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

Communicating Effectively

Communication

Communication is defined as:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communication

It is important to understand the underlying meaning of communication and its importance. Factors such as the audience and communication environment can have a positive or negative effect on the perception of the message being sent.  The sender of the message must also consider timing of the message being sent. For example, I have worked on projects where I have received pertinent information the day before a holiday break. This is why timing is so important. How much of that information was retained? My guess is none!

The richest communication medium in my perspective is in-person/ face-to-face. You are able to receive real time feedback and interaction. It is important to exercise and embrace the stakeholders preferred type of communication style. A key element that Dr. Stolovich pointed out to avoid is ambiguity.  Make sure the communication being sent is clear, concise, and effective.

References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2012). Communicating with Stakeholders. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Selecting Distance Learning Technologies

 

Asynchronous Training

 

Training Scenario:

A biomedical company is in need of implementing a series of safety training models. The standalone modules must illustrate best practices regarding how to safely operate the equipment.  The modules should contain step by step processes and be available to all end-users. Employees should also be able to engaged and demonstrate their learning. 

Learning Technologies

There are a plethora of learning technologies that can assist with this type of scenario. The technologies that I think would be beneficial are a learning management system (LMS) and web based courses.  Even though both of these technologies can be used simultaneously, web-based courses can be delivered without a virtual learning environment. The LMS would address the  need for housing the course models, modules being available, and for learning demonstrations. By developing web-based courses and storing them in the LMS, users are able to access the courses on-demand. Supervisors and other personnel are able to track completion of the modules. Using software such as Adobe Captivate and Articulate allows for the courses to be developed, maintained, and published within a short period of time.  Both of the technologies mentioned would be essential aspects for this training scenario. 

Sources:
http://www.astd.org/~/media/Files/Publications/LMS_fieldguide_20091
http://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/docs/00/69/20/67/PDF/Watson-2007.pdf
 http://www.starkstate.edu/estarkstate/what-web-course

Learning from a Project

Post Mortem Analysis

There are many critical factors that are contributors to the success of a project. In my opinion, the most critical element to the success of the project is COMMUNICATION.

In order for a project to start is a communication catalyst must take place. This can in the form of a key-off meeting which usually is the starting point. During this time the project manager, stakeholders, management, and project team receive pertinent information about the project. Key activities that take place during this time include:

• Overview of the project
• Project Plan
• Deliverables
• Work breakdown structure
• Communication Channels

These are just a view tops that will more than likely be covered during this initial phase of the project.  This type of meeting/information is essential to the success of the project. Weekly or bi-weekly status meetings are usual for the project team because it helps to keep everyone abreast on the project details.

PLANNING

Planning is also another crucial element to project success. A thorough project plan needs to be developed. In my recent project, a minimal focus has been placed on  work break down structures. We are usually provided with the task that we are assigned and the target due date. This is why planning needs to take place during the beginning of the project. This allows for everyone involved on the project to be accountable for key activities and milestones.

Defining Distance Learning

 

From previous experience, distance learning has been beneficial in both my undergraduate and graduate pursuits. It allows flexibility for work and personal life. For a person that has not had experience with distance learning it can be overwhelming to them because you are solely responsible for receiving all pertinent information. There are certain courses that I would not take in a distance learning setting such as anything relating to math. Interactivity is also an engaging component that can be incorporated into distance learning courses.   

Distance learning is popular in my career industry and often is considered to be e-learning. I work for a company that has a global workforce with employees spread throughout the world and it is challenging to deliver training in this type of environment.   I am currently working with the human resource department to start our distance learning program.

“Distance education is defined as an institution based formal education where the learning group of separated, and where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources, and instructors (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2012).” Distance learning is an evolving approach to education and training. During my undergraduate career, I had to opportunity to participate in traditional classroom lectures and online lectures as well.

        Continuing, distance learning will continue to evolve as technology and demand for it increases. There are new effective and efficient methods that allow for distance learning to be delivered on demand. The concept of on demand is becoming widely used and needed in life. For example, even cable companies offer on demand television program that gives viewers access to shows whenever they would like to view them.  This could serve the same purpose for education and training.

 

This mind map illustrated concepts that I think help to evolve the definition of distance education. The bigger branches include separation, telecommunication systems, institution based, and interactivity. 

 

References:

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.

 

Fitting the Pieces Together

As we come to the end of this class, we now have to fit the pieces of the puzzle together. Below is my initial post from May: 

Learning is a unique concept that is adaptable in many facades. Learning is not a one step process, its continuous throughout our lifetimes. From birth we are all susceptible to learning. There are different phases, styles, and methods to learning.  The first time that I really thought about how I learned is when I was introduced to the concepts auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. I think that I am a combination of all of them it just depends on what I am trying to learn.

As mentioned in the Ertmer and Newby article, there are certain strategies that can help facilitate learning and bridge the gap of the different learning styles. They also outlined the task of translating learning theory into practical applications. I can learn by both conventional and unconventional methods. For example, throughout my undergraduate career I took online and instructor lead classes. I chose to take instructor led classes for application course such as math and science because I knew that it would be best for me.  It was important for me to learner my own learning process. 

The theory that I can relate the most to is the cognitive theory. I like to learn by associating new concepts with past experiences. Understanding how certain concepts relate to my current goals and situations helps me to see the bigger picture. Overall, learning is a process that is specific to each person.    

References:

Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing Critical Features from an Instructional Design Perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 6(4), by P. A. Ertmer & T. J. Newby. Copyright 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Journals.

 As we end this class, I will now reflect upon that post: 

 

My view upon learning has not changed. I still do believe that learning is not a one step process and there is not a "one size fits" all method to facilitating learning. However, throughout this instructional period I have reflected upon my personal learning style and I can see how it related to the cognitive and constructivism theories. I would also say that my learning is adaptable. As I have mentioned several times throughout this course, I prefer a tradtional classroom environment but I have recently adopted the e-learning concept. 

Technology plays a very important role in my life when it comes to learning. Right now I am currently using a laptop to complete this assignment, and without this device I would not have been able to complete the last couple of years of work or school. I use technology (the internet) minutely throughout my day. Working for a technology consulting firm, I cannot be biased toward new technologies because I would ultimately be out of a job.  I learn new ideas, concepts, and techniques through technology. Being under the age of 25, life before modern technology is becoming a blur to me. This is why I am fascinated with learning the latest and greatest when it comes to life, learning, and technology. 

Mind Map