Quality Assurance Project
Resume:
Ottawa, ON
*********@*******.***
SPECIALIZED AREAS OF EXPERTISE AND STRENGTH
. 20+ years experience in conducting a variety of software tests to
identify system errors and documenting the results
. 20+ years experience supporting software developers in the testing of
world class enterprise applications for clients in a wide variety of
industries
. 20+ years experience with quality assurance techniques and testing
methodologies
. 20+ years experience in developing test plans, test scripts and test
cases and communicating testing results to development team
. Extensive knowledge of the Quality Assurance methodologies and the System
Development Life Cycle
. Extensive experience with Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) products, and
integrating them into small and large organizations
. 20+ years experience in conducting a variety of functional, regression,
ad-hoc and compatibility tests to ensure customers get quality products
quicker
. Extensive experience collaborating with development teams to ensure
defects are fixed in a timely manner
. Extensive experience collaborating with development teams to ensure
defects are fixed in a timely manner
. Extensive experience taking complete responsibility for the test of a
sizeable application including setting the QA strategy, and leading small
and large teams to create and carry out the test plan
. 20+ years as Quality Assurance Analyst on websites, data switches,
enterprise software solutions and medical devices
. 20+ years executing manual test scripts and logging defects
. Extensive experience performing automated testing
. Bilingual (French/English)
. SECRET Security Clearance (expires 2018)
. Demonstrated high productivity in QA development at numerous clients and
employers: -- at Cisco, finished 3 months early against aggressive
deadlines -- at Ankari, finished 6 weeks early -- at WorldHeart, finished
in 4 months what took others 2 years to complete
. Extensive experience (20+ years) in organizing and leading testing
sessions
. Extensive experience (20+ years) in identifying performance measures
. Extensive experience (20+ years) in analyzing and reporting on data
collected from performance measures
. Extensive experience (20+ years) in logging, analyzing problems and
issues raised during testing and prioritizing changes and recommending
improvements
. Extensive experience (20+ years) in reporting on testing and performance
measures to a variety of stakeholders
. Extensive experience in test strategy documentation, test plans, test
procedures, test scenarios, test cases and test scripts (manual and
automated)
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
. Bachelor of Applied Sciences, University of Waterloo, 1987. Awarded
Honours in Electrical Engineering with electives in Management Science
and French.
. Understanding the C Programming Language, CMC, 1989.
. Continuous Improvement Process Workshop, Canadian Marconi Co., 1992.
. Motorola 68000 Assembler, Motorola, 1992.
. Programming Microsoft Windows, Learning Tree, 1993.
. Understanding ISDN, Its Architectures and Applications, TRA, 1994.
. Working in Teams, Intersol, 1994
. Professional Interviewing and Selection, IPM, 1994.
. Introduction to Project Management Methodology, Somos, 1996.
. Design For Testability, STS, 1996.
. New Approaches to Software Design, TRIO, 1996.
. Programming the PowerPC, Motorola, 1996
. Understanding ATM, ATR, 1997.
. TCL/TK Scripting, Zenith, 1997.
. Boundary Scan Training Course, STS, 1997.
. ATM Test and Analysis, AHM Technology Corp, 1998
. Team Building Workshop, Intersol, 1998.
. Becoming a Customer-Focused Organization, Newbridge, 1998.
. GMP, GDP, Design Control & GLP, DeMille Quality Consulting, 1999.
. Internet Marketing For Authors and Speakers, Peggy McColl, 2003.
. Advanced Internet Marketing: Becoming a Best-Seller, Peggy McColl, 2005.
. How to Run a Profitable Small Business, E-Myth Mastery, 2005.
. Consulting Excellence Mentorship Program, Society for the Advancement of
Consulting, 2007-08
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS, AFFILIATIONS
. Professional Engineer of Ontario, 1992-2002
. Member, Toastmasters International, 2001-2007
. Advanced ToastMaster, 2004.
. VP, Education and VP, Public Relations, Local Toastmasters Club, 2002-
2004
. Member, Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, 2003-2005
. Treasurer, CAPS National Convention, 2005
SECURITY CLEARANCE
. SECRET (Expires 2018)
SKILLS SUMMARY
. 20+ years of product development experience in the public and private
sectors.
. Extensive experience in the fields of IT, both in developing and testing
new products for a selective marketplace, and in leading teams of
software, hardware, product verification, quality assurance, customer
service and marketing.
. Extensive experience in Software Quality Assurance, at Analyst, team
leader, manager and Director levels
. Extensive experience using tools to perform automated and load testing.
Tools include WinRunner, LoadRunner, Test Director, Perl Scripts, TCL
Scripts, Protocol Analyzers
. Extensive experience in integrating custom and Commercial Off the Shelf
(COTS) products into a diverse set of industries
. Created white papers on how quality assurance staff could develop quality
products quicker
. Created seminars on how quality assurance engineers could be more
productive and innovative. Asked to deliver seminars at Alcatel Test
Engineering Workshop.
. Wrote and delivered international newsletter to opt-in subscribers on
"How to Develop Quality Products Quicker"
. Extensive experience in software. Languages include C, C++, TCL, Perl,
Pascal, 68k and 6800 Assembler, Fortran, SQL, HTML, Java, ASP, PowerPC
Assembler, StrongArm, Lotus Notes, PLSQL
. Extensive experience in multiple platforms, including QNX, VxWorks,
ClearCase, RCS, Palm OS, Solaris, Windows, Mac, Linux, Mercury, GDB,
Visual Source Safe, .NET
. Extensive experience in various networking protocols, including IP,ATM,
ISDN, Frame Relay, SONET, Token Ring, Ethernet, T1/E1/T3/E3, Brouters,
BlueTooth, BONDING, Voice, Fax, Telex, VLAN
. Extensive experience in teamwork, project management, proposal
management, problem-solving, conflict resolution and consensus-building.
. Extensive experience in MS Office tools, MS Visio and MS Project
. French/English bilingual.
. SECRET security clearance
ASSIGNMENTS AND WORK HISTORY
SHM Consulting
Senior QA Consultant
2001-Present
Contribution:
. Performed Quality Assurance Analyst work for websites and for high-speed
networking equipment.
. Created test strategy on several client/server environments
. Created Quality Assurance Analyst functions at Cisco Systems.
. Spoke to Quality Assurance Analyst audiences on how to improve
productivity and innovation levels
. Wrote and distributed monthly electronic newsletters to international
audience on Quality Assurance Analyst functions - entitled "Develop
Quality Products Quicker"
. Wrote book and seminars on the basics of personal finance. Delivered
seminars to financial and retail clients.
Assignments:
Quality Assurance Analyst on Website: Develop and test web pages for
numerous web sites related to streethockeymillionaire.com to support
personal development and consulting firm. Provide periodic updates using
HTML, Java and ASP. Perform formal testing before and after changes, and
on periodic basis when pages have been static for a while. Perform
regression and ad-hoc testing to ensure previous changes are still working.
Perform compatibility testing with dozens of applications. Update website
with new articles and new products and services. Integrated COTS products
(including ACT and MS Office) into company's backbone. Run e-commerce on
site to sell products and services worldwide. Log and analyze problems and
issues raised during testing and prioritize changes. Report on testing and
performance measures to a variety of stakeholders. Involved in complete
System Development Life Cycle.
Senior Quality Assurance Analyst at Cisco Systems: Developed QA strategy
for high-speed network routers. Organized and led a small team to create
and carry out the test plan. Created automatic and manual tests for
functionality of Serial Port Adapter (SPA) in temperature chambers for
various loads. Tested Circuit Emulation Over Packet SPA's, especially
with respect to synchronization and timing. Worked with development and
manufacturing staff in San Jose, Jacksonville, Boston and Ottawa to
discover requirements and create verification matrices to ensure full
coverage. Worked with project management using MS Project to monitor and
update status. Used MS Visio to outline work flows, and testing processes.
Identified performance measures. Analyzed and reported on data collected
from performance measures.
Integrated COTS product (Bugzilla) throughout Ottawa campus. Logged and
analyzed problems and issues raised during testing and prioritized changes
and recommended improvements. Reported on testing and performance measures
to a variety of stakeholders. Involved in complete System Development Life
Cycle.
Financial Seminars: Wrote and conducted seminars on the basics of personal
finance. Based on book I wrote, Street Hockey Millionaire. Clients
included Costco Wholesale, Montreal Canadiens, Berkshire Securities,
Carleton University, National Research Council and TD Waterhouse. Covered
extensively in national media and entertainment venues. Nicknamed "Money
Guru" in major newspapers across Canada.
QA and Innovation Seminars: Conducted technology and innovation seminars
on better QA, how to reduce the product development process, how to make QA
staff more productive and innovative, and how to introduce innovation
processes into an organization. Clients included Alcatel, Corel, CMC
Electronics, General Dynamics and Industry Canada. Also wrote and
distributed international newsletter on "How to Develop Quality Products
Quicker".
Type of Applications: For website, applications include information forms,
purchasing forms, e-commerce, information distribution and marketing. For
Cisco, applications include router development, internet applications, high-
speed data applications, high-speed voice applications, IP applications,
testing applications and manufacturing Standard Operating Procedures for
testing.
Systems: For website, systems include website development system on PC
with Windows, remote server system on Windows NT and email system with
Outlook. For Cisco, systems include development system (laptop running
VxWorks, Windows, Remote Access, Outlook, Clearcase and Word) and test
system (Cisco Router with High-Speed Backbone, Front End Processors and
Serial Port Adapters (SPAs)).
Technologies: Technologies on website include ASP, Java, HTML, FrontPage,
Windows and Windows NT. Technologies at Cisco included ClearCase, VxWorks,
C language, TCL, High-Speed routing (OC3, T1/T3), Windows, MIPS, QNX and
Perl scripts.
Standards: Used internal standards for quality assurance of website. Used
Cisco standards for QA at Cisco, as well as following ISO9001 for
development of Diagnostic software.
Processes: Initiated and followed company-wide processes for QA of forms
development for website. Initiated new processes at Cisco for
manufacturing personnel to follow as Standard Operating Procedures for
testing of new SPA product line. Used Continuous Improvement policies to
modify and improve SOPs as manufacturing staff came online. At Cisco,
performance measures were monitored as product moved through the floor, and
statistics were kept on how many deviations were caused by faulty hardware,
faulty testing and faulty procedures. In seminars, created and taught new
processors so QA staff could be more innovative and productive. Followed
through with more ideas in monthly newsletter. Involved in complete System
Development Life Cycle.
Ankari Inc.
Director, Customer Quality
Ottawa, ON
1999-2001
Contribution:
. Built consensus between product verification and development staff to
ensure defects were reported and fixed in a timely manner.
. Collaborated with software, hardware and product verification teams to
ensure complete understanding of defects found and fixed on a weekly
basis. Senior member of Problem Review Board, which would meet weekly to
prioritize issues and discuss progress on defect discovery and
resolution.
. Created QA Strategy for new releases
. Created QA strategy for regression, ad-hoc and compatibility tests
. Integrated several new COTS products to make staff more productive by
streamlining efforts.
. Used MS Project to monitor status of Quality Assurance Analysts, and
various other engineering team members. (up to 32 staff members at one
point)
. Performed assorted tests, including load testing and automated testing,
on client/server software project using WinRunner, LoadRunner and Test
Director.
. Upgraded Bugzilla to work with Oracle databases, and to run with SQL as
necessary
. Coded embedded software to run a door access system on a StrongArm
processor. Device control included fingerprint reader, LCD touchscreen
for information and for password retrieval and door locking mechanism.
. Used MS Visio to create workflow and testing process diagrams.
. Organized and lead test teams to create and carry out manual and
automated test plans.
. Identified performance measures.
. Analyzed and reported on data collected from performance measures.
. Logged and analyzed problems and issues raised during testing and
prioritized changes and recommended improvements.
Type of Applications: Applications included security for enterprise
software systems and e-commerce across the enterprise. There was finger-
print entry and validation, smart card reading and validation and password
validation. There was also an application to prefill web pages and web
forms for frequently visited sites. Because the security ran across a
variety of enterprise networks, all the popular PC applications were tested
on new releases. This included Netscape, Explorer, Outlook, Firefox,
Excel, Lotus Notes, Oracle Forms, Word, WordPerfect, etc.
Systems: The two main systems used were for clients and servers. The
client test system comprised primarily of laptop and personal computers
running combinations of possible PC applications. LoadRunner and WinRunner
were used to test the 128,000 possible combinations of applications
running. The server test system comprised of variations of servers
(Windows NT, Solaris, Appollo, AIX, HP) which would be tested using various
Linux and Unix scripts.
Technologies: Technologies comprised mainly of clients and servers. The
clients were Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 97, Windows 95, MAC OS. The
servers ranged from Sun/Solaris, HP/AIX, Windows NT, Appollo. Project
software included MS Office, MS Project and MS Visio.
Standards: As Director of QA, created new standards for product
development, and for product testing. These were based on ISO9000
standards, as well as based on experience from previous employers.
Processes: Examined and re-engineered company-wide product development
process. Performed QA before releasing to employees. Then trained all
employees on new process, and how to use Continuous Improvement techniques
to modify and improve process as it became widely adopted. Also worked
with software development, hardware development, product verification,
customer service and quality assurance staff to create and document company-
wide processes. Maintained processes. Involved in complete System
Development Life Cycle.
WorldHeart Corporation
Senior Quality Assurance Analyst
Ottawa, ON
1998-1999
Contribution:
. Created test strategy for all QA to be performed on the external
controller of the HeartSaver Ventricular Assist Device (VAD). Led a
small team of 3 testers to create and carry out test plans.
. Wrote Quality Assurance procedures for complete software development life
cycle.
. Oversaw Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) processes from
creation through evolution
. Assessed functional requirements to complete development of External
Controller Software project. Created regression and ad-hoc test plans to
ensure new and old releases were continuing to work despite massive
changes from release to release.
. Wrote and tested C software on Windows platform to control power and
communications from external controller to internal controller
. Used Visual SourceSafe to control versions of the software
. Created documents for functional specifications, design specifications,
unit testing and system testing.
. Used Labview and Unix OS to run copmatibility tests on product and
network components
. Organized and lead testing sessions involving users in a process.
. Integrated COTS and customized products to improve productivity of staff.
. Used MS Project to monitor and update status of project.
. Identified performance measures.
. Analyzed and reported on data collected from performance measures.
. Logged and analyzed problems and issues raised during testing and
prioritized changes and recommended improvements.
. Reported on testing and performance measures to a variety of
stakeholders.
Type of Applications: Application was a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) to
help patients whose heart was not strong enough to pump on its own. The
VAD consisted of three parts: the internal controller to increase the
power and consistency of the blood pumping, the external controller to
provide power and communications to the internal controller while alerting
the patient to any needed information, and the Clinical User Interface to
allow the medical staff to monitor the status of the VAD.
Systems: The External Controller was an embedded system which ran on a
small device similar to a beeper. Software was developed on a Windows 97
platform using Visual SourceSafe, C, Emacs and RCS. Hardware was developed
in the lab and comprised primarily of an M6809 processor with LEDs and an
LCD display.
Technologies: Technologies included the software development tools (Visual
SourceSafe, C, Emacs, RCS) and test scripts (Perl, TCL). Labview was used
to test communication with the CUI, and protocol analyzers were used to
test the communication network between the three parts of the VAD (CUI,
internal and external controllers). Project work used MS Office and MS
Project.
Standards: As software QA Analyst, created new standards for product
development, and for product testing. These were based on ISO9000
standards, as well as based on experience from previous employers.
Processes: Created user processes for software and system test
development. Analysed and tested processes before getting sign-off, and
then documented in main repository of QA procedures. Involved in complete
System Development Life Cycle.
Newbridge Networks
QA Developer
Ottawa, ON
1994-1998
Contribution:
. Developed test strategies, plans and project deliverables for VIVID ( a
TCP/IP device with a client/server architecture which allowed
metropolitan networks to transmit and receive high speed data, video and
images)
. Took complete responsibility for test strategy of product line, and led a
small team of 3 testers to create and carry out manual and automated test
plans. Provided input on performance reviews, and took disciplinary
measures as needed.
. Trained manufacturing staff on new procedures.
. Collaborated with development team to ensure defects were fixed in a
timely manner.
. Coded in C on VxWorks Platform, using Clearcase as revision control
system.
. Supplied customer service to operations staff as needed.
. Developed many shell scripts on Unix to speed up diagnostics.
. Developed software to add ISDN features to legacy multiplexing unit. Led
team through requirements, design, coding and testing of project. Upon
completion, presented project report to upper level management.
. Integrated COTS and custom products to streamline efforts of QA staff.
. Used MS Project to monitor and update status of project.
. Identified performance measures.
. Analyzed and reported on data collected from performance measures.
. Logged and analyzed problems and issues raised during testing and
prioritized changes and recommended improvements.
. Reported on testing and performance measures to a variety of
stakeholders.
Type of Applications: Application was a high-speed data communication
device which would allow IP communication between local and remote devices
over an ATM backbone. Testing involved ensuring that each piece of
hardware was functioning properly on its own, and that the connections
between devices was also functioning properly.
Systems: The systems under test included several networking devices,
including Ethernet, ATM, Token Ring, Fast Ethernet and IP. The development
system used to create the tests included a Sun workstation running Solaris,
and a Macintosh personal computer.
Technologies: Technologies included a wide range of voice and data
technologies: Ethernet, ATM, Token Ring, Fast Ethernet, IP, Frame Relay,
X.25, TCP, SONET, ISDN, OC3, T1/T3/E1/E3. Project work included MS Office,
MS Project and MS Visio.
Standards: Company-wide standards were used to develop the Standard
Operating Procedures for the manufacturing staff, and were used to develop
the software to run the tests. These standards were ISO9000 compatible,
and followed Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Processes: For each new device, a new testing process was created for the
manufacturing staff to follow. The process was tested thoroughly before
handing over to the manufacturing staff, and training was given before
implementation. Performance measures were monitored as product moved
through the floor, and statistics were kept on how many deviations were
caused by faulty hardware, faulty testing and faulty procedures. Involved
in complete System Development Life Cycle.
Canadian Marconi Company
Software Developer
1988-1993
Contribution:
. As active member of company-wide Software Quality Assurance Improvement
Team, analyzed many QA problems, and presented several recommendations to
senior staff.
. Led action teams as part of company-wide Continuous Improvement Process.
Teams made several recommendations to improve the company's business
position by streamlining efforts and reducing churn. Performed in-depth
problem-solving analysis to discover root cause, and then to discover
recommended solutions. Presented recommendations to senior staff.
. Led complete QA strategy for new releases of both the CMA755 Telex Switch
and the CMA755PC Telex Switch. Led small teams of system testers,
software testers and hardware testers to create and carry out test plans.
. Created manual and automated tests in client/server environment.
. Created hundreds of regression, ad-hoc and compatibility tests to ensure
software continued to be functional with new releases
. Provided advanced customer support to Teleglobe Canada.
. Provided advanced installation and commissioning support to PTT
Indonesia.
. Developed software to run multiple protocols across international telecom
network. Programmed in C language on Motorola platforms to run embedded
software on Front End Processors.
. Performed functional, load and performance testing on all software before
handing off to system test.
. Developed many shell scripts on Unix to speed up diagnostics.
. Software included all phases of software development life cycle,
including Design, Coding Testing and Acceptance Testing at customers'
sites.
. Used MS Project to monitor and update status of project.
. Used MS Visio to create process diagrams.
. Organized and lead testing sessions involving users in a process.
. Organized and lead testing sessions on IT systems.
. Identified performance measures.
. Analyzed and reported on data collected from performance measures.
. Logged and analyzed problems and issues raised during testing and
prioritized changes and recommended improvements.
. Reported on testing and performance measures to a variety of
stakeholders.
Type of Applications: Applications were enhancements and modifications to
a high-speed Telex switching system. This included call waiting, new
dialing methods, various coding schemes and different billing systems.
Systems: The systems under test included two main components: a Routing
and Billing Center (RBC) and several Front End Processors (FEPs). The RBC
was a PC running the RBC software, and the FEP was a company-specific
linecard running on a M68k processor. The development system used to create
the tests included a Sun workstation running Solaris, and a Windows PC.
There was also testing done on Telex/Fax converters and a Fax switching
system.
Technologies: Technologies included: Telex, Baudot, Fax, Telex. Software
was developed in C and C++, and system tests were run mainly using UNIX
scripts. Desk software included MS Office, MS Project and MS Visio.
Standards: Company-wide standards were used to develop the test software.
These standards were ISO9000 compatible. As a member of the company-wide
software QA team, made several suggestions to improving the standards to
increase productivity and quality of end product.
Processes: Company-wide processes were followed to develop test software.
Using Continuous Improvement Process, also introduced several modifications
and enhancements to allow greater productivity and quality in Datacom
department. Led CIP Action Team to improve several development processes
of software, hardware and system test. Involved in complete System
Development Life Cycle.
Additional Work History:
Test Engineer, Nortel Networks, responsible for creating test programs for
crystal oscillators in manufacturing environment. 1987
Telecommunications Analyst, Bell Canada, responsible for leading
technicians to test and discover transmission impairments at pre-determined
locations in Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa. 1986
Financial Services Information Collector, Bank of Montreal, responsible for
preparing Request For Information (RFI) for 2400 bps modem, and then for
the attraction of possible suppliers. 1986
Quality Assurance Analyst, Gandalf, responsible for the creation and
implementation of test plans for Gandalf's new 2400 switching device. 1985
IT Analyst, Hatch Associates Limited, responsible for analysing and
improving IT resources for construction engineering firm. 1984
Telecommunication Engineer, Bell Northern Research, responsible for
implementing a bulletin board service to allow telecom staff to interact
more freely between each other, 1983
Air Traffic Control Analyst, Transport Canada, responsible for collecting
and analysing data for the air traffic control telecommunication network,
1983
Medical Device Analyst, Health and Welfare Canada, Bureau of Medical
Devices, responsible for collecting and analysing data on the use of
transurethral resectoscopes at Canadian hospitals. 1982
Contact this candidate