Set Timeline/Deadlines
When Will We Be Ready to Launch?
Begin by outlining all the tasks that have to be completed and who will be responsible for each.
Milestones could include:
- Completion of content outline
- Delivery of content
- Site architecture
- Design of graphical user interface
- Prototype
- Usability/functionality testing
- Instructor training
- Launch pilot
- Launch
It is often the case that the final deadline drives milestone dates. You know when the project has to be completed, so you work back from the final date estimating how long you have to complete each task.
It's important to understand which tasks are dependent on others. For instance, the design of the interface cannot begin until the content outline is complete.
Clearly defining your project is the best way to avoid "scope creep." Wikipedia describes "scope creep" as:-
Scope creep (also called requirement creep, feature creep, and sometimes kitchen sink syndrome) in project management refers to uncontrolled changes in a project's scope. This phenomenon can occur when the scope of a project is not properly defined, documented, or controlled.
