Analyzing Scope Creep
I previously discussed a project in which I created a program designed to meet students on their instructional level. The templates and sample lessons were created, as were a set of guidelines for teachers to use upon implementation. I figured out the necessary storage, student list, and timeline.
About a week after implantation began, we were asked to incorporate an entire grade level unexpectedly. This grade level was about two years ahead my own and one in which I had no experience. In order to give them a project that would meet the same expectations as the previous one, I had to modify templates and rework storage solutions. I had to schedule extra meetings with grade level teachers in order to gather information about their needs and expectations in regard to the new program.
If I had the opportunity to redo this project and maintain my role as project manager, then I would approach the increased project with more grace and less stress. It felt a little overwhelming at the time, but it is clear in hindsight that a few minor tweaks would have created a much smoother transition in project size. Future expansion should have been written into the preplanning stages due to the environment in which the project was going to be implemented. Considering this, it would have altered how storage plans, templates, and lesson plans were created – designed specifically for the initial grade level but with an increased ease for modifications.
Karen said,
December 11, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Hi Margaret Ann,
Your school saw a great project and wanted to implement it with older students. The only problem was when you prepared your project it was only to address a specific grade levels. I guess when planning our projects, the project scope can be too large or sometimes not large enough. I guess consideration has to be given to projects that are successful. When designing the instructional resources provisions have to be made to account for any changes that might take place in the future.
wes anthony said,
December 12, 2010 at 5:12 pm
That’s an interestin example of scope creep, but that’s the sort of thing that we can come to expect as educators. We should always be prepared for changes and problems, in my experience.
Lisa Frey said,
December 12, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Margaret,
Congratulations, first, because if you hadn’t done an excellent job in the first place you wouldn’t have been asked to do another grade level. Second kudos because you pushed through to deliver the product. I’d imagine you still had grace despite being stressed. To me that’s a real example of scope creep, and one that you really could not have had a contingency plan for.
I am curious about the “storage”… do you mean something like Carbonite or do you mean something like another server?
Lisa
Rick said,
December 12, 2010 at 11:07 pm
If I’m understanding the situation you recount, what you would have done differently was lay a more adaptable foundation for the project and then have been better able to roll with the punches. It sounds as though you would have gone along with the request to add a whole other grade level but that the preparations you refer to would have made this easier to do.
Thanks for recounting your experience.
–Rick
Ted Kuhn said,
December 13, 2010 at 10:08 am
Margaret Ann,
As some of the earlier comments indicate, no good deed goes unpunished. You may feel like you were short on grace in the circumstance, but let’s remember – you were the victim of a school administration’s “bait and switch” tactic. It is right and fitting to feel taken advantage of under such circumstances.
Obviously, a teacher can’t go to a principal with a document and ask for a “sign off” – a signature of acknowledgment – the way we are instructed to do in this course. That would smack of insubordination, which is hot water for a teacher. However, creating a document that reiterates what is expected – without requiring a signature – will still create leverage on your behalf. A paper trail is a paper trail, and it can have a certain protective effect even with a generally thoughtless administrator.
It’s nice to be graceful, but some people need to know that you are noticing their lack of consideration. I say, in the form of a confirmative document, let ‘em know you’re watching. Thanks for sharing this experience.