1 Introduction to Project Management

1.0 Overview

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Welcome to Project Management for Instructional Designers!

The book you are now reading is an ongoing work in progress. As many of those reading this book may be pursuing a career or further expertise in project management, it is important to outline how this book fits with other texts or certification requirements of the field. This book is designed to provide an overview of project management principles in instructional design, not as preparation for certification exams. However, in an effort to bridge the practical application principles with the knowledge needed for certification, each chapter of this text will begin with a reference to the foundational text from the Project Management Institute (PMI) entitled A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK),¹ as well as two of the main certification exams – the Project Manager Professional Certification (PMP) and the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). These references are meant to aid any reader who may be using this text to supplement their pursuit of other professional goals. The PMI, PMBOK, PMP, and CAPM are explained below.

Project Management Institute (PMI)

“PMI is one of the world’s largest not-for-profit membership associations for the project management profession, with more than 650,000 members and credential holders in more than 185 countries.” They advocate project management as a profession and have created “globally-recognized standards and credentials, [an] extensive research program, and . . . professional development opportunities. These products and services are the basis of greater recognition and acceptance of project management’s successful role in governments, organizations, academia and industries.” ²

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)

The PMBOK is the recognized standard from PMI that shares established norms, methods, and processes that constitute good practices of project managers. It is a document that has evolved through contributions of high-quality practitioners. This text defines project management as well as other important concepts, and describes the relevant processes for managing a project. It is this text that defines the content for which project managers will be held accountable in certification exams.

Project Manager Professional Certification (PMP)

The Project Manager Professional (PMP) certification is one of the most well-recognized certifications for project management. Companies increasingly require project manager applicants to have a PMP certification, thus making this certification important in applying for jobs and setting yourself apart. Those who certify as a PMP show they are educated, competent and experienced project managers. Certifying as a PMP can be done in two different ways.

Method 1

1. A bachelor’s degree
2. 3 years of project management experience
3. 4500 hours of leading projects
4. 35 hours of project management education
5. Pass the Test

Method 2

1. High school degree
2. 5 years of project management experience
3. 7500 hours of leading projects
4. 35 hours of project management education
5. Pass the Test

The PMP test has 200 multiple-choice questions, 25 of the questions are experimental questions for future exams and will not count toward your final score. A passing rate is usually around 106/175 (about 61%). The PMP test is very specific and will require more effort than just reading the PMBOK book to pass the exam.³ Questions on the exam assume that the project is being managed using the principles in the PMBOK. The test further assumes that projects would operate perfectly within the parameters the book describes. Many questions will have good answers but you must be able to select the best answer. The test is focused around the Project Management Process, as described in the PMBOK. The following table breaks up the Project Management Process and shows the number of questions that are generally affiliated with that topic on the exam.

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

The PMI provides an introductory certification for project managers called the Certified Associate in Project Management or CAPM. The requirements for the CAPM are much less stringent than those for the PMP. The prerequisites can be met in two different ways: (1) obtain 1,500 hours of project management experience, or (2) complete 23 hours of project management instruction. Many post-secondary project management courses include more than 23 instructional hours.⁴ In fact, if you are reading this book for a project management course, you will probably meet the prerequisites for the exam through your class experience. The questions for the CAPM are organized differently than those for the PMP. The exam blueprint provided by PMI is based on percentages of test questions coming from each chapter of the PMBOK.

Because the examination blueprint comes directly from the PMBOK, effective exam preparation will include a detailed study of the PMBOK and possibly another exam-preparation book.⁵

The format of this book is as follows:

• The content is organized in a roughly chronological pattern, corresponding to the order in which you will likely be called on to use the principles in this book. However, all of the information can be applied in any stage of a project.

• Each chapter has an Overview section which introduces the chapter topic and references the PMP and CAPM exam areas that correlate.
  • This chapter aligns with Chapter 1 of the PMBOK and 4% of the CAPM questions come from this knowledge area. The content connects to the Initiating and Planning category of the PMP questions.

• The Overview sections also contain videos of three instructional design project managers who relate how the chapter’s principles applied to their individual projects.

• The chapter sections will each contain:
  • Learning objectives will help guide your reading in identifying key points.
  • Glossary words to increase understanding of key terms will be in bold and give their definition within the text.
  • Interviews with instructional design experts and case studies will enhance your understanding of the chapters.
  • Key takeaways and interactive reviews will summarize the learning objective information.

We hope you find the book useful and informative.

Designers Share Their Experiences

Dr. Rick Schwier – Emeritus Professor, Educational Technology and Design – University of Saskatchewan

Well, I’m Rick Schwier and I’m a professor of educational technology and design. I’ve been an instructional designer for too long, for a very long time. Since 1978, I’ve been at the University of Saskatchewan and in that time I’ve worked with students in instructional design. Click here to access transcript. 

Kristine Dreaver-Charles – Instructional Designer, Distance Education Unit – University of Saskatchewan

My name is Kristine Dreaver-Charles and I am an instructional designer at the Distance Education Unit at the University of Saskatchewan. I am a member of the Mistawasis First Nation and an educator. Click here to access transcript. 

Dr. Andy Gibbons – Instructional Psychology and Technology – BYU

Heather Bryce – Independent Studies – BYU

Dr. Larry Seawright – Center for Teaching and Learning – BYU

I’m Doctor Larry Seawright. I’m Associate Director at the BYU Center for Teaching and Learning. I’m also project manager for a project we call the BYU Learning Suite, which is what I’m going to be talking about today.

^{[1] Project Management Institute (2008). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK guide, fourth edition). United States of America: Project Management Institute.
[2] http://www.pmi.org/About-Us.aspx
[3] Mulchay, R. (2011). PMP Exam Prep. United States of America: RMC Publications.
[4] Project Management Institute (2012). CAPM certification handbook. Available from http://www.pmi.org/certification/~/media/pdf/certifications/pdc_capmhandbook.ashx
[5] Mulcahy, R. (2009). CAPM Exam Prep. United States of America: RMC Publications.}