Will you use Project Management for your next training program?

     Over the semester of eight weeks, I shared with you the program management process through my postings.  I detailed information about program management in instructional design based on the framework and standards of the Project Management Institute and the Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide best practices. During this time I also managed a project of my own utilizing this framework.     

      My training program is designed to improve assessment for a peripheral intravenous insertion and venipuncture course.  To view my finished work click here: Final Project.

 

     As you can see I followed the project management framework.  I initiated my project by composing a project charter and identifying key stakeholders.  In the planning phase, I developed a project management plan, defined the scope and created the work breakdown structure of tasks to be met. Activities were defined and

sequenced.  Budgets were established.  Resources were planned.  Quality planning and risk analysis were identified to meet project expectations with little interruption.  The project was executed, monitored and controlled to verify that the scope was met, the schedule was on time, and the costs were under control. 

     At the end of the project, deliverables were presented, procurement was closed, the stakeholders were released from any further obligations and expectations were met.  

 

     I found the process to be well organized providing direction that saved time and money. Executing the elements of the framework allowed me to identify all the aspects of the project, monitor and control the processes and maintain a schedule for completion effectively.  Through my experience did you discover the benefit of using project management in instructional design?  Was it clear that following this framework made the process of managing a design project easy? 

I hope so, because it did.   

          

Will you use project management for your next training program?   

  

 

Change and Quality Management

Change management meets project objectives.  As the project develops, uncertainties arise that can effect project quality. Change management is the vehicle by which changes are addressed or proposed, implemented and tracked. Having a method by which

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events can be addressed so that changes can be made to help minimize impact on the project quality is critical. Change management maintains the quality of the project by keeping it on time, within scope and within budget (Change management driving, n.d.). 




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Quality Management ensures the finished project meets its objectives; that costs are controlled, and all risks are reduced.  It is this process of overseeing all the activities and tasks of the project that guarantees the deliverables meet performance targets with minimized waste of materials, time, and cost (Quality management building, n.d.). Plan to develop the project. Do communicate the plan. Check to monitor the progress. Act to evaluate and report the results. Then do it all again!

Personal Reflection: 

Over the eight weeks of developing this blog, I have addressed the important aspects of project management.  I began with an introduction about project management and how it applies to instructional design, in particular the ADDIE model as an organizational framework managing costs, time and resources.  I highlighted the importance of task sequencing and analysis to assure projects meet their goals within budget and are delivered on time.  Next, described the importance of effective communication as a way to keep relevant parties informed and clear about the state of the project.  Finally, completed this blog with a comment about the important relationship between change management and quality management and how together they ensure that the finished project meets project specifications and expectations. 

For my practice I found this information about project management invaluable.  I have had the opportunity to reflect on my projects to see how project management could help me better present information, track activities, report status, communicate and engage stakeholders.   It has been overwhelming at the level of detail that is required to do a project well; but once done the benefit of managing and monitoring the status is made easy.

Next week I will upload onto this blog a project I have developed over the semester.  Click on the page, PROJECT PLAN ~ Better Assessment of IV and PIV Training to see an application of the project management in instructional design.  

Cox, D. (2009). Project management skills for instructional designers. (1st ed.). Bloomington, IN: iUniverse

Change management driving successful change. In (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/change-management.html

Quality management building quality from the start. In (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/quality-management.html