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Fundamentals of Project Management

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Fundamentals of Project Management

This course is part of Project Management and Planning Specialization

Instructors: Thomas Buchanan

11,651 already enrolled

Included with

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5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

91 reviews

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

91 reviews

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Understand key project management concepts and the role of a Project Manager in successful project execution.
Learn how to create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and write an effective Statement of Work (SOW).
Master project scheduling techniques, time estimation, and critical path analysis for efficient task management.
Develop budgeting skills, learn resource allocation, and apply project finance principles for managing contracts and costs.

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Project Management Software

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

11 assignments

Taught in English

91% of learners achieved a positive career outcome

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Project Management and Planning Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 5 modules in this course

Fundamentals of Project Management offers a comprehensive introduction to the key principles and practices necessary to lead successful projects. You will learn how to navigate each phase of the project lifecycle, from initiation and planning to execution and closure. This course provides hands-on experience with essential tools like Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), scheduling, budgeting, and critical path analysis.

What makes this course unique is its practical focus, exemplified through real-world scenarios like the PickPOCIT case study, where you'll apply your knowledge to simulate the role of a project manager. Whether you're new to project management or seeking to enhance your skills, this course equips you with the strategies and confidence needed to deliver projects on time and within budget. By the end, you'll be prepared to handle complex project challenges and drive successful outcomes in any industry.

Module details

In this course, you'll gain a foundational understanding of project management, exploring the concepts, processes, and functions essential for successful project execution. You'll learn what it takes to manage a project from initiation to completion, including key skills needed to be an effective project manager. This course will set clear expectations for student performance, ensuring you are well-prepared to meet the demands of project management in any professional environment.

What's included

1 video3 readings

In this module, you'll gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of project management, including key concepts, processes, and essential skills necessary for successful project execution.

What's included

2 videos3 readings2 assignments

2 videosTotal 50 minutes

Planning & Managing Projects Overview- Part 123 minutes
Planning & Managing Projects Overview- Part 227 minutes

3 readingsTotal 105 minutes

Reading References30 minutes
Self-Reflective Reading: Planning and Managing Projects Class30 minutes
Self-Reflective Reading: Insights from Leadership on Effective Project Management45 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 75 minutes

Introduction to Project Management: Concepts and Processes15 minutes
Introduction to Project Management60 minutes

In this module, you'll explore the critical role of the Project Manager (PjM) throughout each phase of a project. You'll examine the distinct characteristics, authority, and responsibilities that define a PjM. Additionally, the module will contrast the role of a project manager with that of a functional manager within a matrix organization. Emphasis will be placed on practical application through team-based exercises focused on the PickPOCIT scenario.

What's included

5 videos4 readings3 assignments

5 videosTotal 92 minutes

Project Lifecycle18 minutes
Project Initiation 13 minutes
Overview of Planning24 minutes
Staffing the organization25 minutes
Overview of PickPOCIT Scenario12 minutes

4 readingsTotal 160 minutes

Reading References30 minutes
Reading References60 minutes
Self-Reflective Reading: Building Effective Relationships in Matrix Organizations as a Project Manager30 minutes
Self-Reflective Reading on the PickPOCIT Contract and Project Management Considerations40 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Understanding the Project Life Cycle and Triple Constraint15 minutes
Staffing the Organization and Overview of Planning15 minutes
Project Lifecycle: Initiation, Staffing, Planning60 minutes

In this module, you'll focus on essential project planning techniques, including writing a Statement of Work (SOW) and applying hierarchical decomposition to project tasks. You'll learn to create and utilize various forms of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), identify common pitfalls in WBS development, and apply best practices to prepare a comprehensive WBS for your project.

What's included

2 videos2 readings3 assignments

2 videosTotal 24 minutes

Scope and Objectives12 minutes
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)12 minutes

2 readingsTotal 230 minutes

Defining the Project: Project Plan Examples180 minutes
Self-Reflective Exercise: Developing a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for the PickPOCIT Project50 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Crafting a Statement of Work (SOW) and Hierarchical Decomposition15 minutes
Developing and Refining a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)15 minutes
Statement of Work; Work Breakdown Structure60 minutes

In this module, you'll learn how to schedule Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) elements, estimate time and budget, and perform critical path analysis. The module covers the preparation and analysis of project work schedules, budgeting processes, common pitfalls in budget estimation, and appropriate contract structures.

What's included

6 videos3 readings3 assignments1 plugin

6 videosTotal 135 minutes

Schedule10 minutes
Planning and Managing Projects IT tool Introduction15 minutes
Microsoft Project Schedule Demo27 minutes
MS Project WBS Demo11 minutes
Estimation, Resources, and Budget35 minutes
Finance and Contracts38 minutes

3 readingsTotal 90 minutes

Reading References30 minutes
Reading References30 minutes
Self-Reflective Reading: Exploring Project Planning Principles30 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Project Scheduling and Time Estimation15 minutes
Budgeting and Contract Management15 minutes
Scheduling; Estimation, Resources, and Budget; Finance and Contracts; Critical Path; Project Management IT Tools60 minutes