Converting to a Distance Learning Format

Converting to an Online Environment

The scenario that serves as the basis for the post is in regards to a training managers frustration with the current format of training delivery. This frustration has led to the managers inquiry of converting to a blended training format. Pre-planning should also be considered. The manager should outline the steps which include budget, material, timeline, and resources that need to be available to complete the task. 

The first step the manager should take is to conduct an analysis of the current training material. There needs to be a determination of how to structure the training and what content needs to be included.
Horton further outlines the analysis phase to include: 

• Defining realistic goals
• Decide what kind of course to create as asynchronous or synchronous
• Plan for a smooth transition from classroom to web.

http://www.horton.com/classroomhandouts.htm

Continuing,
As the training manger there should also be considerations for roles and responsibilities of those involved in the conversion process.  After the analysis is complete, the manager can come into the design and development phase. These will probably be the most challenging because it will require a lot of time and resources that are dedicated and focused. 

Analyzing Scope Creep

Project Scope
Project Scope as defined by Portny et al (2008) is the description of deliverables, or what work will be performed (pg. 30).  Since my inception into the career world, I have worked on several projects. Each project is different not only in scope but in risk and outcomes.

The Project
An issue on a recent project was around business process deliverables. At the slated date of starting the project the deliverable was in scope, however; as soon as onsite time with the client began we quickly realized that the project deliverable estimated time and budget was out of scope. As we all know time, resources, and budget are key drivers in projects success and failures. Resources for once was not the major issue, it was budget and time. The original statement of work did not equate the amount of effort that was needed to go into this specific project deliverable. 

Scope Creep
Scope creep is the natural tendency of the client as well as project team members to try to improve the projects output as the project progresses (Portny et al 2008, pg. 350).  In the scenario described above, scope creep began when onsite time with the client insight into the actual effort that would be needed to complete the project deliverable. To manage this scenario it is important for the project manager to understand the deliverable and to provide the client with realistic effort. Duration is commonly provided and effort estimation is overlooked. This is what happened with "The Project".

References:

Portny, S. E., Mantel, S. J., Meredith, J. R., Shafer, S. M., Sutton, M. M., & Kramer, B. E. (2008). Project management: Planning, scheduling, and controlling projects. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

The Impact of Open Source

The What
Carnegie Mellon describes an open source course as giving students the availability to learn in a course style for free online. Student have the ability to participate in courses and learn content during their leisure time.  http://oli.cmu.edu/

The Who
Harvard University is participating in the open source course realm. They offer a variety of instructor-led videos that cover various topics. The site to access the courses is user-friendly allowing for users to click a link and gain access to the courses available.  Many of the courses are available free of registration.  This type of learning environment is great for those that want to "brush up" on certain topics without having to pay for an extensive education. There are many other universities that are participating in this type of educational offering as well. 

The How
As far as distance education is concerned, these courses are fit into distance education spectrum. They are offered in an online environment where the learner and instructor are physically separated. This type of offering is beneficial for students because it allows them to take advantage of educational courses without having to come out of pocket.  The benefits of open source software on the development side rage from lower cost, public collaboration, and no license fees.



References:
http://www.extension.harvard.edu/open-learning-initiative
http://webdevstudios.com/support/faq/why-use-open-source-software/ 

Estimating Cost and Allocating Resources

After further research this week I have discovered several resources that are useful for cost estimation and resource allocation. These are both pertinent task that need to be completed early on in any project. 

The importance of resource allocation is described in an article that outlines important steps of project management.  Cost estimates are just as important as resources, because particular resources often come with a specified price. A project manager must identify resources and allocate the resources appropriately throughout the duration of the project. 

"Although the estimate activity resources forms part of developing the project time schedule, this process is normally undertaken in parallel with the process ‘estimate costs’ (which is a process within the cost management process group)." ( PM-Primer)

Resource Links:
http://project-management.com/importance-of-resource-allocation-and-time-management-in-project-management/
http://www.pm-primer.com/estimate-activity-resources/

http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Documents/Cost_Estimating.pdf