James, James Robert
Daphne & J.R. during 2000 NCL Alaskan Cruise.������
For the latest info, check my BLOG at http://jrmadden.blogspot.com/
Tonight (2030, 15 May 2003) as I update this page, I continue in the ranks of the unemployed but am not yet eligible for unemployment insurance payments. That comes up next week as I recall. However, I am optimistic about landing either a short-term contract or a permanent position with another Information Technology (IT) firm with an SAP practice ... probably the first option is most likely at this point.
OBSERVATION: When the SAP market began to shrink after the coming of the Millineum, hundreds and then thousands of SAP consultants were discharged by the many firms working the field in the U.S. I would think that most of those folks have moved to other endeavors at this point. Then, the U.S. economy began to tank and, most lately, we were moving toward war with Iraq. In that sort of environment, most U.S. firms delayed IT projects ... and delayed ... and delayed. I begin to get the feeling that some of those firms can no longer delay those projects; they have just about run out of time. They are starting to staff up, seek qualified consultants, and plan to kick off those projects. However, there just might be a shortage of qualified SAP R/3 consultants in the U.S.! I wonder how that might have happened? Do you?
If you have any advice, please send an e-mail.
On 8 July 1996, I went to work as a Senior SAP Consultant for Origin Technology in Business, Inc. out of their Dallas, Texas office (The Dallas is to be closed shortly with another facility in Arlington remaining, 10 Oct 2000). Origin was an Information Technology (IT) provider with services in Desktop, Year 2000, SAP, BAAN, QAD, and other areas. Origin was a member of the Philips group of companies. After joining Origin, my SAP skills expanded to include Materials Management (MM) and Project System (PS) along with Plant Maintenance (PM) and Warehouse Management (WM).
At the end of October, 2000, Origin B.V. (Netherlands) and Atos (France) merged to form Atos Origin based in Amsterdam. In North America, the company is known as Atos Origin, Inc. At the time of the merger, the company had a total of 27,000 globally. The company is publically held and is traded on the French stock exchange. At present, I am classified as a "Lead Consultant" and have certification in SAP 4.0 for MM as well as PM/SM.
Prior to joining Origin, I had worked at Albemarle Corporation, a specialty chemical manufacturer. At the beginning of March 1996, after twenty-one years, I was downsized. For 18 months, I had participated in the SAP implementation project and so, I wanted to use my recently acquired skills in SAP R/3 software, specifically Plant Maintenance (PM) and Warehouse Management (WM). If you've ever wondered just what "SAP" stands for, move your cursor to the photo on the right and you'll find out!
As a member of University United Methodist Church, I serve on the Properties Committee and am a member of the United Methodist Men. The church is located near the campus of Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, and we serve the university community as well as other groups. Areas of ministry include a robust Youth Choir, an L.S.U. student ministry, support for several 12-Step groups, a Cub Scout Pack, a Boy Scout Troop, support for Girl Scout units, and a Pre-School of Excellence. U.U.M.C. is, of course, part of the larger community of the United Methodist Church.
Yahoo, in the middle of August 1998, started a CLUBs section. So, I founded a Christian Fandom club as an extension of the loose Christian Fandom organization within science fiction fandom. We will have to see if the club will grow. [As of 19 March 2001, there has been not activity within the club site for several months. Doesn't look encouraging, does it?]
I am a SCIENCE FICTION fan! From 1976 to 1992, I attended the World Science Fiction Convention (WorldCon) each year along with other local & regional conventions. In recent years, my fan activity (fanac) has slacked off tremendously. Since the 1998 convention committee decided to hold their WorldCon in early August of 1998, our family was able to attend BucConeer, the 56th World Science Fiction Convention; due to the local school calendar, the WorldCon's traditional Labor Day weekend date had precluded our attending in recent years -- Thanks, BucConeer! You can read my convention report if you click HERE. Oh, before I forget ... I am also a member of Star One Delta - Baton Rouge's Star Trek Club.
Other Stuff: Caricature of J.R.
by Kelly Freas,
c. 1979 For those interested in educational matters: I attended Louisiana State University receiving my B.S. in 1972 and my M.S. in 1974 (both were in Chemical Engineering).
Advice & Comments via e-mail to J.R.
For USPS & UPS delivery: 7515 Sheringham Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70808-5762. VOICEMAIL: 225-769-0361 (We do not accept collect calls.)