Definition.  Seels and Richey (1994) write that management "involves controlling instructional technology through planning, organizing, coordinating, and supervising" (p. 49).  In other words, management provides the organization and process for how the design, development, utilization, and evaluation of instructional materials can be successfully completed within any restrictions, limitations, or other special considerations.  Specifically, management contains four subdomains: project management, resource management, delivery system management, and information management.  

 

Reflection.  Although I enjoy learning about and working within all domains associated with instructional design, I believe that the management domain is my favorite.  It may stem from my experiences and expertise gained from being a librarian; however, I also believe that it is one of the most important aspects to consider.  Without project management and the management of resources and information, no instruction could ever be completed effectively, efficiently, or really, at all.  Much of the management domain deals with being able to communicate and work with team members, but I believe that it is just as important to keep records and develop a management system even if a designer is working individually.  Going forward, I will certainly utilize the management techniques and tools, such as timelines and budgets, when working on various types of instruction-related projects whether I am working as part of a team or alone.