O5.2.4

=E-learning initiative development plans formally link decisions with the institutional e-learning strategies and associated operational plans. =

Evidence
Shackelford (2007) claims that the single most common cause of e-course projects is failure to treat them as proper projects. All the common project management principles must be employed. This includes defining the project scope, identifying project roles, keeping stakeholders informed, conducting risk assessments, gathering information on what is working and what is not, and applying that information in redevelopment. Shackelford lists eighteen pitfalls to avoid when project managing e-course development.

Pawlowski explains how the Quality Adaptation Model (QAM) provides four steps that need to be scheduled by an organization: context setting, model adaptation, model implementation and adoption, quality development. Stakeholders should ensure that quality development is anchored and present in all parts of the organization.

Pawlowksi (2006) also states that an organization’s long term objectives are contained in its vision, strategy and policy. If an organization is committed to quality development then this needs to be written into these statements. A process to improve the vision, strategies and policies needs to be established. This should involve all staff and the strategies and policies should explain what ‘quality of e-learning’ means. Quality development also needs to be a part of everyday operations and related to all activities.