Systems

Understand that we live and work within systems of cause and effect in which actions may have multiple origins and consequences

Context

In this project our group responded to a request for proposal from the fictional SDSZoo. Our project proposal specified a total solution for the creation of a CyberZoo, a web-based virtual learning experience using the zoo’s proprietary educational technology called Animaltics.

Linkage

We presented our solution from a four-stage project management perspective:

1. Initiation
2. Planning
3. Execution
4. Implementation

The four stages represented our management team’s focus on ensuring the successful interworking of the following processes and systems within our solution package:

• Instructional design and development of the learning world
• Integration of the technical infrastructure
• Creation of reusable learning templates (RLTs) to extend the lifespan of the product
• Internal quality assurance (QA) and Client review and approval safeguards
• Product launch including evaluation, testing, and product modifications
• Training of zoo personnel and technical support

Understanding the interdependencies of the above processes and systems reveals how:

• Design and development are constrained by the robustness of the infrastructure that needs to support the final learning product
• QA and work product reviews must be integrated throughout the project to avoid waste and rework
• Proper design of evaluation and testing tools will ensure that useful data are collected to inform the improvement of the product before launch
• Sound instructional theory must guide the design of the RLTs to increase product longevity and maximize the time between product modifications
• The timing of the product launch directly impacts the ability to support training of zoo personnel and provide technical support

Challenges & Opportunities

The major challenge was to bring together all the aspects of the project from beginning to end at a management level. Prior to this experience I was knowledgeable and comfortable with the specifics for designing and developing e-learning courseware. However, for this project I had to think at a project level rather than at a task level.

The key for my successful effort as part of the management team was to chunk all the processes into logical project management groups. This chunking allowed us to organize all the processes and systems into four manageable phases.

Results

In the ideal world our project proposal would have been the winning bid, but ultimately, our proposal’s main flaw was that it focused on technical and instructional theories behind our efforts. Instead, we should have focused more on providing the customer with concrete examples of how we would implement the zoo’s Animaltics learning technology and some sample RLTs.

Personal & Professional Development

Little did I know that thinking at a project level would be assisting me today in my new role as a project lead. Instead of thinking about lesson-writing tasks as an instructional designer, I now have to think about:

• Managing processes
• Coordinating overlapping events
• Managing personnel

These have to be done within the framework of ensuring the two curriculum development projects I’m leading are completed within budget and on time.