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Vladimir Kalmykov

Why Technical Products Management?

This course is about Tech Product Manager - a rapidly growing role in today's IT industry.

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Why Technical Products Management?

This course is about Tech Product Manager - a rapidly growing role in today's IT industry.

Many innovative companies (Google, Amazon, Facebook, Booking, Uber, etc) build a big portion of their value on the non-intuitive (for a classical PM) tech insights, and need a mix of  product and technical skills to drive it from a vague idea to the end customer facing solution. Think Google Search: minimum UI, but maximum algorithmical and infrastructural magic, which almost fully determines value of the overall experience. As you probably guessed, search algorithms and large-scale infrastructure are two examples of a sweet spot for a Tech PM.

And, since everything is a service these days, you do not need to work in a IT giant to deal with Tech Products. They are everywhere. Then, for any successful Product Manager/entrepreneur in any real project/startup it is:

  • crucial (50% of success) to know how to deal with customer requirements, in other words to have a solid PM base (i do not teach here how to do it - there are already hundreds of courses on the topic)

  • important (30% of success) to know how to combine systems together, what to keep in mind and at the end turn your product idea into a real practical IT service. This course is exactly about this part.

  • nice to have (20% of success) a specific domain knowledge on top (e.g. about payments, or about ML, or a content processing, etc) to ask the right questions and go deeper if your product needs it. It is nice to have because you can always learn if your base is strong enough.

Why i can talk about Tech Product Management?

I have a solid tech background (a PhD in Computer Science with 7 years of software development), and then 5 years of the Tech Product management in Booking. com in different tech departments. In other words, i have a lot to share with you regarding Tech PMing.

Structure of the course

In the Part 1 i explain in details why Tech PM role is gaining popularity with the examples of Google, Uber, AWS, Stripe, etc.

In the Part 2 I quickly cover specifics of the TPM role (it is expected that you already know PM basis from another course) and explain the main difference between a Technical Product Manager, a classical Product Manager, an Engineer, a Project Manager and a Technical Program Manager (completely different roles. ). It will help you to frame the right context and avoid a confusion about who does what.

The core practical Part 3 of the course consists of the 4 real tech product use cases (different industries and company setups), which i solve for you applying Tech PM thinking process. There are also quizzes after each case and the final assignment to solidify your knowledge. Students who understood and completed all the assignments of this part would be able to apply TPM thinking to their projects.

In the Part 4 i provide learning directions of how to grow your Tech PM skills. I cover main Tech Product building blocks (APIs, infrastructure, architecture, monitoring, reliability, and security), give you more low level materials to boost your technicality and PM skills, and mention popular Tech PM specializations.

Enjoy and join a growing community of Tech Product Managers, passionate about building new rockstar products on yet undiscovered tech insights.

Enroll now

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches fundamental concepts of product management, which are critical for successful product development in the tech industry
Emphasizes the essential role of technical skills in modern product management
Provides practical insights through real-world case studies and examples
Offers guidance on how to navigate the complexities of technical product development
Incorporates a multi-modal approach with videos, readings, and quizzes for a comprehensive learning experience
Taught by an experienced instructor with a strong background in both computer science and product management

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Reviews summary

Practical tech product management insights

According to students, this course offers highly practical insights into the Technical Product Management role, focusing on real industry cases. Learners particularly praise the instructor's deep expertise and ability to clearly delineate the TPM role from other functions. The course provides actionable strategies that can be immediately applied. While it covers a broad range of technical concepts, it assumes a foundational understanding of Product Management basics. The engaging assignments and quizzes are frequently highlighted as effective for solidifying knowledge, making it a valuable resource for career-focused professionals seeking to develop technical PM skills.
Offers a breadth of technical topics, not deep dives.
"While it covers many technical building blocks like APIs and architecture, deep technical dives require further self-study."
"It gives a great overview of infrastructure and reliability, but don't expect engineering-level detail or coding."
"I appreciated the breadth of technical topics covered, though some areas could benefit from slightly more in-depth explanation."
Quizzes and assignments solidify understanding.
"The quizzes after each case and the final assignment were crucial for reinforcing the concepts taught in the lectures."
"I found the assignments challenging but extremely helpful for applying what I learned to real-world scenarios."
"Completing the assignments helped me truly internalize the TPM thinking process and build confidence."
Clearly defines the unique role of a Technical PM.
"The course did an excellent job of distinguishing the TPM role from classical PM, engineering, and project management."
"I finally understand the nuances of what makes a Technical Product Manager unique and how their responsibilities differ."
"It helped frame the right context and avoid confusion about responsibilities in a tech team, which was very helpful."
Provides strategies immediately applicable to projects.
"I was able to apply the technical PM thinking process to my own projects and daily work challenges right away."
"The frameworks taught are very practical and directly relevant to my daily work as a Product Manager in tech."
"This course equips you with the tools to turn product ideas into real IT services, a truly valuable skill."
Benefits from the instructor's deep industry knowledge.
"The instructor's deep experience in Tech PM at Booking.com shines through in every lesson and explanation."
"His explanations are incredibly clear, demonstrating a profound understanding of the subject matter."
"I felt confident learning from someone with both strong technical and product management backgrounds and real-world stories."
Explores practical scenarios from diverse industries.
"The 4 real industry cases provided were incredibly valuable; they helped me grasp complex TPM concepts easily."
"I found the case studies to be the most impactful part of the course; they truly reflect real-world challenges."
"The practical examples helped solidify my understanding of how a Technical PM thinks and operates in various settings."
Requires foundational Product Management understanding.
"Learners should definitely have a solid PM base before taking this course, as it moves quickly through TPM specifics."
"I struggled a bit because I didn't have enough prior Product Management experience, so brush up beforehand."
"This course assumes you already know PM basics, which is explicitly stated, so be prepared for a focused approach."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Technical Product Management: learn on 4 real industry cases with these activities:
review_book_1
Review a book on technical product management to gain insights from experts in the field
View Transformed on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes on key concepts and ideas.
  • Summarize the book's main arguments and insights.
  • Identify areas where the book's concepts could be applied to your own work.
guided_tutorials_1
Follow online tutorials on technical product management to learn new skills and reinforce concepts
Show steps
  • Identify a specific technical product management skill or concept that you want to learn more about.
  • Find an online tutorial on the topic that is reputable and well-reviewed.
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step and take notes on key concepts and ideas.
  • Apply what you have learned from the tutorial to your own work.
find_mentors_1
Find a mentor who can provide guidance and support in your technical product management career
Show steps
  • Identify the qualities and experience you are looking for in a mentor.
  • Network with other professionals in your field.
  • Attend industry events and meetups.
  • Reach out to potential mentors and ask for their guidance.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
practice_drills_1
Practice applying technical product management concepts to real-world scenarios to solidify concepts
Show steps
  • Identify a technology product that you use in your daily life.
  • Analyze the product's features, functionality, and user interface.
  • Apply the concepts of technical product management to evaluate the product's strengths and weaknesses.
  • Brainstorm ideas for how the product could be improved.
peer_session_1
Engage in peer-to-peer discussions on technical product management to exchange ideas and learn from others
Show steps
  • Find a peer who is also interested in technical product management.
  • Set up a regular time to meet and discuss technical product management topics.
  • Share your knowledge and insights with each other.
  • Brainstorm ideas and collaborate on projects.
workshop_events_1
Attend a technical product management workshop to learn from experts and network with other professionals
Show steps
  • Find a technical product management workshop that interests you.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.
  • Network with other attendees.
create_content_1
Create a blog post or article on a technical product management topic to demonstrate understanding and reinforce knowledge
Show steps
  • Choose a specific technical product management topic that you are interested in writing about.
  • Do some research on the topic to gather information and insights.
  • Write a blog post or article that is well-organized, informative, and engaging.
  • Publish your blog post or article on a platform where others can read and learn from it.
contests_competitions_1
Participate in technical product management competitions to test your skills and knowledge
Show steps
  • Find a technical product management competition that interests you.
  • Prepare for the competition by studying and practicing.
  • Enter the competition and do your best.
  • Reflect on your performance and identify areas where you can improve.
start_project_1
Start a small project that involves researching and implementing a specific technical product management concept
Show steps
  • Define the scope of your project.
  • Research the relevant technologies and concepts.
  • Implement your product.
  • Test your product and get feedback.
  • Launch your product.

Career center

Learners who complete Technical Product Management: learn on 4 real industry cases will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Product Manager, Technology
A Product Manager, Technology is responsible for managing the technical aspects of a product, including its design, development, and launch. This course would be highly beneficial for individuals in this role, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the technical product management process. The course covers topics such as technical product strategy, roadmap development, and stakeholder management, all of which are essential skills for Product Managers, Technology.
Technical Program Manager
A Technical Program Manager is responsible for planning and executing technical programs, including the development and implementation of new technologies. This course would be highly beneficial for individuals in this role, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the technical product management process. The course covers topics such as technical product strategy, roadmap development, and stakeholder management, all of which are essential skills for Technical Program Managers.
Software Development Manager
A Software Development Manager is responsible for managing the development of software products. This course would be beneficial for individuals in this role, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the technical product management process. The course covers topics such as technical product strategy, roadmap development, and stakeholder management, all of which are essential skills for Software Development Managers.
Product Owner
A Product Owner is responsible for defining and managing the backlog of a software product. This course would be beneficial for individuals in this role, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the technical product management process. The course covers topics such as technical product strategy, roadmap development, and stakeholder management, all of which are essential skills for Product Owners.
Systems Analyst
A Systems Analyst is responsible for analyzing and designing software systems. This course would be beneficial for individuals in this role, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the technical product management process. The course covers topics such as technical product strategy, roadmap development, and stakeholder management, all of which are essential skills for Systems Analysts.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst is responsible for gathering and analyzing business requirements. This course would be beneficial for individuals in this role, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the technical product management process. The course covers topics such as technical product strategy, roadmap development, and stakeholder management, all of which are essential skills for Business Analysts.
Project Manager
A Project Manager is responsible for planning and executing projects. This course may be useful for individuals in this role, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the technical product management process. The course covers topics such as technical product strategy, roadmap development, and stakeholder management, all of which are essential skills for Project Managers.
Technical Architect
A Technical Architect is responsible for designing and implementing software systems. This course may be useful for individuals in this role, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the technical product management process. The course covers topics such as technical product strategy, roadmap development, and stakeholder management, all of which are essential skills for Technical Architects.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer is responsible for developing software applications. This course may be useful for individuals in this role, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the technical product management process. The course covers topics such as technical product strategy, roadmap development, and stakeholder management, all of which are essential skills for Software Engineers.
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. This course may be useful for individuals in this role, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the technical product management process. The course covers topics such as technical product strategy, roadmap development, and stakeholder management, all of which are essential skills for Data Scientists.
Product Designer
A Product Designer is responsible for designing the user interface and user experience of a product. This course may be useful for individuals in this role, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the technical product management process. The course covers topics such as technical product strategy, roadmap development, and stakeholder management, all of which are essential skills for Product Designers.
User Experience Researcher
A User Experience Researcher is responsible for conducting research on the user experience of a product. This course may be useful for individuals in this role, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the technical product management process. The course covers topics such as technical product strategy, roadmap development, and stakeholder management, all of which are essential skills for User Experience Researchers.
Quality Assurance Analyst
A Quality Assurance Analyst is responsible for testing and ensuring the quality of a product. This course may be useful for individuals in this role, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the technical product management process. The course covers topics such as technical product strategy, roadmap development, and stakeholder management, all of which are essential skills for Quality Assurance Analysts.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer is responsible for writing documentation for a product. This course may be useful for individuals in this role, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the technical product management process. The course covers topics such as technical product strategy, roadmap development, and stakeholder management, all of which are essential skills for Technical Writers.
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns for a product. This course may be useful for individuals in this role, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the technical product management process. The course covers topics such as technical product strategy, roadmap development, and stakeholder management, all of which are essential skills for Marketing Managers.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Technical Product Management: learn on 4 real industry cases.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the product development process, with a focus on creating products that customers love. It covers topics such as customer research, product strategy, and product design.
Provides a practical guide for startups on how to use data to make better decisions. It covers topics such as data collection, data analysis, and data visualization.
Introduces the concept of the lean startup, which method for developing new products and services with a minimum of waste. It covers topics such as customer development, agile development, and continuous deployment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the product management process, with a focus on building successful teams. It covers topics such as team leadership, product strategy, and product development.
Discusses the challenges of marketing and selling technology products to mainstream customers. It covers topics such as market segmentation, customer acquisition, and product positioning.
Provides a framework for developing and executing disruptive innovations. It covers topics such as market segmentation, customer acquisition, and product positioning.
Explores the reasons why large, successful companies often fail to innovate. It covers topics such as disruptive innovation, technology adoption, and organizational culture.
Provides a framework for developing and evaluating good strategy. It covers topics such as strategic planning, resource allocation, and execution.
Provides a practical guide for startups on how to get their first customers. It covers topics such as customer acquisition, marketing, and sales.
Provides a practical guide for startups on how to use lean product development to build and launch successful products.

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