Steve Cotterell's Site
I am an IT professional with over twenty five years experience encompassing almost all aspects of personal computers and PC software. I have specialist skills in the production of training materials and manuals and of user support and training.
The planning, scheduling, allocating and tracking of project work using several PM software packages including Project Manager Workbench and Microsoft Project.
Assessing training needs, planning, preparing and running effective training courses for users of a variety of software packages. Writing training manuals, technical information sheets and monthly computer newsletters.
Maintaining an expertise in the use of DOS and Windows versions of WordPerfect and producing macros using the inbuilt macro language.
Designing and developing databases using several packages including Microsoft Access, DataEase and DataPerfect.
Managing a help desk serving over 100 users of a Novell network, supporting their needs on a day to day basis by telephone and in person, offering advice, training and practical help as appropriate.
I am Technical Editor for Project Manager Today magazine and write (or have written) for PC Magazine, PC Pro, PC Advisor, What PC, PC World, PCLan, IT Week, PC Week, BIOS online publication, Unplugged, S & N Agenda, LinuxUser, Mobile Choice, the CD-ROM UG magazine, the national and local press. I have also undertaken case study commissions and other work from PR agencies and software vendors.
Assessing user needs, evaluating and advising on procurement of hardware and software. Liaising with suppliers and implementing and monitoring arrangements for third party maintenance of systems.
Writing software reviews, case studies and material of a more general nature for a number of nationally known magazines, companies and agencies. Since September 2004 I have been the Software Assessor for the APM Group/OGC's project management software tool evaluation service and am also the Auditor for their ITIL software assessment scheme.
Led a team designing and installing relational databases for users
throughout DSS headquarters offices.
Wrote the suite of WordPerfect macros used by the Press Office to create and issue Press
Releases to the national press.
Successfully prepared and delivered training to all users of the headquarters Post Logging
system.
Successfully trained users of all grades on conversion from MultiMate word
processing software to WordPerfect.
Managed the help desk supporting all users.
Handled the evaluation and procurement of hardware and software and developed systems for
use in specific applications.
Evaluated and procured hardware and software for headquarters users.
Successfully implemented arrangements for third party maintenance of hardware and
maintained asset register.
Provided BT Gold electronic mail service to senior officers and trained them to use the
system. Developed WordPerfect macros that simplified the operation.
Developed training material and trained system operators.
Coordinated system testing and quality assurance and vetted requests for change and
trouble reports destined for technical experts.
Produced successful Information Bulletin and promotional material.
Arranged appeals against Dental Estimates Board decisions.
Automated much of the section's work, reducing by 80% the amount of time it took to
arrange an appeal hearing.
Managed, trained and allocated work to a staff of 14 people.
1970 - HNC in Business Studies; 1967 - ONC in Business Studies; 1960 - 2 'O' Level GCEs
My leisure activities include walking, stamp collecting, the study of moths and butterflies and charity work for Save the Children. I am married with two adult daughters, enjoy excellent health and am a non-smoker.