Karen Macdonald's Location
Plano, Texas, United States, United States
Karen Macdonald's Contact Details
Karen Macdonald work email
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Karen Macdonald phone numbers
About Karen Macdonald
Over thirty two years of experience in managing and consulting in information systems specializing in full quality assurance and testing lifecycle support and control, improving the overall speed and quality of IT. Experience in proposal writing, solution sales and solutions delivery management have contributed significantly to building business solutions for clients. Excels in the creation of custom test solutions to meet client business objectives and goals and has a proven record of successful implementations bringing innovation, process improvements and quality practices to realization. A thought leader in creating test management office models as well as automation framework solutions that have resulted in streamlined processes, optimized quality and significant savings in overall client project cost by 20-40%.An integral leader in bringing multiple independent teams together through the creation of a Test Organization managed through a strong governance model and a test execution component responsible for the test planning, test preparation, test design, and test execution. Strong analytical capabilities and has been responsible for the various phases of the system life-cycle, from initial needs assessment through concept development, requirements, design, testing, quality, implementation, and support. Specific expertise in such specialties as assessments, project management, software quality assurance, software testing, automation frameworks, requirements analysis, process improvement, and test management using IEEE, CMMi, TPI, TMMi, and IDEAL methodologies.SPECIALITIES: Quality Assurance/Test Management; Requirements Gathering & Analysis; Business Process Improvement & Implementation; Delivery Service Management; Project Management; Managing diverse teams across the globe; Training and Mentor; SAFe AgilistINDUSTRY EXPERTISE: Finance & Banking; Healthcare; Insurance; Telecommunications; Utilities; Travel & Hospitality
Karen Macdonald's Current Company Details
Freelance
Agile Quality Assurance Manager
Karen Macdonald Work Experience Details
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Agile Quality Assurance And Testing DirectorFreelance Apr 2023 - Present
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Quality Lead Utilities & EnergyCgi Oct 2018 - Apr 2023Montreal, Quebec, CaResponsible for Quality to ensure that the Product is fit for purpose and delivers client expectation and benefit.Improve code quality and adherence to target milestones through engagement with the defined Utilities and Energy Quality Management Framework (QMF).- Defined, owned, and implemented a new Quality Management Framework with processes from Development through to Delivery for all Products within the Utilities & Energy Sector (U&E). - Developed recommendations to embrace “Shift Left Testing” concepts and encompass the role of the Quality Engineer within Agile development.- Responsible for defining the approach to Quality throughout the lifecycle of Development, Testing, Automation and articulating the approach to Clients where appropriate.- Managed multiple cross functional teams working in distributed model; e.g., India, Czech Republic, UK, Canada, and USWork with both Development and Test Managers to ensure that the process is closely adhered to and constantly evolved.- Implementation of ‘Shift Left’ techniques like Acceptance Test Driven Development, Behavior Driven Development, Test Driven Development while assisting the transformation to SAFe Agile and DevOps. -
Director Of Consulting - Sr Testing And Qa ManagerCgi Jan 2008 - Apr 2023Montreal, Quebec, CaResponsible for establishing and maintaining a US Testing Practice Center of Excellence/Expertise to support testing-related sales, projects and large consulting engagements by: - Optimizing the sales process - Optimizing delivery methodologies and processes - Optimizing quality and throughput while reducing overall project costs by 20 – 40% Responsible for providing:- Mentoring and thought leadership to all US testing practitioners - Developing depth of expertise in core testing technologies and tools across the practice, and enhancing delivery capabilities by providing and advocating testing best practices and methodologies. - Works as a leader for CGI’s Global Testing and Quality Management delivery team leveraging -CGI's balanced global delivery model to deliver Testing and Quality Management services that strike optimal balance between cost, quality, and speed-to-market. - Manages strategic or large projects and intervenes among customers as a consulting expert in testing and quality management for the design, development and implementation of an electronic business solutions.
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Testing Sme / Test ManagerCgi Aug 2015 - Dec 2016Montreal, Quebec, CaTesting SME and Test Engagement Lead on a large global project whose goal was to implement common testing policies, processes and procedures; establish a global organization model for testing; and implements test automation and requisite tools across the diverse regions.Assessed and reported on current state and future testing model. Created a Test Management Office (TMO) for the combined geographies. Provided leadership, SME knowledge and mentoring to the QA and Test Management organization within the client. Provided standardization and consistency through robust testing and quality assurance processes to enable the client Testing Organization to operate as a global entity. Introduction of automation techniques and the TestSavvy tool to reduce testing timelines and increase test coverage and quality. Enabled and managed the Implementation of HP ALM by all 3 regions using Requirements, Test Plan, Test Lab, Defects, and Reporting modules. Provide socialization of processes, tools and to the testing organization, the Global PMO, development and BSA teams. Create executive management presentations for monthly reviews of the IT Directors and CGI Stakeholders.
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Test Discipline ConsultantSystemware Professional Services Mar 2005 - Sep 2007A major contributor in the development of an automated keyword framework testing solution accessed through a web portal that enables test design, test creation, test data management, test execution, and reporting. Performed test tool assessments using a unique “ilities” matrix that evaluated test tools in sixteen categories to ensure test tool set was compatible with current skill sets. Prepared recommendation presentations, and assisted with the acquisition of the appropriate test tools for our client’s environments. Lead projects for establishment of an automation framework solution approach which provided useable and flexible test beds. Established tactical and strategic plans for maturing client’s test automation framework that would allow for potential positive returns on investments.
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Sr. Test Discipline ConsultantNorfolk Southern Mar 2007 - Jul 2007Atlanta, Georgia, UsPerformed an automated test evaluation for the testing of their Optimal Train Control project. Developed findings and recommendations that identified areas where automation can be a benefit. -
Client Trainer/Test Discipline ConsultantFidelity Information Services Feb 2007 - Mar 2007Jacksonville, Fl, UsEffectively created a curriculum and training materials used as part of the global implementation of the MTS Portal to a client in Sao Paulo, Brazil on the automated keyword framework solution. -
Project Lead/Sr. Test Discipline ConsultantMerial Oct 2006 - Dec 2006Ingelheim Am Rhein, Rhineland-Palatinate, DeSuccessfully created 12 flexible and reusable automated test business scenarios with appropriate data sets for their Order-to-Cash processing and 2 automated test business scenarios for their self-service and new hire components of Oracle’s Human Resources Management System. Enabled repeatable and reusable test execution with multiple conditions based on data and business flows. -
Sr. Test Discipline ConsultantViewlocity May 2006 - Jul 2006Created multiple flexible and reusable automated business scenarios for Alerts, Orders, Security, and Shipments modules. Enabled test automation to be successful and effective through test coverage and post production defects. -
Project Lead/Sr. Test Discipline ConsultantSystemware Inc. Feb 2006 - Apr 2006Established testing “best practices” processes and procedures. Established interfaces between the testing team and the development organization that provided an effective communications mechanism for tracking defects and ensured the timely testing of the software products. Configured the test tool licenses for the Compuware QACenter tool suite, brought them to an operational level, and established them as the organization standard across mul¬tiple projects. The number of defects in software re¬leased to the client’s customers has been significantly reduced over a six-month period from 333 defects pre-testing to six defects since the implementation of testing best practices. Customer support calls because of software defects have been dramatically reduced thereby reducing the cost of support.
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Engagement Manager At IntellinexSystemware Professional Services, Inc Mar 2005 - May 2005Managed implementation of an effective automated testing approach within 1.5 months of starting the engagement. Provided a marked decrease in test execution time and effort as test beds previously taking 4.75 hours to test are now executed and validated in 15 minutes, 18 times faster – a 95% reduction in time. Major portions of the testing for pro¬duction implementations were significantly reduced (a 54 man hour effort was reduced to 8 hours…an 88% reduction). Test production increased in that previously undetected defects were discovered because manual testing could be focused on more complex functionality. Positioned the client to move forward with the implementation of test automation processes with continued success in establishing a repeatable test bed to be used for their Site Readiness testing. -
Sr. Qa ConsultantNational City Bank Aug 2004 - Feb 2005UsPerformed gap analysis between current methodology and industry best practices. Conducted Reconcile, QADirector and TrackRecord training for core project teams. Assisted with the test decomposition process. Lead and monitored defect management. Assisted with Requirements Definition and Management to ensure quality from initial scope to release into production for the Quality Services organization. Provided recommendations for improvements to their enhanced SDM and PMM as well as creating enterprise trainings plans to ensure all associates have the proper tools and skills to effectively and efficiently implement these recommendations. -
Quality Consultant, Sdlc Process Improvement ArchitectCompuware Sep 2000 - Feb 2005Detroit, Mi, UsWorked with multiple fortune 100 companies to establish processes for utilizing Compuware's customized testing solutions and automated testing products. Trained clients on Compuware's automated test products and demonstrated how to successfully implement and integrate these processes and tools with the client's lifecycles and methodologies. Worked with clients to facilitate requirements gathering and definition using the I.C.E. methodology. Assisted in the creation of Business, Functional and Test Requirements to facilitate knowledge transfer. -
Sr. Qa ConsultantCompuware Sep 2000 - Feb 2005Detroit, Mi, Us Consulted with multiple fortune 100 companies to establish processes for utilizing Compuware's customized testing solutions and automated testing products. Trained clients on Compuware's automated test products and demonstrated successful implementation and integration of these processes and tools with client's lifecycles and methodologies. Worked with clients to facilitate requirements gathering and definition using the I.C.E. methodology. Assisted in the creation of Business, Functional and Test Requirements to facilitate knowledge transfer.
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Cars Project Manager/Test LeadCompuware Apr 2004 - Sep 2004Detroit, Mi, UsProject Manager/Test Lead for a CARS (total lifecycle quality management) implementation. Assisted in determining project requirements, created and maintained project plans. Created and maintained project's Test Strategy and Test Plans for System Integration, Regression and Performance Tests. Analyzed business requirements and design system criteria to ensure all areas of system integration testing were met and assisted with test decomposition process.
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Sr. Technical ConsultantImi Systems Aug 1999 - Sep 2000Birmingham, England, GbSr. Technical Consultant for the Solutions Group responsible for Assessments, Implementations, Methodologies and Process Definitions. Participated in refining the process and quality improvement and implementation methodologies and techniques to be used as a standard best practice plan based on IEEE, QAI, SEI and CMM compliance. Developed templates according to best practices to achieve CMM level 2 compliance emphasizing the Volare, Conditional, and Risk-based Test Models. Charted data and process flows from Requirements development through all phases of testing using the Integration Services and Testing Discipline Models. -
Sr. Technical ConsultantImi Solutions Group, Inc. (Merged Into Sqp Under Ajilon) 1999 - 2000Sr. Technical Consultant for the Solutions group responsible for assessments, implementations, methodologies, and process definitions. Participated in refining the process and quality improvement and implementation methodologies and techniques to be used as a standard best practice plan based on IEEE, QAI, SEI and CMM compliance. Developed templates according to best practices to achieve CMM level 2 compliance emphasizing the Volare, Conditional, and Risk-based Test Models. Charted data and process flows from requirements development through all phases of testing using the Integration Services and Testing Discipline Models.
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Test Lead/Qa AnalystPricewaterhousecoopers / Blockbuster Video 1998 - 1999Served in the role of Test Consultant and Quality Control Analyst for the millennium certification of a major entertainment company’s financial applications. Performed analysis of business processes, test procedure development, test case design and creation, scheduling of test case execution as well as supervision of consultants and testers. Administrator for defect tracking system in Lotus Notes and lead member of the Triage team. Created statistical reports for project management using Microsoft Project and Mercury's TestDirector.
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Test ManagerThe Sabre Group / American Airlines 1998 - 1998Contract position: Responsible for coordinating the testing of multiple projects using Microsoft Project. Worked closely with all related teams to ensure comprehensive and timely tasks are performed prior to release. Analyzed, measured and recorded product performance while simulating product usage by customers. Estimated number of resources required, interviewed and hired testing resources.
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Qa Test EngineerMicrografx 1993 - 1994UsQA Test Engineer for multiple applications for the Retail Arts and Crafts Industry. Assisted in the design and procedural operation of a Quality Assurance department. Executed and confirmed pre-defined test specification items to simulate product usage by customers. Assisted in the design of products by submitting feature and usability enhancements. Reviewed documentation, on-line help, and hints for technical accuracy. -
Test AnalystAldus Corporation 1990 - 1993Test Analyst responsible for executing and confirming pre-defined test cases, as well as performing Black Box, Stress, and Freelance Testing to simulate product usage by customers. Developed and executed test plans for graphic and presentation software on IBM and Macintosh platforms. -
General ManagerCorporate Travel Agencies Nov 1977 - Dec 1990General Manager responsible for all activities associated with the management and training of 25 accounting and reservations staff. Supervised hardware and software installations, upgrades, and maintenance. Performed Beta testing for new products for American Airlines Travel Agency Systems. Prepared account proposals and participated in sales presentations. Responsible for annual and monthly financials, created management reports detailing expenditures, airfare savings, and personnel evaluations and raises.
Karen Macdonald Skills
Sdlc
Requirements Analysis
Testing
Integration
Quality Assurance
Requirements Gathering
Test Management
Business Process Improvement
Business Analysis
Business Intelligence
Test Automation
Software Project Management
It Strategy
Test Planning
System Testing
Software Development
System Integration Testing
Enterprise Software
Software Quality Assurance
Agile Methodologies
Crm
Test Strategy
Business Process
Project Management
Regression Testing
Pmo
Pmp
Visio
Sharepoint
Software Development Life Cycle
Training
Consulting
Manual Testing
Business Requirements
Cmmi
Management
Agile Project Management
Leadership
Data Warehousing
Scrum
Enterprise Architecture
Solution Architecture
Hp Quality Center
Quality Center
User Acceptance Testing
Process Improvement
Vendor Management
Defect Tracking
Sql
Karen Macdonald Education Details
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Southern Methodist UniversityFrench -
Texas Christian UniversityBallet
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El Centro CollegeFrench
Frequently Asked Questions about Karen Macdonald
What company does Karen Macdonald work for?
Karen Macdonald works for Freelance
What is Karen Macdonald's role at the current company?
Karen Macdonald's current role is Agile Quality Assurance Manager.
What is Karen Macdonald's email address?
Karen Macdonald's email address is ka****@****cgi.com
What is Karen Macdonald's direct phone number?
Karen Macdonald's direct phone number is +121445*****
What schools did Karen Macdonald attend?
Karen Macdonald attended Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, El Centro College.
What are some of Karen Macdonald's interests?
Karen Macdonald has interest in Family, Animal Rescue, Movies And Musical Theater, Training, French, Ballet, Process Improvement, Domestic And International Travel, Shopping, Software Testing.
What skills is Karen Macdonald known for?
Karen Macdonald has skills like Sdlc, Requirements Analysis, Testing, Integration, Quality Assurance, Requirements Gathering, Test Management, Business Process Improvement, Business Analysis, Business Intelligence, Test Automation, Software Project Management.
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