Foundations of Project Management from Coursera

This course is the first in a series of six to equip you with the skills you need to apply to introductory-level roles in project management. Project managers play a key role in leading, planning and implementing critical projects to help their organizations succeed. In this course, you’ll discover foundational project management terminology and gain a deeper understanding of the role and responsibilities of a project manager. We’ll also introduce you to the kinds of jobs you might pursue after completing this program. Throughout the program, you’ll learn from current Google project managers, who can provide you with a multi-dimensional educational experience that will help you build your skills for on-the-job application.

Learners who complete this program should be equipped to apply for introductory-level jobs as project managers. No previous experience is necessary.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

- Define project management and describe what constitutes a project.

- Explore project management roles and responsibilities across a variety of industries.

- Detail the core skills that help a project manager be successful.

- Describe the life cycle of a project and explain the significance of each phase.

- Compare different program management methodologies and approaches and determine which is most effective for a given project.

- Define organizational structure and culture and explain how it impacts project management.

- Define change management and describe the role of the project manager in the process.

What's inside

Syllabus

Embarking on a career in project management

You will learn how the program is structured, what project management is and what a project manager does, how to apply your skills from previous work experience to project management roles, what types of project management roles you could pursue after completing this certificate, and how to search for those positions.

Becoming an effective project manager

You will learn how project managers add value to organizations and to their teams, what the role and responsibilities of a project manager entail, and what core skills a project manager needs to be successful.

The project management life cycle and methodologies

You will learn about the phases of the project life cycle, what tasks they involve, and why it is important to complete them. You will also learn about the different project management methodologies and approaches and which is most effective for a given project.

Organizational structure and culture

You will learn about common organizational structures and how they impact project management, how organizational culture impacts project management, and how a project manager contributes to the change management process. Optionally, you can start to develop your strategy and professional network to help you prepare for your job search.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Builds a strong foundation in project management terminology and roles, providing a solid entry point for beginners

Led by experienced Google project managers, offering valuable insights from industry professionals

Covers a comprehensive range of project management topics, from life cycle and methodologies to organizational culture

Focuses on skills and knowledge relevant to introductory-level project management positions

Provides guidance on navigating a career in project management and preparing for job searches

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 Foundations of Project Management with these activities:

Resource Library: Project Management Templates

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Compile a collection of project management templates, checklists, and resources to enhance your toolkit.

Browse courses on Project Management Tools

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Identify and gather valuable resources related to project management.
Organize and categorize the resources into a central location.
Share the resource library with your peers.

Develop a Project Management Proposal

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Create a comprehensive project management proposal to demonstrate your understanding of project planning and execution.

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Define the project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
Conduct stakeholder analysis and identify key requirements.
Develop a detailed project plan, including timelines and budgets.
Describe the project management methodology and tools you will use.

Tutorials: Agile Project Management Tools

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Explore tutorials on popular project management tools such as Asana or Jira to enhance your proficiency.

Browse courses on Agile Project Management

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Identify the most useful project management tools for your needs.
Review tutorials to understand the features and functionalities of these tools.
Practice using the tools to manage tasks and projects.

Five other activities

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Project Management Simulations

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Engage in online simulations to practice project planning, risk assessment, and decision-making.

Browse courses on Project Planning

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Find reputable online platforms offering project management simulations.
Select simulations that align with your learning objectives.
Complete simulations, analyze results, and reflect on your performance.

Attend Virtual Networking Events

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Participate in online networking events to connect with project managers and learn about industry trends.

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Identify relevant networking events on platforms like LinkedIn or Meetup.
Prepare an introduction and elevator pitch to introduce yourself to others.
Actively engage with attendees and exchange insights on project management.

Project Management Case Studies Discussion

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Engage in discussions with peers to analyze project management case studies and learn from real-world experiences.

Browse courses on Collaboration

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Identify relevant project management case studies.
Form a study group or discussion forum with peers.
Discuss the case studies, sharing insights and perspectives.
Reflect on the lessons learned and apply them to your own project management endeavors.

Project: Manage a Simulated Project

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Create a project plan and manage a simulated project to apply the principles of project management.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Define project scope, goals, and deliverables.
Develop a project plan, including timelines and budgets.
Communicate effectively with stakeholders.
Monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.
Present project outcomes and evaluate success.

Mentor a Junior Project Manager

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Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring a junior project manager to enhance their growth and development.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Identify opportunities to mentor junior project managers through organizations or professional networks.
Provide guidance and support on project management principles and best practices.
Review their work, offer feedback, and help them develop their skills.
Encourage their professional development and connect them with valuable resources.

Career center

Learners who complete Foundations of Project Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Project Manager

As a Project Manager, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. You will need to have a strong understanding of project management principles and methodologies, as well as the ability to lead and motivate teams. This course will help you build a foundation in project management and prepare you for a career in this field. You will learn about the project management life cycle, project management methodologies, and the role of the project manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for developing and launching new products. They need to have a deep understanding of the product development process, as well as the ability to manage teams and budgets. This course will help you build a foundation in project management and prepare you for a career in product management. You will learn about the product development life cycle, project management methodologies, and the role of the product manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and controlling the day-to-day operations of an organization. They need to have a deep understanding of business processes, as well as the ability to lead and motivate teams. This course will help you build a foundation in project management and prepare you for a career in operations management. You will learn about the project management life cycle, project management methodologies, and the role of the operations manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics, including project management. They need to have a deep understanding of project management principles and methodologies, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with clients. This course will help you build a foundation in project management and prepare you for a career in consulting. You will learn about the project management life cycle, project management methodologies, and the role of the consultant. You can also apply the skills you learn directly on the job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Program Manager

Program Managers are responsible for overseeing multiple projects and ensuring that they are aligned with the organization's strategic goals. They need to have a deep understanding of project management principles and methodologies, as well as the ability to manage large teams and budgets. This course will help you build a foundation in project management and prepare you for a career in program management. You will learn about the project management life cycle, project management methodologies, and the role of the program manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for designing and implementing new systems. They need to have a deep understanding of systems analysis and design principles, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders. This course will help you build a foundation in project management and prepare you for a career in systems analysis. You will learn about the project management life cycle, project management methodologies, and the role of the systems analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Change Manager

Change Managers are responsible for planning and implementing change initiatives. They need to have a deep understanding of change management principles and methodologies, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders. This course will help you build a foundation in project management and prepare you for a career in change management. You will learn about the project management life cycle, project management methodologies, and the role of the change manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Change Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. They need to have a deep understanding of business processes, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders. This course will help you build a foundation in project management and prepare you for a career in business analysis. You will learn about the project management life cycle, project management methodologies, and the role of the business analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Risk Manager

Risk Managers are responsible for identifying and managing risks. They need to have a deep understanding of risk management principles and methodologies, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders. This course will help you build a foundation in project management and prepare you for a career in risk management. You will learn about the project management life cycle, project management methodologies, and the role of the risk manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Chief Technology Officer

Chief Technology Officers are responsible for the technology strategy and operations of an organization. They need to have a deep understanding of technology trends, as well as the ability to lead and motivate teams. This course will help you build a foundation in project management and prepare you for a career in technology management. You will learn about the project management life cycle, project management methodologies, and the role of the Chief Technology Officer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Technology Officer

Chief Information Officer

Chief Information Officers are responsible for the information technology strategy and operations of an organization. They need to have a deep understanding of information technology trends, as well as the ability to lead and motivate teams. This course will help you build a foundation in project management and prepare you for a career in information technology management. You will learn about the project management life cycle, project management methodologies, and the role of the Chief Information Officer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Officer

Quality Manager

Quality Managers are responsible for ensuring the quality of products and services. They need to have a deep understanding of quality management principles and methodologies, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders. This course will help you build a foundation in project management and prepare you for a career in quality management. You will learn about the project management life cycle, project management methodologies, and the role of the quality manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Manager

Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization. They need to have a deep understanding of business processes, as well as the ability to lead and motivate teams. This course will help you build a foundation in project management and prepare you for a career in operations management. You will learn about the project management life cycle, project management methodologies, and the role of the Chief Operating Officer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Operating Officer

Project Coordinator

Project Coordinators are responsible for supporting Project Managers with the day-to-day tasks of project management. They need to have a strong understanding of project management principles and methodologies, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team. This course will help you build a foundation in project management and prepare you for a career as a Project Coordinator. You will learn about the project management life cycle, project management methodologies, and the role of the Project Coordinator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Coordinator

Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Managers are responsible for leading and managing large and complex projects. They need to have a deep understanding of project management principles and methodologies, as well as the ability to lead and motivate teams. This course will help you build a foundation in project management, prepare you to manage large projects, and could pave the way for advancement to a leadership role. You will learn about the project management life cycle, project management methodologies, and the role of the Senior Project Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Senior Project Manager

Foundations of Project Management

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