Resume

I am an experienced analyst that found a passion for the UX-UI aspect of software engineering. I feel happiest when I see software engineering teams succeed in building future-friendly products that customers love. I am versatile, creative and energetic and can manage ambiguous situations and effectively collaborate in teams.

I understand the importance of architecture and design, and the impact it has on systems and people. I have a keen interest in enterprise architecture and am TOGAF certified. The balancing act in making sound technology decisions in the front-end UX space, requires the right mix of values, strengths and skills, all I believe I have.

I am looking for an opportunity where my design thinking, technical and analytical skill and experience in development and architecture can add value to your software engineering team.

Strengths

Versatility

Creativity

Analytical

Love of Learning

Perseverance

I am versatile and able to perform more than one role within the scope of a single project. Creativity is a core strength, complimentary to my analytical and logical approach to solving problems.

I persist through challenges and setbacks by staying creative and learning.

Values

Kindness

Authenticity

Courageousness

Knowledge

Wisdom

Reliability

Skills

I am capable to see projects trough from end to finish because of my diverse skill set. I traverse levels and stages during the lifecycle of a software development process and have a talent to connect concepts, people, processes and things in relation to each other.

Discover

I am studious, highly analytical and have artistic skill. This lets me see things from different angles and equips me with a novel approach to solving problems. I am able to notice new things and gather insights. I am a competent story-boarder and illustrator and enjoy leading whiteboard sessions to unpack a problem domain.

Define

Through my analytical skills, I am able to break a problem down in a logical and systematic manner. I am able to prioritize and discern between the various pieces and prioritize accordingly.

I am able to deliver clear specifications that frame fundamental design challenges. I am able to express logically the functional requirements of systems at the appropriate level of detail (granularity).

Develop

My programming skills are at a level that let me amend, refactor moderately complex programs and scripts in order to help a software engineering team and designer deliver prototypes to improve and refine ideas.

Deliver

I enjoy helping teams and individuals execute project deliverables. I do this by creating structure, organising things and making complex matters understandable.

Career Summary

My first on-boarding project in the IT industry was over 20 years ago in 1996, as Web Designer and HTML author. In 1998 I was part of the front-end design and development team when News24 first launched their online web news service. Since this date, I have worked in IT across various business disciplines, performing a variety of roles.

Both my skills and interests have matured over the past two decades. I have enjoyed working for media companies and have extensive experience working in the telecommunications industry.

While I have a keen interest in all matters related to architecture, I have focused almost exclusively on establishing and maturing the frontend design (UX-UI) and development discipline at the organisation I work for.

Personal Development

To future proof my career, I am keen to complete a few short courses or diplomas in Human Computer Interaction and or Design Thinking. I am particularly interested in the impact of AI on UX, and am keen to look at human interaction with machine intelligence.

Formal Education

Bachelor of Arts

University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng

February 1991 – October 1993

Studies focused mainly on psychology, visual communication, perception and languages. This degree prepared me for a career in IT as Business Analyst insofar as acting as a communications bridge between business and technical teams are concerned. It is particularly useful in the UX Discipline.

Short Courses and Online Learning: 2000 to 2019

Java Programming Fundamentals ca. 2001

This short course equipped me with the fundamentals of programming and prepared me to advance my career as developer. It assisted me to extend my skills from front-end development to server-side development.

Institution

UCT Centre for Continued Education, Engineering Faculty, Cape Town, Western Cape

Principles of Architecting Software Solutions ca. 2003

Institution

Software Futures, Johannesburg, Gauteng

This IBM Short Course focused mainly on the role of the Software Architect in the SDLC.

The following topics were covered:

RUP Methodology

MDA (Model Driven Architecture);

Design Patterns (The Gang of Four);

Modeling Software Solutions with UML 2.0 and

Using Views to communicate solutions architecture.

This course prepared me to work as junior architect and applying the UML. I was introduced to Design Patterns and Object Oriented Analysis and Design.

Business Analysis using UML and URDAD ca. 2008

Solms Institute,  Johannesburg, Gauteng

Mentor: Dr. Fritz Solms

This course focused mainly on Use Case driven Design, Analysis and Development. URDAD promotes a methodology for the modeling and design of SOA solutions, via service contracts. The key benefit of the methodology is the algorithm for managing requirements at the appropriate level of detail.

This course prepared me to work as analyst and architect, focusing on SOA.

TOGAF 9: ca. 2010

Real IRM

Trainer and mentor: Louw Labuschagne

I completed the course and obtained Foundation Level certification for TOGAF 9. During this time I was actively involved in group discussions and a member of the Enterprise Architecture Research Forum, (EARF), at the Meraka Institute.

Certificate in Project Management (PMI Accredited Short Course) ca. 2010

I completed a short course in Project Management, through the University of Pretoria. This course provided the necessary skills to manage small to medium projects.

SOA Design And Architecture, SOASchool, ca. 2014

This short course equipped me with a theoretical overview of SOA Design Patterns. Understanding core principles of service design, service contracts and service solutions with REST and Web Services. This course was complimentary to the URDAD course I completed in 2008.

Leadership Training and Development Short Course: ca. 2008

Futuristic Training and Development, Johannesburg, Gauteng

Trainer and Mentor: Marilyn Querend

This course covered the following skill-set, which I apply on a daily basis:

Business ethics and trust;

Communications skills;

Time management;

Creative problem solving

Building and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships;

Listening skills;

This course prepared me to work as team lead and in mid-management.

In conjunction with my studies in Psychology it has equipped me with the skills required of managing small teams of up to 20 individuals.

Emotional Intelligence for Leaders: ca. 2019

This hands-on course, presented by Kwelenga, provided practical workshop scenarios to apply conflict resolution, assertiveness and leading with empathy.

Work Experience

Current Position: Senior Business Analyst at Interfront SOC Ltd.

Interfront, Somerset West, Western Cape

August 2011 – present

Summary

I was appointed to work on Customs and Border Solutions for the Customs Office of Luxembourg. This included the completion of specifications for the Import Control System, while preparing to implement the equivalent Export Control Solutions and eventual upgrade of their Excise and Goods Declaration systems.

At the moment I am primarily responsible for the coordination of all efforts, concerning the UX-UI discipline at Interfront, across teams and project deliverables.

I raise awareness of the various cross-cutting artifacts and their intersection points, that contribute to the delivery of quality UI products, while managing risk and affordability.

This role is not one that is strictly affiliated with UX-UI, but the output is visible from this space.

Day-to-day duties and responsibilities

I am responsible for performing the following duties:

Facilitation

Facilitation of cross-functional teams and deliverables that concern UI items;

I play an active role in facilitation between the SARS Customer Experience Team, Interfront and the SARS Business Systems Unit;

Technical coaching

Provide technical expertise to the BA, UI Analyst, design teams and quality assurance teams;

Ownership

I take responsibility for all UI design artifacts across the entire SDLC process;

Product Ownership

I own the Key Performance Indicators for the iCBS Design System as Product;

Coordinate activities to ensure consistencies between User Interfaces and component design for all solutions in the iCBS Solution suite;

I am responsible to ensure continuous improvement in delivery of design artefacts delivered to BA and Dev Team;

Assist the UX-UI Team with component audits;

Sprint and Scrum Mastering

I manage the Sprint Backlog for UI project deliverables.

I run daily stand-ups with the UI Analyst Team and represent the team at various project standups.

Processes and standard ways of work

I keep an eye on the ways of work and interlocking processes, relating to front-end design.

I monitor and document standards and ways of work playbooks.

I am responsible to actively monitor DevOps and QA processes and initiatives to advocate the role of UX-UI in cross-cutting disciplines.

Research and learning and teaching

I actively keep abreast of new technology and tools and make this available to teams.

Run regular skill sharing workshops on Fridays “Coding Fridays”.

Share and coach on best practices.

I am responsible for providing an overview of the Interfront Customs and Border Solution (iCBS) Product Suite for new staff.

Requirements Management and Quality

I assist the UI Analyst and Development team with interpretation of use cases and requirements by distilling and summarizing core requirements.

Stimulate and improve collaboration between individuals and teams;

I Ensure Improved value add to Functional Requirement Specifications, Software (System) Requirement Specifications and Architecture Design Specifications, in the form of a UI-spec / Addendum to other specifications;

Assist with the functional decomposition of system features;

I am responsible for writing the usability test cases for all User Interfaces;

I assist with analysis required for ECPs (Engineering Change Proposals), i.e. Change Requests;

Project Management and Reporting

Prepare check-in progress reports to the Operations Director;

Prepare project reports for the weekly progress check-in sessions with the Operations Director;

Completed Projects in role as Senior BA

SARS Tariff Management System (2012 to 2013);

Import Control System for Customs Office of Luxembourg: ICS (2013 to 2014);

Projects in role as UX-UI Team Coordinator

iCBS UI Design Standards and Guidelines (concluded);

iCBS Living Style Guide, a technical artifact UI Component Explorer (concluded);

Coordinate UI Deliverables for Registration Licensing and Accreditation System Solution (ongoing);

Coordinate UI Deliverables for Reporting of Conveyances and Goods System Solution (ongoing);

Coordinate UI Deliverables for Customs Support Portal (ongoing);

Usability Test Designs for end-user engagement sessions;

User Satisfaction Survey Design;

Facilitator: end-user engagement workshop sessions for SARS Case Management software solution (concluded).

Projects in role as Enterprise Business Analyst and in Project Management

Intern Program Design (Lead and ongoing consultant);
UX-UI Design System (Product Owner);
Organisational Competency Framework (Project Manager for Skills Framework Initiative);

Active Projects as UX-UI Team Coordinator

iCBS Design System;
Project Manager of the Skills Framework (Competency Framework) Project;
Customs Trader Portal: Registration Licensing and Accreditation;
Customs Operations Portal: Reporting and Conveyances of Goods;
Customs Support Portal;

Skills used at Interfront:

Analysis Design and Architecture

Requirements elicitation and documentation;
UML Modeling;
Low-fidelity UI Design: Wireframes;
High-fidelity Prototypes: Adobe XD Detail Design;
Workshop facilitation;

Software Engineering and Programming Skills

HTML5; (proficient)
CSS3; (competent)
Bootstrap; (novice)
AngularJS; (novice)
Angular 5.2.5 (beginner)
SPA Design (General Understanding and Architecture)
Java; (Coaching and Mentoring Graduate Interns in Java Fundamentals)
REST API Design using Swagger (Investigating tool to assist Back-end Dev Teams with API Design)
Spring Boot (coaching Graduate Interns in collaboration with Development Team Leads)
NodeJS (beginner)
Modern Web Front-end tools (Solid understanding of Task Runners, Package Managers and Test Suites)

Tools and Technology

Sparx Enterprise Architect (I used it for UML Modeling);
Atlassian Product Suite (JIRA, Confluence and Stash for Git);
Balsamiq (I occasionally use it for the creation of wireframes);
Adobe XD; (I use it to review and clean-up high-fidelity design mock-ups);
Sketch (reviewing as Adobe XD alternative for design and prototyping);
Git (I actively use Git for version control, we use the Git Flow process);
IntelliJ (Occasionally use as IDE when reviewing code);
VS Code (My preferred IDE, for writing HTML, CSS and JS and MarkDown, previously used Atom);

Thought Leadership

Graduate Intern Program Design;
IntelliLab (Hobby club, for MAKERS, 3D Printing, Arduino and RasberriPi tinkering);
Skills Framework initiative;
Business process improvement;
Developer and Design Advocate: Emerging technology monitoring;

Soft skills used at Interfront

Mentoring and Coaching;
Workshop facilitation;
Methodologies, templates and tool set development;
Software Development Process Improvement;
Project Management;
Stakeholder relationship management;
Training and development;
Learning and development management;

Personal learning and R&D initiatives

CRUD app with Apollo, GraphQL, NodeJs, Express, MongoDB;
React;
VUE;
ES6: JS Refresher Courses;
TypeScript;
SVG Animation;
StoryBook for Angular;
Jest/Puppeteer.

Senior Analyst, CSIR

CSIR, Tshwane, Gauteng

February 2009 – July 2011

Summary

I was primarily responsible for the documentation of Business Requirements, inclusive of Business Processes that pertain to Software Applications in the ICT Shared Services Division of the CSIR.

I acted as mentor and team lead to a group of 6 Web Developers and based on my vast experience in Web Media assisted with prioritization and coordination of all calls logged as RFS (Requests for Service).

At my own initiative I worked on a strategy for the CSIR that pertain to the management of Digital Media Assets.

General Projects

Requirements Analysis for a Web Sites and Services
Implementation of a Web Content Management Solution for testing purposes and analysis;
High Level Digital Media Strategy documentation for the CSIR;
Skills Framework development for ICT, (based on the SFIA Framework).
Documentation of the as-is Architecture for the ICT Applications domain;
Modeling the improved Service Management processes in BPMN.

Skills applied at the CSIR

Skills Framework assessment;
UML Modeling;
BPMN Modeling ;
PHP Development ;
Relational Database Design and Development;
Mentoring;
Conflict resolution
Training and
Workshop Facilitation.

Enterprise Architecture and leadership

Skills Framework initiative
Applications Architecture Portfolio model;
Enterprise Architecture repository development.
Business process improvement;
Information Content Publishing ;
Emerging technology monitoring (as it applies to technology for media houses);
Methodologies, templates and tool set development;
Software Development Process Improvement
Application of ITIL Governance standards;
Project Management;
Stakeholder relationship management;
Training and development;
Learning and development management.

Business / Systems Analyst and Technical Consultant

Vodacom SA, Midrand, Gauteng

(Contracted to Vodacom via Intervate Solutions)
September 2008 – December 2008

Summary

I was responsible for eliciting all business requirements pertaining to a solution for the implementation of a Document Management Solution for AP (Accounts Payable) CAPEX Invoices.

I subsequently delivered: Business Requirement Specification and a complete Business Process Model, alongside a requirements model with traceability to Use Cases responsible for the functional requirements realization.

Project Completed

BRS and associated models for CAPEX AP Document Management

Skills applied at the Vodacom

UML Modeling;
BPMN Modeling ;
JAD Session facilitation.

Reasons for Leaving

Project was completed successfully;
CSIR in Pretoria offered me a position as Senior Systems Analyst;
Commute between Johannesburg and Pretoria was time-consuming

Web Development Manager and Systems Analyst

Avusa Media, Rosebank, Johannesburg

September 2007 – October 2008

I was appointed as Systems Analyst and subsequently promoted to Web Development Manager, in the Digital Business Unit. I still performed duties as analyst and as such worked as strategic business analyst in close collaboration with the Group Digital Executive and Business Development Managers.

Projects:

Legal Database Systems Analysis

Responsible for assessment of the As-is situation;
Responsible for JAD Sessions to elicit requirements
Documentation of Requirements and Risk Analysis
Advising Business to invest in possible third party solutions to meet the requirements
Facilitate Internet Media Law requirements as they pertain to the Legal Database Requirements

Web News Service Projects

Business and Systems Analysis
Use Case Analysis
Usability Enhancement for Graphical User Interface
Documentation of Requirements and Risk Analysis
Advising Business to digital strategy
Writing of Impact Analysis documentation
Project facilitation and communication

Avusa Strategic Projects

Business Analysis and requirements gathering
Advising Nu Metro and other business units to their digital strategies
Project Management of existing digital strategies as they pertain to Nu Metro
Facilitation of JAD Sessions with business owners
Requirements elicitation and business rules
Translation of requirements into technologically independent UML models

Managerial Responsibilities and Initiatives

Skills training and Knowledge Transfer Sessions on a weekly basis
Web Development Management on an ad hoc basis
Knowledge workshops of apprentice journalists to prepare for digital media and Web 2.0
Responsible for maintaining healthy relationships with the Business Units

Behaviour Skills applied at Avusa Media

Business process improvement;
Information Content Publishing ;
Emerging technology monitoring (as it applies to technology for media houses);
Methodologies, templates and tool set development;
Application of ITIL Governance standards;
Staff KPI and KRA assessment processes;
Employment drive initiatives
Completion of job specifications and job grades;
Project Management;
Stakeholder relationship management;
Training and development;
Learning and development management.

Technology Skills Applied at Avusa

.NET Development and General OOP Programming Skills
Web Service Technologies using ASP
Database Development Skills
Web Interface Design and Development Skills
Business analysis and Marketing Skills
Process and marketing skills relating to portal technology
Content Creation and general writing skills
AJAX Techniques
HTML Skills
CSS Skills
XML Skills
SQL and General Database Development and Design Skills
Design Patterns
Software Architecting Principles using RUP
Business Process Modeling i.e. BPMN
UML and Business Analysis using URDAD Methodology

Software Tools and Technologies used:

Sparx Enterprise Architect
MS Visio
Adobe Photoshop
MS Office
GN3 Site Manager

Reasons for Leaving

Head-hunted by Interfront to work as Analyst and Technology Consultant

Java Developer and Systems Analyst

Telkom SA, Centurion, Gauteng

September 2006 – September 2007

Primary Interface Designer and Developer for Online Billing Solutions. Was also responsible for some Middleware Development. For the latter part of my work with Telkom SA I was utilized as Business Analyst.

Projects:

New Interface Design for Online Billing Service

Responsible for GUI code for the Ease-e-Bill and Online Bill web services
Responsible for CSS implementation for GUI front end
Development of Graphical User Interface elements using JSP
Usability Testing and enhancement suggestions
Documentation writing (Online User Guide for Ease-e-Bill)

Ongoing Change Request Management

Change of layout and content elements for the electronic bill presentment
Usability Enhancement for Graphical User Interface
Business Analysis of new change request
Writing of Impact Analysis documentation
Writing of Functional Design Specification Documentation (FDS)
Use Case Analysis

Implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley Compliancy

Form validation of passwords entered using JavaScript
Usability Enhancement for Graphical User Interface
Generic Front End Development using JSP
Responsible for CSS implementation for GUI front end
Development of Graphical User Interface elements using JSP
Usability Testing and enhancement suggestions
Documentation writing

Skills Applied at Telkom

Web Interface Design and Development Skills
Business analysis
Process mapping related to Billing Systems
Content Creation and general writing skills
HTML Skills
CSS Skills
XML Skills
SQL and General Database Development and Design Skills
Design Patterns (MVC in particular).
Software Architecting Principles using RUP
UML
J2EE Development
Change Request Management.

Management and leadership skills applied at Telkom

Business process improvement;
Change Management and associated processes;
Knowledge workshops and skills transfer;
Improvement of standardized templates and toolsets for the development team;
Software Development Process Improvement;
Project Management;
Stakeholder relationship management;
Training and development;
Learning and development management.

Software Tools and Technologies used:

Sparx Enterprise Architect
MS Visio
Adobe Photoshop
Eclipse IDE
CVS / Subversion

Reasons for Leaving

Career Growth ;
Exciting Opportunity presented itself in the Media Industry.

Java Developer and Analyst

LogicaCMG, Birmingham, UK and EppixComm, Bryanston, Gauteng

(LogicaCMG sold Billing Solution Division to Indian Company Ushacomm).

October 2003 – September 2007

I was responsible for the development of the Front-end Web Interface of the Software Billing Application. This position exposed me to Billing Software Solutions and ERP Systems in general.

I subsequently was exposed to Middleware Development as my Development skills grew and I was also introduced to the SOA Solutions. This was a period in which I learnt a great deal and it provided a firm foundation for the direction my career was steering toward.

Projects:

Project 1: Modular EPPIX Web Based Billing System

GUI code for the GSM Module of the web based Customer Care and Billing System
Responsible for CSS implementation for Flash Based GUI front end
Development of Graphical User Interface using AS 2.0 for a web based Customer Care and Billing System
Development of Integration module between the Client and Server
Usability Testing and enhancement suggestions
Documentation writing
Implementation of Framework Enhancement
Knowledge and Skills transfer from UK to South African office

Project 2: Modular EPPIX Rating System (Johannesburg SA)

Usability Enhancement for Graphical User Interface of the Modular EPPIX Rating Software
Development of custom GUI elements
User Documentation writing

Project 3: ISO Quality Facilitation (Johannesburg SA)

Maintenance and updating of all the QMS material relating to the Project Engineering Department
Maintenance and updating of all the QMS material relating to the Business Analysis Department
Conducting of internal ISO 9001:2000 audits

Project 4: Mobile Number Portability MTN (Johannesburg SA)

Web Service Development
SOA Architecture Documentation
Interface Development and Integration Development between Billing Solution and the MNP Solution

Management and leadership skills applied at Eppixcomm

Information and data analysis;
Solution architecture;
Chairing team meetings;
Facilitation between SA and UK team;
Knowledge workshops and skills transfer;
Improvement of standardized templates and toolsets for the development team;
Software Development Process Improvement;
Project Management;
Stakeholder relationship management;
Training and development;
Learning and development management.

Skills Attained and Retained while at EppixComm Technologies

J2EE Development and General OOP Programming Skills
ActionScript 2.0 Programming and Development skills (ECMA)
Extensive Macromedia Flash IDE Skills
Database Development Skills
Web Interface Design and Development Skills
Business analysis and Marketing Skills
Process and marketing skills relating to portal technology
Content Creation and general writing skills
General Graphic Design Skills
User Interface Design Skills; i.e. icons, buttons and splashscreens.
HTML Skills
CSS Skills
XML Skills
SQL and General Database Development and Design Skills
Design Patterns
Software Architecting Principles using RUP

Software Applications and platforms used while at EppixComm Technologies:

Eclipse IDE 2 - 3.1
NetBeans IDE
Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Professional
Macromedia Freehand
Macromedia Dreamweaver
Rational Rose UML Tool
Apache Tomcat Servlet Container
Adobe Photoshop
MS Office
Open Office
UNIX
Suse Linux

Programming and Markup Languages Used:

General ECMA 6026 Scripting Languages
Macromedia Flash ActionScript 1.0
Macromedia Flash ActionScript 2.0
Java Script
Java 1.4
J2SE (Java Standard Edition)
J2EE (Enterprise Java Beans)
UML
HTML
CSS
XML
DHTML
Introduction to Informix SQL
Introduction to 4GL

Web Developer and Knowledge Management Technology Consultant

Intervate, Woodmead, Gauteng

April 2001 – October 2003

I was responsible for the development and design of web application interface design and graphic design.

Projects

Project 1: Intracs Portal Software

Design and maintenance of the corporate Website for Intervate
Design of generic web application templates for an ‘Intranet out of the Box’ software application
Maintenance of web application templates
Design and Maintenance of the Corporate Web Site
Design and Maintenance of Product Specific websites
Design and Maintenance of the Functional Product i.e. Web Application Based templates
Development and Design of Graphical User Interface elements
Development and Design of icons and other user interface elements
Conducting of Usability Testing and Usability enhancements
Development of CSS based themes for various clients using the Intracs software
Design and Preparation of all print based marketing collateral
Design and Preparation of all online and multimedia related marketing material

Project 2: SharePoint Portal Server Solutions

Customization of SharePoint Portal Server Templates using Frontpage 2003
Development of custom themes for SharePoint Portal Server 2003
Implementation of SharePoint Portal Server at Microsoft South Africa
Assessing of client needs and implementing solutions via SharePoint Portal Server Technologies
Building and Development of XML Data-Driven Web Sites with FrontPage 2003
Familiarization with SharePoint Portal Server directory structure and compatibility with Frontpage 2003

Project 3: Lingo and VisEx

Design of generic web application template for the Lingo and VisEx Applications
Design and Maintenance of Product Specific web pages
Development and Design of Graphical User Interface elements
Development and Design of icons and other user interface elements
Conducting of Usability Testing and Usability enhancements
Design and Preparation of all print based marketing collateral
Design and Preparation of all online and multimedia related marketing material

General skills applied at Intervate

Information analysis;
Training and development;
Emerging technology monitoring
Project Management;
Stakeholder relationship management;
Training and development;
Learning and development management.

Skills Attained and Retained while working for Intervate

HTML Skills
CSS Skills
XML Skills
Microsoft Active Server Pages
Database Development Skills
Web Interface Design Skills
Web Template Development Skills
Business analysis and Marketing Skills
Process and marketing skills relating to portal technology
Content Creation and general writing skills
General Graphic Design Skills
Vector Based Layout and Illustration skills
Vector Based Animation and Design Skills
User Interface Design Skills; i.e. icons, buttons and splash screens.
Multimedia Design Skills

Software Applications used while working at Intervate:

Microsoft Frontpage 2003, used in SharePoint Portal Server 2003 customization
Allaire Home Site, used in HTML editing and Website maintenance
Macromedia Freehand
Macromedia Flash
Macromedia Director
Macromedia Dreamweaver
Adobe Photoshop
Corel Draw
Corel Xara
MS Office

Programming and Markup Languages Used while working at Intervate:

HTML
CSS
XML
Java Script
DHTML
ASP
Macromedia Director’s Lingo Scripting Language
Macromedia Flash ActionScript 1.0
Macromedia Flash ActionScript 2.0
General OOP and introduction to C#

Web Developer and Designer

MIH Holdings, (Naspers, Media24 and M-Web) Sandton, Gauteng and Cape Town, Western Cape

April 1998 – April 2001

I was chiefly responsible for the development and design of web sites and interface design for Media Web Sites and News Services.

MIH Projects:

MIH Project 1: News24 Online News Web Portal:

Creation of the functional requirements for a news feed application and Content Management System
Design of generic news templates for News24 news portal website
Basic Database maintenance, i.e. creation of new category tables
Maintenance of news templates
Design of Special Report Website: News24 and Rapport Vodacom Cycle Tour
Design of Special Report Website: News24 and EA Sports Million Dollar Golf 1999
Design of Special Report Website: News24 Rugby World Cup
Design of Special Report Website: News24 World Cup Cricket
Design of Special Report Website: News24 Conflict in the Middle East Operation Desert Fox
Design of Special Report Website: The South African War
Design of Special Report Website: News24 Elections 1999
General photo and other graphical image optimization and manipulation
Content writing and editing of ‘soft news stories’
Internal Staff training and software support

MIH Project 2: M-Web ISP Portal’s M-School:

Design and Development of main M-School website and related grade and subject templates
Scripting of dynamic content in the form of quizzes and flash based animations and lessons
Overall Management of the M-School Project
Creation of the functional requirements for a M-School
Liaising with other educational partners
Establishment of the brand and involvement in the Advertising Campaign
Design of all branding collateral
Functional Requirements of access to privileged content server for M-Web subscribers

MIH Project 3: M-Web, Liberty Life’s Learning Centre with William Smith

Re-design of Educational Website aimed at Grades 9 - 12
CSS development for different Grade Templates
Liaising with other educational partners

MIH Project 4: DSTV’s KykNet Website

A rich multimedia website for the launch of the Afrikaans TV channel on DSTV**

Liaising with the Marketing Manager of DSTV’s Kyknet Channel
Design and Development of the website
Development of Flash based Interactive Content
Design and Development of portal tools for ‘sticky content’ i.e. forums and polls
Development of Flash based Screen Savers
Development of Flash based novelty games for the site to compliment the marketing campaign

MIH Project 5: Cyberlaw Web Site and Virtual Book Launch

Responsible for a virtual book launch Cyberlaw SA
Facilitating of Cyberlaw Chat room for the Virtual Book launch
Design and Development of the website
Development of Flash based Interactive Content
Design and Development of portal tools for ‘sticky content’ i.e. forums and polls
Development of Flash based Screen Savers

MIH Project 6: M-Web II

Major re-development and re-launch of the M-Web ISP Portal

Development of Dynamic Web Applications for the ISP Portal
Design of web interfaces pertaining to online tools and services
Research and implementing user friendly web design and web application tools
Creation of a portal wide style sheet guide
Creation of generic templates for the sub portal sections of the M-Web Portal
Functional specifications for content management system for the M-Web portal
Involved in the new branding and advertising campaign

MIH Project 7: M-Web Computing and Virus Center

Spearheaded the establishment of an online Virus Centre for M-Web subscribers
Design of web elements of the M-Web Virus Centre sub portal
Maintenance of the Virus Center’s Web Forum
Liaising with Virus Protection Software Companies for automation of Virus Control and protection for M-Web subscribers
Documentation of Business Proposal between M-Web and Symantec
Delivery and writing of content for M-Web Computing and the Virus Centre
Delivery and writing of content for M-Web Games

MIH Project 8: Mobile and GSM Services

Design and Creation of PDA templates for the M-Web Mobile Content Portal
Design and Development of Avantgo M-Web Channels
Creation of WAP and PDA templates for mobile cellular content

MIH Project 9: Part-time Lecturer: University of Stellenbosch

Department of Journalism

Lecturer in New Media Design and Development at the Department of Journalism

Management and leadership skills applied at MIH

Software development process improvement;
Project Management;
Stakeholder relationship management;
Training and development;
Learning and development management.

Skills Attained and Retained while working for MIH Holdings

HTML Skills
CSS Skills
Microsoft Active Server Pages
Database Development Skills
Web Interface Design Skills
Web Template Development Skills
Business analysis and Marketing Skills
Process and marketing skills relating to portal technology
Content Creation and general writing skills
General Graphic Design Skills
Vector Based Layout and Illustration skills
Vector Based Animation and Design Skills
User Interface Design Skills; i.e. icons, buttons and splash screens.
Multimedia Design Skills

Software Applications used while working for MIH Holdings:

Microsoft FrontPage, used in HTML editing and Website maintenance
Allaire Home Site, used in HTML editing and Website maintenance
Macromedia Freehand
Macromedia Flash
Macromedia Director
Macromedia Dreamweaver
Adobe Photoshop
Corel Draw
Corel Xara
MS Office

Programming and Markup Languages Used while working at MIH Holdings

HTML
CSS
Java Script
DHTML
ASP
Macromedia Director’s Lingo Scripting Language
Macromedia Flash ActionScript 1.0

Web Developer and Designer

Billcad Holdings, Centurion, Gauteng

January 1996 – April 1998

I was responsible for all Graphic Design and Web Design initiatives. I was introduced to the world of IT and began doing some basic programming through learning JavaScript and Lingo.

Billcad Holdings Project 1: Billcost for Windows 95

Quantity Surveying Software for SME Building Contractors

Design and Maintenance of the Corporate Web Site
Design and Maintenance of Product Specific websites
Design and Maintenance of the Functional Product i.e. Web Application Based websites
Development and Design of Graphical User Interface elements
Development and Design of icons and other user interface elements
Graphical Design of Splash screens for all software products.
Design and Preparation of all print based marketing collateral
Design and Preparation of all online and multimedia related marketing material

Billcad Holdings Project 2: E-Spec:

An online Web Application for SME Builders and Quantity Surveyors

Design and Maintenance of the E-Spec Web Site
Design and Maintenance of E-Spec Web Templates
Optimization of Web User Interface elements
Design and Preparation of all print based marketing collateral
Design and Preparation of all online and multimedia related marketing material

Billcad Holdings Project 3: E-Prop:

An online Web Application Software System for Estate Agents

Design and Maintenance of the E-Prop Web Site
Design and Maintenance of E-Prop Web Templates
Development of Java based applets for viewing South African Maps
Software Application Interface elements
Design and Preparation of all print based marketing collateral
Design and Preparation of all online and multimedia related marketing material

Billcad Holdings Project 4:

Interpage: Template based solution for uploading basic websites.

Aimed at Estate Agents and Property Developers

Design and Development of a collection of Web Templates
Basic Research into user friendly web site development
Documentation and User Guide writing
Design and Preparation of all print based marketing collateral
Design and Preparation of all online and multimedia related marketing material

Management and leadership skills

Teamlead: Multimedia CD Development;
Stakeholder relationship management;
Training and development;
Learning and development management.

Skills Attained while working at Billcad Holdings:

HTML Skills
Beginning CSS Skills
Java Web Applet Development
Microsoft ActiveX Control Skills
General Graphic Design Skills
Vector Based Layout and Illustration skills
Vector Based Animation and Design Skills
User Interface Design Skills; i.e. icons, buttons and splash screens.
Multimedia Design Skills
Process and marketing skills relating to information technology Skills
Database Skills
Java Applet Development Skills
Web Interface Design Skills
Web Template Development Skills
Internal Corporate Marketing Skills
Introduction to Technical writing in the form of User Guides and documentation writing

Software Applications used while working at Billcad Holdings:

Microsoft FrontPage, used in HTML editing and Website maintenance
Allaire Home Site, used in HTML editing and Website maintenance
Corel Draw
Macromedia Freehand
Macromedia Director
Adobe Photoshop
Jasc Software Paint Shop Pro
LView Pro, used in image compression and enhancement
Microangelo, used in design of GUI elements

Programming and Markup Languages Used while working at Billcad Holdings

HTML
Java Script
Macromedia Director’s Lingo Scripting Language
ActiveX Scripting

Career Activities, Awards and Commendable Activities

Interfront Graduate Intern Programme Design
Mentioned in Customer Satisfaction Survey, CSIR, 2009;
CSIR Digital Media Initiative;
CSIR Skills Framework design and implementation;
Telkom Name in Lights Award, 2007
Mentor-Intern, CSIR Knowledge Workshop Initiative, 2009.

References

Lizette Gericke

Lizette was responsible for managing the System Engineer and Business Analyst teams at Interfront and I reported to her directly, from 2014 to 2017. Lizette will be able to comment on my strengths profile. She understands my general business analysis skillset and my specialization in all matters related to front-end.

Contact Information for Lizette:

General Manager: Services at Stone Three, Cape Town
Email: lizette.gericke@gmail.com
Mobile: +27 83 303 5121

Mark Beckerling

Mark was responsible for managing the Luxembourg Development team and I reported to Mark from 2011 to 2013. Mark understands my strength as a generalist and my value-add as a versatile team member who can adapt and add value where most needed.

Contact Information for Mark:

Head of Operations & Development: zenAptix, Cape Town
Email: markbeckerling@gmail.com
Mobile: +27 82 758 5981

Kurt Plaatjes

Kurt and I worked together from August 2011 until the end of 2018. Kurt was responsible for managing the ICT Team at Interfront and all related operations. He would be able to comment on deliverables for the 2018 Graduate Intern Program which I designed and managed in 2018.

Contact Information for Kurt:

Technical Operations Specialist: VOSS Solutions, Century City, Cape Town
Email: kurtplaatjes@gmail.com
Mobile: +27 72 2297159

Henrico Solomon: Team Lead: Frontend Development at Interfront

Henrico and I have worked together for the past 16 months. Henrico can comment on my commitment to make the lives of frontend developers easier and bridging the divide between BA, UI Design and Developer. He would also be able to comment on deliverables for the 2018 Graduate Intern Program which I designed and managed in 2018.

Contact Information for Henrico:

Mobile: +27 83 7906625

Brendon McDonald: Team Lead: Backend Development at Interfront

Brendon and I have worked together at Interfront in 2011 when I was the Lead BA for the Import Control System for the Customs Office of Luxembourg. Brendon resigned from Interfront and joined Interfront again at the beginning of 2018. Brendon is now able to comment on my understanding of technology stacks, my maturity as analyst and ability to distill complex concepts to teams in order to fasttrack development. He is also able to comment on my coaching and mentoring of graduate interns and junior staff.

Contact Information for Henrico:

Mobile: +27 60 966 0915

Ryan Goliath: Senior Java Developer at Interfront

Ryan and I have worked together at Interfront for the past 14 months. Ryan can comment on my understanding of technology stacks, my maturity as analyst and ability to distill complex concepts to teams in order to fasttrack development. He is also able to comment on my coaching and mentoring of graduate interns and junior staff.

Contact Information for Henrico:

Mobile: +27 76 885 2827

LinkedIn Profile

More recommendations are available on my LinkedIn profile.

Ilze on LinkedIn

Analyst / Technology Consultant at Intervate

“Ilze is a highly motivated and dedicated person with extensive skills in the information technology space.. She excels at every task and is a pleasure to work with. An asset to any team!” August 5, 2010

Wilhelm Van Rensburg , Director , Intervate managed Ilze at Intervate

“Ilze’s approach to analysis is very mature, and the results are detailed and well presented! She benefits any team who appreciates the value of good analysis.” February 4, 2009

Shaun Dicker, Executive Manager: Delivery , Intervate Solutions (Pty) Ltd (managed Ilze indirectly at Intervate).

Web Design and Development at Billcad Holdings

“I’ve known Ilze for more that 15 years now and have worked with her on several projects She has excelent knowledge of Software architecture technologies: UML , design patterns, OO methodology, RUP…. and knows just about everything there is to know about web page layout CSS, HTML and graphical design for the web. She is also a proficient Java and Java script programmer and is comfortable with all the bits and pieces that one need to build complex web-enable apps e.g. databases, TCPIP etc. I’ve not know her to quit once she put here mind on doing something,” September 23, 2007

Max Robbertze, Development Manager , Billcad Holdings

Web Development Manager at Avusa

“Ilze, tasked with implementing the redesign of BDFM’s financial publication websites, tackled them with gusto. She frequently went the extra mile and brought her team along with her in the process. She’s dedicated, helpful, analytical and resourceful team player and leader. I sincerely hope I have the opportunity to work with her again in the not too distant future.” December 12, 2008

Terry Shapiro, New Business Development Manager, BDFM Publishers

Web Developer at News24

“When I worked with Ilze ten years ago she was one of a kind. It was early days in web development in South Africa and in Naspers. Ilze was a crucial player in the early development of News24 when the demand was for 24/7 news and the competion [sic] was tough. She worked extremely hard and long hours to make things work and delivered quality products timeously. She was a huge asset to have on board.” January 4, 2009

Arrie Rossouw: Publisher, News24 managed Ilze at News24

More about me

I am an avid runner and have completed quite a few half-marathons. I started running in 2014 and plan to enter my first full marathon in 2020.

I create maps of worlds, creatures and characters that only exist in my imagination as far as I can tell. Sometimes I write down stories which unfold from the fantasy worlds I dream up.

Once in a while I enjoy socialising with a few good friends by taking part in fantasy themed role-playing game campaigns, (think Dungeons and Dragons).