Managing a Large Web Page Project  

Web page projects can be completed in minimal time if you have your team's buy-in. You need a team leader that finds creative ways to energize the team and has excellent organizational and communication skills. Standards, spreadsheets, and databases, and a knowledgeable technical and creative group provide essential tools to success. But, enthusiasm and synergy are the key components that make the project work, with upper management behind you all the way. Completion of the project finds excellent bonuses for a job well done!

Ricks, Debra. STC Proceedings (1997). Articles>Web Design>Project Management

Our Changing Environment: Alternative Work Schedules  

Alternative work schedules provide a way to allow you to manage your time and effort as well as keep your 'foot-in-the-door' at one place and 'find new heights' at the other.

Ricks, Debra. STC Proceedings (1997). Careers>TC

Separate But Equal: Developing Success Profiles for Technical Communicators  

To compare and evaluate expertise within a group of technical communicators, we developed a Competencies/Career Phases Matrix. This matrix breaks down soft and hard skills in 12 categories, such as technical depth, skill acquisition, and teamwork/leadership. The matrix also evaluates each category in four levels of mastery: Apprentice, Experienced, Master, and Expert. Through this evaluation process, the leader is able to obtain a clear picture of an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. In addition, it gives the technical communicator a way to evaluate him/herself and provides a clear image of what is expected of them, should they choose to improve their performance in the different categories.

Ricks, Debra and Patricia N. Madigan. STC Proceedings (1996). Careers>Advice>Assessment