Dr Stephen Pratt

Adjunct Lecturer
BSc(Hons) Computer Science
MPhil Computer Science
PhD Computer Science

Contact

Email: sjp10@aber.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0) 1970 622500
Personal Web Site:http://www.stephenprattconsulting.com

Biography

Having held senior positions within academia, as well as the public and private sectors, Stephen has seen the impact that successful management can have on an organisation's operation. Conversely, Stephen has witnessed the effects that poor management, particularly at a senior level, can have. Effective management, particularly within executive teams, is crucial to the successful operation and management of any organisation. This involves the management of technology and the assurance that it remains a business enabler and not a millstone around the corporate neck.

Stephen’s approach is to deploy an effective strategy through pragmatism. Coming up with a fancy strategy is one thing, making it happen successfully is another.

In addition to his academic awards Stephen is a Fellow of the British Computer Society (FBCS), Chartered Engineer (CEng), and a Chartered IT Professional (CITP). He is also member of the Institue of Directors.

Stephen has many years experience of integrating technology and business strategies within large corporate organisations, the most recent being the IT Director for Ernst & Young UK. Being head of IT and a key member of a shared service organisation, Stephen had to deal with the many demands facing senior management: i.e. do more with less, ensure service quality is not compromised, embrace the concepts of outsourcing, and take advantage of the benefits of globalisation, to name but a few.

Prior to holding a senior managerial position within a large corporation Stephen held positions as a consultant for government departments and suppliers, and as a senior academic. Stephen is a Fellow of the British Computer Society and a member of the Institute of Directors.

Experience

Consultant
Stephen Pratt Consulting
Information Technology and Services industry
2007 – Present

Providing pragmatic advice to organisations on effective management and team building through adventure workshops. Advising on issues relating to business technology management, the impact of globalisation and outsourcing, importance of change management programme and effective governance.

IT Director
Ernst & Young
Information Technology and Services industry
1998 – 2007

Primary responsibility was overseeing IT effectiveness and ensuring return on investment. The effects of globalisation were particularly upper most in the firm's strategy over the last two years. During the latter years I was a major contributor to the foundation of a shared service centre within the company. This gave cosiderable insight into the difficulties associated with combining the different cultures inherent within a shared service centre.

Technical Director
Computer and Management Consultants Ltd
Information Technology and Services industry
1996 – 1998

Co-Formed Computer and Management Consultants Ltd (CMC Ltd), becoming its Technical Director. The customer-base of the company was expanded to include Digital Equipment Co., ICL, Technology plc, Ministry of Defence, Camelot, and Pathway. In this capacity, the responsibility was to act as a Senior Project/Bid Manager operating at a high level within the client organisation to effect successful project conclusion.

Head Business & Marketing
University of Portsmouth
Educational Institution; 1001-5000 employees; Higher Education industry
1983 – 1996

Originally joined the University as an academic lecturing at undergraduate and postgraduate, rose through the ranks to become Principal Lecturer, to Head, Business and Marketing for Science and Information Technology and, finally, to User Services Manager within the Central IS/IT Support Division.

Senior Systems Engineer
Marconi
Public Company; 10,001+ employees; ERIC; Telecommunications industry
1981 – 1983

Higher Scientific Officer
Ministry Of Defence
Government Agency; 10,001+ employees; Defense & Space industry
1979 – 1981