Fail to Plan – Plan to Fail
Mayberry suggests that instructional designers “examine what you need to do to avoid project pitfalls and keep all systems on track.” (Mayberry, 2004). With this in mind, he suggests that one looks at the project management basics, project constraints, and realities of project management.
When looking at the project management basics, having effective management yields a number of benefits. Clear feedback and direction, a plan that provides direction, performance feedback and status reports are benefits that are gained by effective project management. Project constraints must always be considered. The three major constraints are the scope – what they are wanting delivered, time, and available resources. Finally, the realities of project management need to be considered. There are a few realities that must be looked at with the management of online learning development these realities are customer expectations are critical to the success of your project, team members may not always work well as a team, and online learning materials are developed within an unstable environment.
Mayberry suggests that if this is a new task for you it may be overwhelming, but if you keep these ideas in mind it will help you understand the big picture better. He closes by stating “You're on the road to project management success if you remember the basics: deliver on time, to scope, and within budget—and if your team will work with you in the future.” (Mayberry, 2004)
Mayberry, E (2004). Fail to plan - plan to fail. Retrieved October 16, 2008, from ASTD Web site: http://www.astd.org/LC/2004/0704_mayberry.htm