More Detail on Specific Topics - Colin Pearson
Most of my Supplier Selection exercises have involved some form of acceptance testing. The most rigorous exercise was with HMG where I arranged for two sessions of parallel running each repeating one day's work on the proposed multi-user Unix system. We collected actual data and transported the relevant client staff to the vendor's site to do the work. We also set up some background scripts to simulate the actual loading. I acted as Project Manager and collated the results, ensuring that the vendor explained discrepancies and rectification.
The work at ICI as Project Manager / Champion involved co-ordinating the work of several departments and trying to arrange suitable tests with large quantities of data which could not be accurately replicated because there were several simultaneous organisational changes, eg the divestment of Zeneca and the merging of other departments.
I have prepared some 16 forensic reports, some of which have involved constructing and running tests to my own specification. I have to be prepared to justify the tests and the results to an opposing expert witness and the court if necessary.
During my last three years with ICL, I was working in the Test Software Department and became a Principal Engineer responsible for Validation and Issue of software for testing the computers for faults in memory, processor, disc etc. I specified the tests required after consultation with field engineers and hardware designers.
In all relevant situations, I recognise the need to prepare carefully in advance the script of actions to be taken and then to keep a careful log as the test proceeds. Sometimes it is necessary to diverge from the prepared script and then the log is even more vital. I often use a voice tape recorder for manual logs but try where-ever possible for the computer system to actually record the keystrokes and results but this obviously depends on the facilities available within the testing environment.
I spend time in analysing the results and looking for areas of potential weakness for future detailed exploration. The explanations offered by the authors are also scrutinised carefully.I have established a reputation for rigour and the ability to find faults in unexpected places.
As stated above, much of my work is painstakingly detailed. It would not benefit my reputation if I negligently prepared an Invitation to Tender and recommended a vendor who was manifestly inadequate.
I believe that my most outstanding piece of work was for HMG where I had to keep the system running for the benefit of the business whilst I garnered evidence and also evaluated replacement systems. Since I have worked through the whole cycle of Feasibility Study, Statement of Requirements, Invitation to Tender, Supplier Selection and also Project Managed the Implementation Phases of over 50 clients,
I believe I am aware of most of the formal steps that should be taken and a large number of the pitfalls awaiting the unwary. Consequently I am well placed to comment on the work performed by vendors and clients both of whom have responsibilities in any contract. The balance varies not only according to the contract but also on the perceived relative expertise of the parties involved. Ideally I would seek to achieve some form of compromise rather than taking the case to the ultimate conclusion where sometimes the innocent party comes off worst.
My initial training in forensic work was under the tutelage of William Jacot, Managing Director of DBA Consultants in London. Subsequently I have attended a variety of short courses and am on the Law Society Register of Expert Witnesses and other directories, all of which required to take up client references.
Supplier Selection / Invitation to Tender
Over 50 of my projects have started with a feasibility study to identify the client requirements. I normally write these in business terms (and volumes) that will be understood by the client as well as potential vendors. In most cases it is clear from the outset that the solution will be a standard computer package, especially since so many of these are now parameter driven enabling a considerable degree of tailoring to be performed on site. Cost justification is performed as required but I am often required to advise on the budget. In one case, I actually had to arrange for a software house to write specifically following my study and it became one of their standard products for several years.
I structure such a report so that I can easily turn it into an ITT (Invitation to Tender) which is circulated to a selected list of potential suppliers. This list has usually been constructed from a long list generated during the feasibility phase and pruned by means of a simple questionnaire. The suppliers are expected to tender in writing to myself as this is the most efficient use of time for both client and myself. If necessary, I will do some further checking to ensure that vendors have understood the requirement and can present the right solution. From these, I will normally select two or three for formal demonstrations based on the various criteria established during the studies.
Finally, a recommendation will be made in consultation with the client. References will be taken up and at least one site visit undertaken. I have sufficient experience to interpret the answers given in telephone interviews. I do not expect perfect answers!
Supplier Negotiation
Most of these negotiations have been conducted formally with an Invitation To Tender, through a long list to a short list with demonstrations followed by the taking up of references and/or site visits. In many cases, I have been retained to supervise the implementation and this has involved further negotiation with and organisation of the suppliers to provide scheduled training, corrections etc. I have also been involved with some 16 problem cases, usually at the point where litigation is contemplated. In all cases, I have had to review the communications with suppliers. In some cases this has been a paperwork exercise but it has often involved further discussions. Some of these have led to reconciliations whilst others have eliminated the possibility of compromise.
With ICL, negotiations were for the provision of production facilities (tape copying, printing etc), some of which was tendered internally but nevertheless required formal service level agreements. Evaluation of Existing Systems & Licencing
Often I have had to compile a list of existing hardware (both PC and mainframe) and software as a starting point with a view to integration or incorporation rather than complete replacement. In at least one case, I have been able to advise them that they already held an excessive number of licences and prevented them from buying more!
In the legal cases, this is absolutely essential. I am usually expected to offer an opinion on the contractual terms suggested by the vendors. In ICI this involved some very detailed negotiation with three separate internal legal departments (the one handling PC purchases could not agree with the one handling mainframe purchases!). I have also been involved in one copyright case, preparing a detailed report on the facts relating this to the law and burden of proof required in civil cases.
Distribution Experience (1978-95)
I have practical experience of actually performing software distribution when I was a Principal Engineer on ICL's Test Software, responsible for the specification, validation and issue of test software for the 2900 series computers. This involved liaison and co-ordination between many departments as the software had to be made available to field engineers as soon as the relevant hardware feature was released. I had to ensure that it was properly tested, was copied on to the correct media and that the print room had sufficient capacity for all the documentation. Furthermore I had to collect all fault reports and ensure that the software writers cured this as quickly as possible. I had to make decisions as to whether to issue the revised versions immediately or whether to await the next scheduled release. I also produced regular newsletters to the field engineers advising them of plans etc. Many of my subsequent projects have involved advising clients on distribution issues mostly in connection with Sales Order Processing and Accounts.
ICI's Billing Project (1994/5)
ICI was going through the process of divestment and their Telecommunications and Computing division were scheduled to be separated in January 1995. This meant that instead of passing cross charges for the usage of telephone, computer etc resources through internal information systems, a formal invoice (accompanied by straightforward supplementary information) had to be produced giving each department a breakdown of their charges. Despite many political problems, we implemented in time! Most of the data was collected by Call Loggers, IBM mainframes, DEC mainframes as well as by Order Processing staff. My task was to integrate this electronically (EDI) into the invoices.
As Project Leader, I set up a working party which included several of the (not always) interested parties. We selected a standard package with minor modifications and then specified programs to be written on the collecting machines or elsewhere to reformat/recalculate the data into the required format. The VAR also provided some custom tailored software to my specification. The number of detailed lines transferred each month ran into millions but we were able to condense them into some 140 invoices with two styles of supplementary information. All invoices had to be produced by 13:00 on the first working day of the following month - 13 hours after the last billable activity was performed. Data was transferred electronically by a number of different routes. Various ad hoc supplementary reports were produced using a version of Informix 4GL.
Other Testing & Validation
Most of my other, 50+, supplier selection exercises have involved some form of acceptance testing. I have also planned the data transfer and delivery schedules in conjunction with client's Finance Director (or appropriate staff) and the suppliers. The majority of these were PC or mini based.
Possibly the most rigorous recent exercise was with HMG where I arranged for two sessions of parallel running each reproducing one day's work on the proposed multi-user Unix system. I did the planning, acted as project manager, prepared the transfer tapes and collated the results. We collected actual data and transported the relevant client staff to the vendor's site to do the work. We also set up some background scripts to simulate the actual loading. I ensured that the vendor explained discrepancies and how he would rectify any problems. I have prepared some 15 forensic reports, some of which have involved constructing and running tests to my own specification. I have to be prepared to justify the tests and the results to an opposing expert witness and the court if necessary.
During my last three years with ICL, I worked in the Test Software Department becoming a Principal Engineer responsible for Validation and Issue of software for testing the 2900 computers for faults in memory, processor, disc etc. I specified the tests required after consultation with field engineers and hardware designers. I also specified the acceptance criteria for these tests and occasionally ran this acceptance in person. It involved co-ordination with three teams of programmers in different locations.
In all relevant situations, I recognise the need to prepare carefully in advance the script of actions to be taken and then to keep a careful log as the test proceeds. Sometimes it is necessary to diverge from the prepared script and then the log is even more vital. I often use a voice tape recorder for manual logs but try where-ever possible for the computer system to actually record the keystrokes and results but this obviously depends on the facilities available within the testing environment. I spend time in analysing the results and looking for areas of potential weakness for future detailed exploration. The explanations offered by the authors are also scrutinised carefully. I have established a reputation for rigour and the ability to find faults in unexpected places.
Use of Planning Tools
During my mid-period with ICL, I ran the project planning office for nearly 1 year using a massive PERT network to control the production of a complete suite of financial ledgers and related order processing modules. I was trained on PMW in 1987 but only used it intermittently until the ICI project where two of us jointly prepared a medium size plan to identify all the work on the interlinking systems, approximately 10 in all. As stated earlier the result was a successful online implementation about which VNG/Computer People hold a glowing reference.
Early History1972-78 (ICL's Management Services - employee)
I worked in Corporate Information Systems Department as a Senior Systems Analyst responsible for an online VDU enquiry service to a database containing information on Engineering Parts Lists for the Designers & Drawing Office. I specified and supervised much of the programming for the online modules using Driver modules and also provided an off-line enquiry system based around ICL's FIND-2 package (File Enquiry System).
I later specified the replacement system using IDMS (Integrated Data Management System recommended by Codasyl and implemented by Cullenane). I was also seconded to devise a compromise between the various design, manufacturing and marketing departments in designing a new system for reconciling product files and price books - a very sensitive area, successfully concluded with the printing of the first internal MIDI book.
1969-72 (ICL's Bureau Company - employee)
1966-69 (ICL's Bureau Company - employee)
Biotest,Birmingm 1992 Selection Unix Tetra, Contact
Agrico, Staffs 92-3 Implementation DOS Sage
HPD, Worcs 1992 Selection Xenix Pegasus
Lukers,Birminghm 87&92 Selection DOS Bakery
Bcoal, Stoke 1991 Progam'g, Feas'blty DOS, Smart NVQs
WmHealth, Staffs 1990 Training English Purchasing
Woolworth, London 82-86 Analyst/Prog'r Fortran Annual statistics
various Solicitors 83-91 Selection various Solicitors Accounts
various Housing Ass 81-89 Software House Commodore, dbaseIII Accts
ANO, Cheshire 1992 Litigation Unix MRP2
ANO, Staffs 1992 Litigation DOS & propty Copyright
ANO, Cheshire 88-93 Litigation DOS Retail POS
Employment History & Outside Interests
1981-present Formed PPS Ltd
to provide consultancy to local businesses with special emphasis on first-time buyers, requiring feasibility and selection advice and micros. I subsequently moved into project management of larger studies and also some litigation advice.Own Equipment
Pentium II with 1.44Mb and 1.2Mb drives, CD ROM-RW, 56k Fax Modem, ISDN and Iomega Zip drive. Portables: Toshiba Satellite,Toshiba 286; Olivetti 386, CBM8296 various printers, RS232 breakout box, various adaptors and cables. available when required but only by specific arrangement
Promotional Activities
Occasional lecturer for Data Dynamics & Action 2000 Last Chance Campaign, West Midland Regional Management Centre, National Association of Master Bakers Newcastle Borough Council, N Staffs, Merseyside, Sheffield Chambers of Commerce Staffordshire Business Link, Rotary Clubs etc.Outside Interests
Founder Chairman and current President of Staffordshire Business Club. Former Chairman (worldwide) Training Board Assn Cricket Umpires & Scorers, Wholesale Dist'r: books & equipment, Umpires, Coaches & Groundsmen Member Audley Rotary Club; past Chairman District 121 Vocational Committee, Member of Advisory Board to Newcastle College.
Extra Mural Activities Rotary
I have been a member of the Audley Rotary Club for over 20 years and have held various positions in the club including Community Service Chairman and Vocational Service Chairman, organising a variety of events including Hoe Downs, Christmas Collections and Rotoject. I am currently assisting in the formation of Croydon Whitgift Breakfast Club. I also serve on the District Committee (Staffordshire, Shropshire and Wolverhampton) for Vocational Service and took my three year turn as District Chairman from 1988 to 1992. During that period I spoke to over 20 clubs, organised a whole series of meetings and inaugurated the Young Inventor of the Year Competition.
Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers
I have been a member since 1959 and served on the General Council since about 1970. I have been an Official Instructor since 1973, rising to Branch Training Officer, Regional Training Officer and finally Training Board Chairman in 1981 until 1997. I have also been Quiz Master. I am now a Life Vice President. ACU&S is a worldwide organisation with almost 7,000 members and 470 instructors. Within the UK, we run over 150 training courses every year. For organisational purposes, the UK is divided into twelve regions.
As Chairman, I had a supporting committee consisting of the twelve Regional Training Officers and certain specialist officers, such as Quiz Master, Visual Aids etc. I took over as Chairman soon after the regions were formed when there were less than 100 instructors. I am keen to introduce innovations of my own but am even more enthusiastic about encouraging other people to introduce their innovations.
For example, in 1974, I started an Annual Seminar at the University of Keele aimed at local instructors and have now developed it so that it occupies two days and attracts up to 100 attendees. I delegated both the administration and the programme organisation to other people on my committee and recently retired from office due to pressure of work.
Another example, one of my committee members suggested that we should start a correspondence course and I promptly delegated the task back to him. After some three years of blood and sweat on both our parts, a very competent Open Learning Manual was produced and has now sold almost 1,000 copies with my colleague's name as the author.
Colin Pearson, Pearson's Professional Services Ltd, Rushton House, Nantwich Road, Audley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 8DL. Tel: 01782 720 753. Fax: 0-1782 720 798. Mobile 0956 239 801. Email: ppsl@a-b.co.uk
Acumen Books (not normally published)
Arising from my activities with instructing umpires, I discovered the difficulty for trainees in obtaining copies of the text book. Consequently, I set up a committee within ACU to look at the problem and made certain proposals which proved unacceptable to the Treasurer on the grounds of involving the organisation in Corporation Tax etc.
As a consequence, in 1978, I set up the operation as a Sole Trader under the name of Acumen Books. I involve some 50 people around the world who act as local agents and actually employ two girls on a part-time basis to deal with the mail order business. I have also expanded the range of items to include all equipment used by umpires that cannot be purchased from the local sports shop. I have also avoided selling items in competition with the Association itself. We enjoy a very good working relationship.
Currently the turnover is approximately £15,000 per annum and the day to day operations are conducted entirely by the two local girls. The web site has generated over 150 email orders in 15 months. I take strategic decisions but do not allow this operation to interfere with my normal employment in computer consultancy.
I did try to patent a sponge roller mop for Cricket Pitches on behalf of the inventor but found it had already been patented in Sweden for Tennis Courts! This explains the current limited company name of Puddlemaster.