Interpersonal
Created by Kristina on 09 Sep 2007 | Tagged as:
Course
EDTEC 684: Project Management
Project Name
United Nations University TechT-UNU-P
Files
Response to UNU RFP
Timeline and Budget
Project Plan Presentation
Project Description
Initially, my team (Chrissy Chamberlain, Reginald Johnson, & Kacy Whittenburg) received an RFP from “United Nations University” to create a web-based training for their faculty to learn about technology integration in the classroom. We began by discussing different ideas for the content of the web-based training and how we wanted to structure that content. As a group we reviewed these ideas and selected those that we felt best met the needs of our client. Next, our team developed a timeline and list of project tasks that we would need to complete if UNU selected our project proposal. In addition, we produced a budget including costs for personnel, travel, and other materials. Based on this timeline and budget, we identified risks and contingencies that could occur with this project plan. Also, we developed a plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the web-based training and determine any changes that needed to be made to the program. Finally, we built a prototype of the web-based training so the client could see the look and feel of our proposed plan. When we completed the actual project plan, we presented that plan to our “client” to receive feedback and recommendations for improvement.
EDTEC Standard
When working with others, we always face those inevitable personality conflicts. However, with this project, I had no choice but to look past any personal problems and focus on the task at hand. This whole project focused on working together as a team to solve a problem. As a team we had to make decisions about the project, write a project plan, and present that project plan to a client. Each person on the team respected one another’s ideas and effectively communicated with one another when they disagreed with an idea. Also, we did an excellent job of dividing up the numerous tasks for this project so each person had a fair amount of work. No one person took over or dictated to the others in the group and each of us had the opportunity to share our ideas and visions for the project.
Problems and Opportunities
One of the biggest difficulties we faced was delivering pieces to one another for review. Because the project consisted of so many parts, we divided those parts among the four team members; however, we still wanted feedback from each team member as to the ways we could improve upon our piece. In the end, we developed an email method of review. In addition, we met frequently to go over problems that had arisen, ideas for ways to improve the project as a whole, and our next steps in the process. We created a system that worked for everyone and therefore, no one was left out of the loop.
My Capabilities
This project truly shows my ability to work with others in a team to meet a common goal. Each person must pull their weight in order to have an outcome that truly pleases everyone and I believe this project revealed my skill in doing just that. Our team was a very diverse group of people with different ideas and theories about the way to approach this problem, but I met that head-on and added my talents to the group. Even though I did not always agree with the ideas of my fellow team members, I accepted their ideas and stated my own reasons for the difference of opinion. I felt that this project truly showed my capacity to work with others to meet a common goal that in the end pleased everyone on the team.
Lessons Learned
One thing I learned from this project was how to take feedback from a fellow team member and apply it to my individual piece. Many times I find it difficult to accept someone’s criticism of my work; however, because of the short timeframe of this project and the fact that our whole team was affected by my work, I recognized the importance of taking that feedback and really learning from it. Many times, it proved to be the better course of action and I was grateful to have another pair of eyes looking at my work. In the end, that feedback and criticism made me a better writer, analyzer, and project manager.