Summary

• Highly creative, entrepreneurial, intellectually inquisitive, determined to excel, loves challenges, disciplined thinker and worker, meets deadlines, produces quality work.

• Strong technical literacy grounded in extensive training and a comprehensive education (MS in Computer Information Systems), and honed by industry experience.

• Accomplished writer in several genres, including essays, columns, reviews, news journalism, business and technical writing, and academic research.

• Gifted educator and academic, with a knack for research and a proven ability to teach and inspire.

Objectives

• A challenging opportunity for professional growth within an information systems development, management, research, education or consulting organization.

• A position requiring technical literacy and aptitude coupled with outstanding communication, research, and management skills.

• To join a small dynamic team where my versatility and ability to learn quickly can make an immediate contribution, and where I can become an ever-appreciating asset through continually expanding my knowledge, skills, and responsibilities.

Notable Achievements and Experiences (Summary)  [Return to Top]

Professional - Recent

• A founder and former assistant director of a research and public service institute at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), called the Center for Assisted Living Innovation. (CALI)

• Currently serving as adjunct professor at FGCU teaching introductory computer courses (more)

• Currently designing and will co-teach a spring 2003 semester special topics course in the College of Health Professions at FGCU, centered on alternative approaches to elder care and assistive housing and services for people with frailties and disabilities. (more)

• Currently managing year-long research project at FGCU, developing a multimedia, computer-based prevocational training program for the developmentally disabled. (more)

• Currently managing a computer education pilot program for a low income housing community primarily serving migrant farm workers and their families. (more)

• Work occasionally as an IT, Web development and communications consultant  (more)

Professional - Previous

• Worked as a freelance technical and marketing copy writer while living in Puerto Rico

• Worked in the Silicon Valley software industry for several years, in marketing and IT

• Worked as a journalist, reviewer, and freelance writer in the San Francisco Bay Area

Academic

• Honors MS graduate in Computer Information Systems (spring 2002), Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU).

• Member of Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities (2001), FGCU.

• A Founder and past president (2001-02) of the FGCU student chapter of the Association of IT Professionals (AITP).

• Past president of the CISociety at FGCU (http://cisociety.fgcu.edu), an IT student organization (2001-02).

• Served paid internship with Siemens Business Services in Hanover, Germany, summer of 2000. (more)

• Accepted an invitation to present (expenses paid) an article on Enterprise Resource. Planning (ERP) at a conference in Brisbane, Australia, sponsored by SAP (the leading ERP vendor), in July 2000. (more)

• As part of a systems analysis course (1999), helped design a faculty resource planning system that was implemented at FGCU’s College of Business, and recently played a pivotal role in that college’s glowing AACSB International accreditation recommendation (the system was specifically lauded by the visiting committee).

• Several research articles published and presented at conferences. (more)

• Winner of scholarship and writing awards. (more)

Skills and Training  [Return to Top]

IT Industry Experience Summary

• Business and technical writing: Over eight years experience.

• Technology-related marketing and business administration: Over five years experience.

• Technical support: Over three years experience.

• Web design and development: Over two years experience.

Technical Skills Summary

Broad range of skills, training and experience using, developing, managing, and explaining IT. Graduate-level training in IT theory, practice, and management principles. Fundamental understanding of operating systems, networks, software and database design, Internet technologies, and other IT foundations. Familiarity/experience includes the following:

• Applications. Office productivity (Microsoft); application, database and Web design tools (mostly Microsoft and Macromedia); project management (Microsoft), enterprise systems (SAP, PeopleSoft).

• Operating Systems. Microsoft DOS, Windows 3.11, 95/98, 2000, XP; UNIX; Macintosh.

• Languages. Visual Basic, Java, HTML, SQL; and their relatives and derivatives.

IT Education (MS in Computer Information Systems, FGCU, Spring 2002)

• Systems Analysis: one semester. Included conceptual development of a Faculty Resource Planning system for the College of Business (COB) using the Unified Process. This system was later implemented within a Microsoft Access database and was specifically lauded in a recent (Oct. 2002) recommendation for COB accreditation by an AACSB International (www.aacsb.edu) visiting team.

• Systems Development: One semester. Included human computer interface design, usability metrics, and object oriented design methodology (using Visio and Rational).

• Database Design and Management: One semester. Included MS Access and Oracle, extensive SQL, ERD to database design.  Conducted a special student project to create a data model for the IS 97 curriculum model, a document renowned for both its comprehensiveness and complexity. This became the basis of a research project to convert the IS 97 document into a more accessible and useful interactive tool within a relational database (Microsoft Access). (more)

• Data Communications and Networking: one semester. Overview, e.g., physical and logical design, protocol layering, packets, administration using Windows 2000.

• Management of IS: one semester. Included extensive Harvard business school case-studies, as well as development of an e-commerce business project plan.

• Programming in Visual Basic: two semesters: Included development of an inventory management system using ODBC.

• Web Programming: one semester. Included HTML, ASP, VB script, XML. Managed two separate international web development projects involving cooperation between US and European students.

• IS Project Management: one semester. Included a Software Acquisition Process Capability Maturity Model evaluation of a local corporation.  Enterprise Systems Management: one semester. Included in-depth look at SAP, the leading ERP vendor.

• Enterprise Systems and Web Programming Practicum: two-month summer internship for ERP (SAP) consulting arm of Siemens Business Services in Hanover, Germany. Assisted in development of Java-based procurement add-on for SAP ERP system. Also assisted in SAP implementation project consulting.

• Technical Documentation for IS Professionals: one semester. Co-authored a paper on E-Government that was published in the proceedings of a professional conference. (more)

Work History  [Return to Top]
2000-2003

Oct 2002 to Oct 2003 ■ College of Business, FGCU ■ Fort Myers, FL
Project Manager for the I’m Able to Work Project, Sponsored by Sunrise Community of Collier County ■ www.zeang.com/robertfig/ATW
Supervisor: Dr. Judy Wynekoop, 239-590-7387, jwynekoo@fgcu.edu 
Designing and implementing a computer and multimedia based prevocational training program to serve developmentally disabled adults, which includes:

• Researching hardware and software requirements of system, including adaptive technology and appropriate content (e.g., time telling, counting, and basic computer skills; personal grooming; self-awareness and self-confidence; workplace etiquette and ethics).

• Developing training protocols, including schedule, individualized programs, and assessment strategies and tools.

• Implementing the program and monitoring its success in terms of enhancing student employability (and thus sense of self worth and independence).

Sept 2002 to present ■ Pueblo Bonito ■ Bonita Springs, FL
Computer Instructor ■ www.naplesnews.com/02/10/bonita/d811235a.htm
Supervisor: Carlos Lizano, (239) 947-7717, pueblo10@earthlink.net
Instruct primarily Spanish speaking residents in computer, ESL, communication and information research and management skills.

• Designed this pilot project.

• Oversaw the configuration of the hardware and software systems and peer to peer network, which includes a high speed Comcast Cable internet connection, Ethernet hub, and mostly second generation Pentium based computers running Windows 95.

• Perform regular troubleshooting on all of the above.

Aug 2002 to present ■ CIS Program, College of Business, FGCU ■ Fort Myers
Adjunct Professor ■ www.zeang.com/robertfig/cgs1100 (course website)
Supervisor: Dr. Walter Rodriguez, 239-590-7360, wrodrigz@fgcu.edu
Currently teach introductory undergraduate computer course in the use of Microsoft Office applications, email, and the Web.

• Design original student project assignments, quizzes and tests, focusing on learning through doing student-relevant, meaningful work (e.g., producing cover letters, résumés, reports, financial and statistical analysis, personal presentations).

March to July 2002 ■ African Caribbean American Center (AFCAAM) ■ Fort Myers, FL Computer Specialist/Instructor ■ www.afcaam.org
Supervisor: Ismael Hernandez, (239) 461-0233, ihernandez@afcaam.org
Managed staff network and systems as well as computer education systems and program at this Catholic community center serving low-income residents of Dunbar in East Ft. Myers.

• Maintained a peer-to-peer network of over 20 computers using Windows 95/98 and a DSL pipe. Configured and maintained staff email system.

• Maintained PC systems, productivity and education software for staff and students. Regularly performed upgrades and troubleshooting on this donated equipment and software.

• Developed computer education programs for staff, children and adults.

April 2001 to Nov 2002 ■ Center for Assisted Living Innovation ■ FGCU
Assistant Director / Research and Communication Director ■ www.cali-fgcu.edu
Supervisor: Dr. Judy Wynekoop, 239-590-7387, jwynekoo@fgcu.edu
Founding member of this research and public service institute focused on applying intelligent technology toward improving the lives of people requiring daily living assistance. CALI was launched and is managed primarily by recent alums of the FGCU CIS program.

• Authored the business plan, website, fundraising and marketing materials.

• As part of a consulting team, conducted assistive systems needs assessment, integration, and implementation.

July 2001 to Present ■ Zeang deZign ■ Bonita Springs, FL
Founder ■ www.zeang.com/zeangdezign
Founder of, and sometime consultant for, an IT and business consulting referral network specializing in smaller scale, limited duration projects that can be fulfilled by FGCU faculty, students, and otherwise-employed IT professionals in their available time.

• Consulted on projects for 4What Interactive (www.4what.com), a Naples tech media firm.

• Consulted for AFCAAM after leaving their employ.

Dec 2000 to May 2001 ■ Global Staffing Resources, Inc. ■ Cape Coral, FL System and Research and Marketing Analyst (paid intern) ■ www.globalstaffingres.com
Supervisor: Mike Case, 239-541-0119, mcase@globalstaffingres.com
Authored website content and other online marketing materials for this recruiting firm. Also contributed to the conceptualization, business plan, fundraising, technical development, and marketing of a Web recruiting application called HireSteps.

Summer 2000 ■ Siemens Business Services (SBS) ■ Hanover, Germany
E-Business Analyst (paid intern) ■ www.siemens-sbs.ch/
Wolf-dieter Hess, +49 0511/875-4161, Wolf-dieter.hess@hvr5.siemens.de

• Assisted in the development of a Web (mostly Java) based business-to-business. procurement add-on for SAP R/3, a heavyweight enterprise system.

• Assisted SBS consultants in project management and e-business marketing.

Jan 2000 to July 2001 ■ CIS Dept., College of Business, FGCU ■ Fort Myers FL
Graduate Teaching Assistant ■ www.fgcu.edu/cob
Supervisor: Dr. Walter Rodriguez, 239-590-7360, wrodrigz@fgcu.edu
Teaching, student evaluation, research.
 

Work History  [Return to Top]
1992-1999

1996–1999 ■ Freelance Technical and Copy Writing, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Wrote user documentation and marketing copy. Clients included one of the leading ISPs in Puerto Rico (Caribbean Internet Service). Another client was Directv Latin America.

1996–1997 ■ MWR Dept. ■ Sabana Seca Navy Base ■ San Juan, PR
Travel and IT Support Specialist (part time)
Significant part of duties in this busy travel and recreation office serving the military in the Caribbean included supporting IT systems, such as a reservation and ticketing system.

1993–1996 ■ Ingres/ Computer Associates/ Sybase ■ San Francisco Bay Area, CA Administrative / Marketing /Technical Support Associate
Worked for two of the (then) top competitors in the enterprise database software industry (Ingres, which was acquired by Computer Associates; and later Sybase) in various administrative, marketing, and technical support roles.

• Supported directors and managers in software engineering, marketing, public relations, and business development, at the ASK Group (formerly Ingres) and Computer Associates.

• Documented procedures for ISO 9000 certification for the IT department at Sybase.

• Implemented and administered an on-site training program in productivity and enterprise applications for Sybase employees.

• Provided on-call technical support for Sybase employees using wide variety of systems, including MS DOS, Windows for Workgroups 3.11, NT, Mac and various flavors of UNIX.

1992–1995 ■ Freelance Writing in San Francisco Bay Area
Wrote general interest, consumer and news articles and movie reviews in weeklies; magazines and wire services.

1992–1994 The Navigator / The Networker ■ Alameda, CA
Newsletter Editor and Publisher
For two national professional organizations.

1992–1993 The Carrier Alameda, CA
Writer, Editorial Assistant, Photographer
For weekly newspaper serving Bay Area military community.
 

Research Publications and Presentations  [Return to Top]

As author or coauthor, have published and/or presented work in the following conferences/proceedings/journals See www.zeang.com/robertfig/portfolio.htm to access all articles and presentations.

The Journal of Information Systems Education (JISE),  12/02 ■ www.jise.appstate.edu 
► Adding Value to the IS’97... Curriculum Models: An Interactive Visualization and Analysis Prototype (more)

IACIS 2002, International Association for Computer Information Systems, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. ■ www.iacis.org
► Defining E-Government: An Overview of the Next Big IT Challenge (more)

ISECON 2000, Information Systems Education Conference, Philadelphia.
www.aitp-edsig.org/isecon
► Information Literacy and IT Competency in the Information Age: A Critical Overview of Corporate IT Education Sourcing (more)

SAPPHIRE 2000, 4th Annual SAP Asia Pacific Conference, Institute of Higher Learning Forum Proceedings, Brisbane, Australia. ■  www.business.vu.edu.au/sap/cover.doc ; www.sap.com/company/events/sapphire/
► Learning ERP (SAP R/3) Via the Internet: A Student Perspective (more)

3rd Annual Conference of the Southern Association for Information Systems (SAIS), Atlanta, April 2000. ■ www.aisnet.org
► Information Systems Literacy: A Framework for Assessment (more)
 

Other Publications  [Return to Top]

Articles

For samples of news and general interest articles and reviews, see www.zeang.com/robertfig/portfolio

Sample Websites

Sole or Primary Author

► Center For Assisted Living Innovation ■ www.cali-fgcu.org
Author of virtually all content on this site, which serves as the online presence of a research and public service institute at Florida Gulf Coast University.

► ZeAng deZign ■ www.zeang.com
Authored and designed this site that serves as a small business IT and communications consultants referral service.

Significant Contributor

► 4What Interactive ■ www.4what.com
Consulted on online content for this innovative technology-media company.

► Aspedient Technologies ■ www.aspedient.com
As a consultant for 4What, contributed some of the Web content for this 4What client, an IT services company in Miami.

► CISociety ■ http://cisociety.fgcu.edu
With David deMoya, the site's designer, co-authored the original content of this site serving a student organization at Florida Gulf Coast University.
 

Education  [Return to Top]

1999–2002 ■ Florida Gulf Coast University ■ Fort Myers, FL ■ www.fgcu.edu
MS in Computer Information Systems

• Graduated Suma Cum Laude

• Listing in Who's Who Among Students In American Universities

• Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society

• 2000-2001 President, CISociety

• 2000-2001 President, AITP Student Chapter

1991–1992 ■ University of California, San Diego, CA ■ www.ucsd.edu
BA in Literature/Writing

• Graduated Magna Cum Laude.

• Departmental Honors with Highest Distinction.

• Awarded Burckhardt Prize for outstanding achievement in major, for an autobiographical story written during a senior honors seminar .

• Phi Beta Kappa.

1989–1991 ■ San Diego City College, San Diego, CA ■ www.city.sdccd.cc.ca.us
AA in English

• 4.0 GPA

• Awarded $4000 TAG Scholarship to aid outstanding students transferring to California state university system.

References  [Return to Top]

• Dr. David Johnson, Dept. Chair, Information Systems, Utah Valley State College (formerly visiting professor of computer information systems, FGCU).
  801-764-6152, johnsodw@uvsc.edu

• Dr. Walter Rodriguez, Dept. Chair, Computer Information Systems, FGCU.
  239-590-7360, wrodrigz@fgcu.edu.

• Dr. Richard Pegnetter, Dean, College of Business, FGCU
  239-590-7305, rpegnett@fgcu.edu.

• Dr. Hans Jurgen Scheruhn, Professor of Business Information Systems, Harz University, Wernigerode, Germany, +49 01 (71) 6 41 28 49,
  Hans.Scheruhn@t-online.de 

• Dr. Judy Wynekoop, Professor of Computer Information Systems, FGCU.  Co-Director, Center for Assisted Living Innovation, FGCU
  239-590-7387 jwynekoo@fgcu.edu

• Dr. Roy Boggs, Professor of Computer Information Systems, FGCU.
  239-590-7362, rboggs@fgcu.edu.

• Armando Casanova, Chief Financial Officer, The Shaw Aero Companies, Naples, FL.
  239-304-1000 ext. 223, acasanova@shawaero.com

• Wolf-dieter Hess, Director, Siemens Business Services, Hanover, Germany.
  Wolf-dieter.hess@hvr5.siemens.de

• Mike McClain, E-commerce Business Consultant, IBM (formerly at Sybase, Emeryville, CA).  mcclain1@us.ibm.com  

•  Mikey Sheahan, Executive Assistant to Mark Hoffman, CEO of Commerce One (formerly CEO of Sybase). 415-644-8801, mikey.sheahan@commerceone.com

•  Dr. Roy Boggs, Professor of Computer Information Systems, FGCU.
  239-590-7362, rboggs@fgcu.edu.

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