The Instructional Designer’s Guide to Project Management

Feeling overwhelmed by everything instructional design now demands, from tight timelines, collaborating with SMEs to evolving tech, and high expectations? Instructional design is no longer just about knowing theories and practices. It’s about leading people, managing timelines, handling competing priorities, and delivering quality under pressure. Yet, most instructional designers are never taught how to manage projects, navigate stakeholders, or steer course builds through uncertainty. This book changes that. It bridges the gap between learning design and project management. Whether you're building your first course or managing a portfolio of courses, this practical guide gives you the tools, strategies, and mindset to thrive in today’s fast-paced learning environments. Inside, you'll discover how to: Apply project management principles directly to instructional design. Collaborate more effectively with SMEs and stakeholders. Avoid burnout and prevent common pitfalls like scope creep and poor communication. Lead course builds with clarity, confidence, and strategic insight. You’ll also explore how to manage real-world challenges, from juggling tight deadlines to resolving conflict and staying focused on what matters most: creating meaningful learning experiences. If you're ready to feel more in control of your instructional design projects, this book will show you how.