GLOBAL CROSSING

Global Crossing: An Evaluation of the Planning and Management



Global Crossing: An Evaluation of the Planning and Management

Introduction

Global Crossing Limited is a telecommunications company Global Crossing is an active company in providing computer networking services worldwide. The company has a strong planning and management system and this is the key to the company's success within the short span of time.

Global Crossing: An Evaluation of the Planning and Management

Global Crossing considers that in order to address the design, development, and production of instructional materials for delivery via distance or distributed learning, eight competencies should be considered. Regardless of the eventual delivery model (Bryson, 2004), or the number of staff assigned to the task, these competencies must be addressed if the project is to be completed on time and within budget. Global Crossing considers that following steps are important to get success in any project:

* The foremost skill necessary is project leadership, which includes the ability to marshal required resources, manage complex teams, and instill a sense of direction and vision for the completed work.

* Closely related to leadership is project management. This is the ability to monitor and manage the costs and timelines of a project.

* The third competency required is that of instructional design, referring to the sequencing of educational elements, selection of media, and use of pedagogical strategies within the learning product.

* Another crucial competency is that of distance education pedagogy, that is, an ability to design the events of instruction when there is no planned faceto-face interaction. Specifically, this is a 'translator' role of converting the teaching methods and strategies successful in a face-to-face environment to methods and strategies that will work at a distance. Of particular importance in this skill set is an ability to represent the needs of the learner in the design of the instruction (Bryson, 2004).

* The fifth competency, proficiency in instructional technology, is highly dependent on the delivery model selected. Print-based, correspondence-style programs require significantly less technology literate staff than course materials designed and delivered via the Web. Increasingly, however, even traditional print-based programs are tapping into the enhanced communications capabilities of the Internet to increase interactions among participants.

* In many institutions, a series of administrative tasks may be necessary before the course or learning event can be made publicly available at a distance. Understanding how to successfully implement a course within the institutional setting is a critical skill necessary in the operation ...