Virtual Tools for Collaboration Course Development
Custom e-learning course for remote workforce collaboration tools
Featured image courtesy of Rawpixel and used only for display purposes.
Context
City Star Training Solutions (CSTS) contracted to develop a one-hour digital course for Wired Letters, a global mobile app and software development agency with 1,320 employees. The course aimed to drive 90% employee adoption of new virtual teaming tools as the agency transitioned to increased remote work. Working under tight timelines (7-9 weeks), I managed the project as Natasha Verma, overseeing a cross-functional team to deliver the course on time and within budget while maintaining quality standards.
Note: In this coursework scenario, I assumed the role of project manager to apply PM principles in a realistic business context.
Methodology
This project employed traditional project management methodology with structured planning, cost estimation, risk management, and formal change control. The approach emphasized detailed scheduling through Gantt charts, resource allocation, stakeholder communication protocols, and continuous monitoring. Given the fixed-price contract, clear deliverables, and external client expectations, this methodology provided the predictability and control needed for successful delivery.
Process
The project launched with a comprehensive project canvas defining scope, deliverables, team roles, and success criteria. I developed a detailed Gantt chart sequencing all activities—from course outline drafting through QA testing—and calculated task costs based on team members’ hourly billing rates (instructional designer, graphic designer, course programmer, and QA tester).
Proactive risk management identified key threats early, including the SME’s limited availability and potential scope creep. When the instructional designer’s meeting with the SME was postponed, I immediately intervened to reschedule for the next day, preventing a two-day schedule slip.
Midway through, the client requested adding a final assessment to measure learning outcomes—a scope change. I followed formal change management: documented the request via PCR template, investigated impact with the team (4 additional days, $1,218 cost increase), and secured approval from both client and program manager before updating the schedule and budget.
Regular stakeholder meetings with the client, CSTS program manager, and marketing director maintained alignment and trust. The project closed successfully—on time, within budget, meeting all quality standards.
Artifacts
- Project Canvas – Defined project vision, team structure, deliverables, activities, and early risk identification.
- Gantt Chart Schedule – Detailed task sequencing with durations, dependencies, and milestone dates across all project phases.
- Cost Estimates – Task-level budget calculations based on team member billing rates and estimated hours.
- Communications Management Plan – Structured schedule for team meetings, stakeholder updates, and project reporting.
- Risk Log – Documented risks with likelihood, impact, severity ratings, and mitigation strategies.
- Project Change Request (PCR) – Formal change documentation including scope description, schedule/cost impact analysis, and approval signatures.
- Project Status Reports – Regular updates showing completed work, upcoming tasks, and milestone tracking with visual status indicators.
- Lessons Learned Document – Post-project retrospective capturing successes, challenges, and process improvements for future reference.