Digital Publishing: It Gets Technical. And Global.

Summary

I was hired to be the PM for international Aplia projects. Aplia is an xml-based online homework tool. Quizzing and testing assignments are based on class textbooks, are randomized, and automatically graded.

Eventually, I undertook the production management of international MindTap courses, in addition to Aplia projects. MindTap is an online learning platform that contains a digital version of the class textbook, audio and video features, and various types of quizzing exercises.

Challenges

  • Learn basic XML skills to be able to edit my projects.

  • Simultaneously manage 15–20 projects monthly for stakeholders in the UK, Australia, Canada, and Singapore.

  • Learn spelling and usage localizations for each region to customize product for each country.

  • Organize and manage metadata and taxonomy integrity for thousands of digital assets.

  • Learn evolving rotation of MindTap apps and how to build content within them.

Outcomes

  • I became the office Aplia PM SME and my role was extended an additional six months after the office closed because I was one of two people who understood the ins and outs of the product.

  • Assisted PMs with the integration of Aplia content into their MindTaps when it became available as an app in the platform.

  • Fully got to transition and immerse in the digital world by managing 500+ projects and worked with a great group of people from around the world, including a stable of talented US-based contractors.

Primary Skills

  • XML

  • Jira

  • Collaborating globally

  • Asset Management

  • SOW & budget management