Estimated time for SL project development

Hello,

I work as a new instructional designer for a government agency. This department is slowly making a shift towards e-Learning Tools and new methods of training staff.

I have done several e-Learning projects in the past for my former job, but the timelines for these were flexible and "loose". Now, at my new job, there is a greater sense of tight deadlines and expectations in delivery with less room for pushing cut off dates further down the road.

I would like to brief my manager regarding estimated project development time required for e-Learning modules. I know this is very hard to determine because so many variables come into play, but I've broken them down in 3 main categories (at least the ones that will apply for me in my instructional design duties):

 

- 5 and under topics (or scenes) with about 10 slides per scene; minimal interaction only (no motion paths, little use of variables). Very to-the-point end product; Get in Get out approach

- Between 5 and 10 topics, up to 15-20 slides per scene. Medium weight interaction (probably the use of quizzes, hotspots, drag and drop exercices, use of video Embedded). Probably some screen capture recording for testing purposes. An overall robust e-learning module, that will simulate how to do something, not just acquire knowledge.

- Complex project, scenario based learning, with multiple paths to find answers and practice new knowledge acquired. Videos, narration with synced slides will need to be done here. Screen recording for testing. Heavy use of variables and cutting edge final aesthetic look and feel. Will be used for external clients and bear the government agency seal of approval.

 

My new colleagues and managers are new to the e-Learning world, so I will have to 'educate' them on the software itself, learning approaches and more importantly to manage their expectations. They might go crazy and think it is reasonable to ask for a 4 week turnaround time for a complex project. It's not like PowerPoint I keep telling them already!

I am looking for ballpark estimates, just a sense of how many days/weeks or even hours is realistic. One thing we can all agree is that it takes more time than it seems to develop good e-Learning modules.

I am glad to provide additional information on my question, but I am sure there are experience ID's out there who can help me a little bit!

Thanks!