Drake Computer Training. 

I have conducted a number of LAN workshops for organisations including the Vancouver PC Users Society, the Independent Computer Consultants Association and the Vancouver NetWare Users Group. 

Development environments… 
 

DOS Windows (3.x, 95, NT) DBMS Data Warehouse Internet/Intranet
Clipper  PowerBuilder MS SQL Server Oracle7 MS IIS
Paradox MS Access Oracle7 Powerplay MS Personal Web Server
Dataflex Visual Basic SQLBase Impromptu NCSA httpd
dBASE IV Smalltalk NetWare SQL Business Objects CGI, MS IDC
FoxPro Actor      
  Lotus Notes      
June 1986 to June 1989 London Drugs Ltd., Richmond BC, Canada 

Project Manager 

  • Managed all aspects of systems development life cycle for a comprehensive Warehouse/Distribution/Logistics Management system.
  • Performed evaluation and recommendation for a mainframe Relational Database Management System and system development environment.
  • Designed functional specifications, data flow and entity relationship diagrams for a Human Resources Management system.
  • Designed and implemented a Store Order Entry system using hand-held data entry devices, basic telecommunications and data capture software.
  • Designed a Sales History data warehouse and reporting system.
  • Managed the development and implementation of a microcomputer-based Store Budget system.
Project Manager (TLD Computers Ltd.) 
  • Provided LAN consultancy services to corporate customers, including installation management and system management training.
  • Provided on-going client support and acted as focal point for corporate clients.
  • Designed, developed and implemented an order tracking system, a course booking system and technical work order system.
  • Managed and coordinated the training centre, scheduling classes and instructors. 
  • Managed the company’s participation in trade shows.
Feb 1985 to June 1986 Information Technology Consultant. West Yorkshire, England 

Contracted to British Rail to provide Local Area Network project management, systems support, Novell System Management training and consulting 

June 1984 to Feb 1985 QRH Computer Group. Brighouse, West Yorkshire, England. 

Project Manager 

  • Designed and developed and accounts receivable system.
  • Designed, developed and implemented a stock control and order entry system incorporating remote terminal communications.
Dec 1981 to April 1984 Woodwards Stores Ltd. Vancouver BC, Canada. 

Senior Programmer Analyst and Project Manager 

  • Managed the requirements definition, implementation, quality assurance, technical and user support for a packaged warehousing and distribution system.
  • Designed, developed and implemented a retail sales analysis system.
  • Designed and developed a system to manage retail price changes.
March 1981 to Dec 1981 First City Trust. Vancouver BC, Canada. 

Programmer Analyst 

  • Maintained and developed and maintained a residential mortgage system.
  • Designed and implemented a "quick reporting" system for ad hoc management reports.
March 1973 to February 1981 Dept. for National Savings. Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire, England. 

Executive Officer, Operations Shift Leader. 

  • Shift Leader responsibilities for computer room and ancillary operations.
  • Supervision of thirteen junior and senior operating staff.
Executive Officer, Programmer. 
  • Developed and maintained systems relating to Premium Savings Bonds and other government bonds and stocks.