Project Management Essentials: Lead Projects with Confidence

Project Management Essentials: Lead Projects with Confidence

Instructor: Packt - Course Instructors

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11 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

11 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Understand the core responsibilities of a project manager
Apply flexible principles over rigid process templates
Create reliable estimates and track progress efficiently

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

11 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 11 modules in this course

This course offers a human-centered approach to project management, focusing on practical tools and mindset shifts to lead projects effectively. Whether you’re formally or informally managing projects, this course will help you build the confidence and skills necessary to lead with clarity, adaptability, and confidence. By emphasizing real-world applications and communication, it ensures that you can handle any project situation that arises.

In this course, you'll dive into the core responsibilities of a project leader, learning how to apply flexible principles over rigid templates. You'll also explore how to manage stakeholder expectations, estimate effectively, and track progress with precision. The hands-on techniques and expert advice provided will help you manage both predictable and unexpected challenges. What sets this course apart is its focus on adaptability and communication, combining solid project management principles with real-world applications. You'll learn how to handle scope changes, facilitate discussions, and maintain effective collaboration with teams and clients. This course is ideal for designers, freelancers, team leads, and anyone involved in managing projects, whether formally or informally. No prior project management experience is required, but a desire to lead projects more effectively is encouraged. Copyright © 2017 Brett Harned. All rights reserved. Originally published by Rosenfeld Media, LLC. This course edition is published by Packt Publishing under license from Rosenfeld Media LLC. No part of this material may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission from the author or the publisher.

In this section, we demystify the project manager (PM) role versus job titles and examine key qualities-clarity, empathy, adaptability-and fundamental tasks: estimating, planning, scope monitoring, scheduling, and communication.

What's included

2 videos4 readings1 assignment

In this section, we explore how linear project management frameworks, adaptive Agile practices, and flexible change-management models merge into principle-led methods tailored for fast-moving digital initiatives.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

In this section, we build reliable project estimates by decomposing work via WBS, evaluate time-and-materials versus fixed fee models, then translate agile user stories into story-point forecasts with planning poker.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

1 video Total 1 minute

Start with an Estimate - Overview Video 1 minute

6 readings Total 60 minutes

Introduction 10 minutes
Understand the Roles on Your Team 10 minutes
What You Need to Know 10 minutes
Estimating Agile-ish Projects 10 minutes
So What Does It Mean for Your Client 10 minutes
Planning Poker 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 10 minutes

Estimation and Planning in Agile Projects 10 minutes

In this section, we establish a repeatable research workflow, practice targeted stakeholder interviews, and apply early red-flag detection to streamline project kickoffs, mitigate risk, and strengthen client alignment.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

In this section, we turn project goals into a workable plan by sketching scope, using Work Breakdown Structure, estimating timelines, and securing stakeholder approval for realistic, controlled delivery.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

1 video Total 1 minute

Create a Plan - Overview Video 1 minute

6 readings Total 60 minutes

Introduction 10 minutes
Before You Create the Plan 10 minutes
Get Realistic About Timing Break Down Tasks 10 minutes
Formalize Your Plan 10 minutes
Get Plan Buy-in 10 minutes
Step 2: Client/Stakeholder Review 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 10 minutes

Mastering the Essentials of Project Planning 10 minutes

In this section, we establish structured resource planning, align skills with project needs, and classify stakeholders as resources while using utilization metrics to flag overload and justify added capacity.

What's included

1 video1 reading1 assignment

In this section, we will learn to craft crisp updates, set team service agreements, and read nonverbal signals that build trust, speed collaboration, and motivate diverse professionals.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

In this section, we assess situation, people, and emotions, then apply structured preparation, active listening, and thoughtful language to steer difficult conversations toward constructive, relationship-preserving resolutions at work and beyond.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

In this section, we will learn to apply the Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed matrix, craft scope aligned communication plans, and hold honest status meetings that keep expectations steady and scope in check.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

In this section, we detect scope-creep signals early, draft clear change requests, frequently update plans, and balance cost, schedule, and quality to safeguard stakeholder value during evolving projects.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

In this section, we will learn how product managers lead unbiased sessions, design agenda-driven meetings, and guide brainstorming and clustering activities to tame conflict, lift energy, and finish with clear next steps.