Michael Ratch, PMP

Introduction

MKR Consulting was established in 2005 by Michael Ratch. Michael is an accomplished project manager and change manager with over 10 years' experience. He has a history of successfully implementing technology projects and leading teams in the transportation, technology, natural resources and health care sectors.

With a strong background in business analysis and software development, Michael has the ability to execute strategic business initiatives involving changing business processes and new technology. With a 'can do' attitude, Michael is able to get results, solve challenges, adapt to changes and execute with urgency. His experience working with complex, multi-site, multi-disciplined information systems that tightly integrate with enterprise business processes make Michael well suited to manage large, complex change initiatives within an organization.

Resume: | MS Word | Adobe PDF |

Background

• Project management in transportation, technology, natural resources and health care industries.
• Creating change management assessments, change management plans and conducting change management activities within a union environment.
• Leading an electronic scheduling and timekeeping system project impacting 10,000 employees with an emphasis on organizational and human resource change.
• Managing a diverse project team of 17 members.
• Facilitation of cross-functional teams to redefine business processes and identify system requirements.
• Requirements and RFP development, weighting, scoring, demonstration, evaluation and selection, and contracting processes in the forestry and health care environments.
• Coordinating the tasks of a team of requirements and system development experts to review business processes and identify system requirements.
• Developing, promoting and maintaining a provincially-recognized information management project while advising on provincial and national information initiatives.
• Process mapping, data analysis and data modeling.
• Master of Science Information Systems (Athabasca, 2008), Change Management Professional (Prosci, 2008), Project Management Professional (PMI, 2005), Diploma Computer Programming (UCC, 2000), Bachelor of Business Administration (UCC, 1998).

Michael is a strong communicator, professional project manager and skilled change manager. His extensive education and diverse experience allow him to bridge the gap between technology and strategic business solutions for each of his clients.

Experience

• Conducted an environmental scan and identified cost-effective, strategic opportunities for Internet-based products and services. Created tactical plans, identified milestones and cost estimates for implementing the strategic recommendations.
• Responsible for capturing system requirements, and assisting with evaluation and procurement of an electronic scheduling and timekeeping system impacting 25,000+ employees. Assisted with facilitating a group of over 50 participants to redesign scheduling and timekeeping business processes. Led a cross-functional team to identify system requirements to support the new business processes. Led the development of system evaluation workbooks, demonstration scripts and score sheets to evaluate and procure the best system to support the new business processes.
• Led an electronic scheduling and timekeeping system project impacting 10,000 employees with an emphasis on organizational and human resource change. Phase 1 of the project involved process design and system selection, and included the development of 21 standard business processes and business requirements which were used to procure a new electronic system designed to eliminate manual and redundant systems. Phase 2 of the project involved integration and implementation of the new business processes and technology throughout the organization.
• Developed project documentation including project plan, scheduling and resource planning, quality, issue and risk management.
• Engaged and communicated with stakeholders, coached team members, managed contractors, worked collaboratively with a cross-agency executive steering committee and reported status to Executive Project Sponsors.
• Led the development of a sustainment plan for an organization-wide staff scheduling system impacting 10,000+ employees.
• Evaluated, planned, implemented, tested, and supported the implementation of a new Public Health Environment Information System to 170 users.
• Analyzed existing business processes and presented opportunities to increase efficiencies through leveraging technology solutions.
• Responsible for developing, promoting and maintaining a provincially-recognized information management project for the natural resources sector. Defined program area goals and strategies to support the organization's mission. Developed proposals, briefing notes, work plans, tactical plans and estimated operating budgets for senior management. Advised on provincial and national information initiatives. Reviewed proposals to guide strategic investments in information management and extension.
• Planned, coordinated, and executed multiple projects, products and services including: needs assessments, problem-solving activities and client outreach.
• Provided leadership and advice, technical support, and training on information management solutions, hardware, software, technology planning and budgeting.
• Worked with clients to identify information management needs, implemented and coordinated a provincial online needs assessment to help determine provincial investments in natural resources.