Project Execution: Running the Project from Coursera

This is the fourth course in the Google Project Management Certificate program. This course will delve into the execution and closing phases of the project life cycle. You will learn what aspects of a project to track and how to track them. You will also learn how to effectively manage and communicate changes, dependencies, and risks. As you explore quality management, you will learn how to measure customer satisfaction and implement continuous improvement and process improvement techniques. Next, you will examine how to prioritize data, how to use data to inform your decision-making, and how to effectively present that data. Then, you will strengthen your leadership skills as you study the stages of team development and how to manage team dynamics. After that, you will discover tools that provide effective project team communication, how to organize and facilitate meetings, and how to effectively communicate project status updates. Finally, you will examine the steps of the project closing process and how to create and share project closing documentation. Current Google project managers will continue to instruct and provide you with hands-on approaches for accomplishing these tasks while showing you the best project management tools and resources for the job at hand.

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:

- Identify what aspects of a project to track and compare different tracking methods.

- Discuss how to effectively manage and communicate changes, dependencies, and risks.

- Explain the key quality management concepts of quality standards, quality planning, quality assurance, and quality control.

- Describe how to create continuous improvement and process improvement and how to measure customer satisfaction.

- Explain the purpose of a retrospective and describe how to conduct one.

- Demonstrate how to prioritize and analyze data and how to communicate a project’s data-informed story.

- Identify tools that provide effective project team communication and explore best practices for communicating project status updates.

- Describe the steps of the closing process for stakeholders, the project team, and project managers.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to project execution

You will learn how the course is structured, what aspects of a project to track, and how to track them. You will also learn how to effectively manage changes, dependencies, and risks and how to communicate critical risks to stakeholders.

Quality management and continuous improvement

You will learn how to manage quality using various techniques. You will learn how to effectively communicate with customers and different ways to measure customer satisfaction. You will also explore continuous improvement and process improvement techniques and how to conduct a retrospective during the project to improve processes.

Data-informed decision-making

You will learn the value of gathering data, how to prioritize data to meet project needs, and how to use data to inform your decision-making. You will also learn how to explain your project data to stakeholders and team members using effective visuals and presentation techniques.

Leadership and influencing skills

You will learn the factors that influence team effectiveness, the stages of team development, and how to manage team dynamics. You will discover how to create an ethical and inclusive environment in which high-functioning teams work together to achieve project goals. You will also explore how to use different techniques and sources of power to influence others.

Effective project communication

You will learn what tools provide effective project team communication, how to organize and facilitate meetings to ensure project success, and how to effectively communicate project status updates to project stakeholders and team members.

Closing a project

You will learn how to determine when a project is finished and why closing a project is important. You will examine the steps of the closing process and how to create and share project closing documentation.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a comprehensive overview of project execution, closing, and quality management for beginners

Focuses on practical project management tools and resources for the job at hand

Instructed by current Google project managers, ensuring up-to-date knowledge and industry best practices

Requires no previous experience, making it accessible to aspiring project managers

Reviews summary

Project execution

learners say this Google course provides advanced executives with practical tools to lead cross-functional project teams of various sizes and complexities and to develop leadership and influencing skills that drive successful outcomes.

This course tasks me, in a good way. I got to actively apply all I've been learning in previous courses and started enjoying it. I used to see studying as a chore but this part of the specialization made it interesting! Big ups to the team and presenter/tutor!

"This course tasks me, in a good way."

"I got to actively apply all I've been learning in previous courses and started enjoying it."

"I used to see studying as a chore but this part of the specialization made it interesting!"

"Big ups to the team and presenter/tutor!"

Such a detailed course. Just like in many other things, Google has hit the nail right on the head! Loved it. I wish there were a little more practice work on the project management tools and software. Apart from that, it was way above my expectation!

"Such a detailed course."

"Just like in many other things, Google has hit the nail right on the head!"

"Loved it. I wish there were a little more practice work on the project management tools and software."

"Apart from that, it was way above my expectation! "

Helped to understand the key aspects for running a successful project. Communicate with Team and key stake holders plan , process is well provided. The mentor who gave insight and guided us all the way is exceptional and gentle human being.

"Helped to understand the key aspects for running a successful project."

"Communicate with Team and key stake holders plan , process is well provided."

"The mentor who gave insight and guided us all the way is exceptional and gentle human being."

This course offered a great framework for running cross-functional projects at various scales. It's rather an overview than a deep dive. It is good for exploring relevant topics, but you need to look for details elsewhere.

"This course offered a great framework for running cross-functional projects at various scales."

"It's rather an overview than a deep dive."

"It is good for exploring relevant topics, but you need to look for details elsewhere."

Elita is very professional and inspiring. I enjoyed the course, the information was very well structured with lots of practical examples. Would be happy to learn more with Elita and it would be a real pleasure to work with such a leader as she is.

"Elita is very professional and inspiring."

"I enjoyed the course, the information was very well structured with lots of practical examples."

"Would be happy to learn more with Elita and it would be a real pleasure to work with such a leader as she is."

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 Project Execution: Running the Project with these activities:

Review Quality Management Principles

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Review the fundamental concepts of quality management to refresh your knowledge and strengthen your foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Quality Standards

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Read the textbook chapters or online materials on quality management
Take notes on the key concepts and principles
Review your notes and summarize the main ideas

Read: Project Management for Dummies

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Reading this book can help build a foundational understanding of project management concepts.

View Project Management Checklists For Dummies on Amazon

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Purchase the book or borrow it from your local library.
Read through the book, taking notes on the key concepts.
Complete the exercises and quizzes at the end of each chapter.

Develop a Project Charter

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A project charter is a key document that defines the scope, goals, and objectives of a project. Creating a project charter will help you to plan and execute your project effectively.

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Review the project requirements and objectives.
Identify the project stakeholders.
Define the project scope, goals, and objectives.
Develop a project timeline and budget.
Create a risk management plan.

Seven other activities

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Plan and Execute a Personal Project

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This project will allow you to apply the concepts you learn in this course to a real-world scenario.

Browse courses on Project Execution

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Identify a personal project that you are interested in completing.
Create a project plan that outlines your goals, objectives, and timeline.
Execute your project plan and track your progress.
Reflect on your project and identify what you learned.
Share your project with others.

Watch Project Management Webinars

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Watching project management webinars can help you to learn from experts in the field and stay up-to-date on the latest trends.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Find project management webinars that are relevant to your interests.
Watch the webinars and take notes on the key points.
Apply the concepts you learn to your own projects.

Attend Project Management Workshops

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Attending project management workshops can help you to learn new skills and techniques from experts in the field.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Find project management workshops that are relevant to your interests.
Attend the workshops and take notes on the key points.
Apply the concepts you learn to your own projects.

Join a Project Management Study Group

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Joining a project management study group can help you to learn from your peers and stay motivated.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Find project management study groups in your area.
Attend the study group meetings and participate in the discussions.
Study the project management materials together.

Project Management Simulation

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This simulation will allow you to practice your project management skills in a safe and controlled environment.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Enroll in an online or in-person project management simulation.
Complete the simulation exercises and assignments.
Reflect on your experience and identify areas where you can improve.

Attend Project Management Meetups

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Attending project management meetups can help you to connect with other project managers and learn from their experiences.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Find project management meetups in your area.
Attend the meetups and introduce yourself to other attendees.
Participate in the discussions and share your own experiences.

Volunteer on a Project Management Team

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Volunteering on a project management team can help you to gain hands-on experience and apply your skills to real-world projects.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Find project management volunteer opportunities in your area.
Contact the organization and express your interest in volunteering.
Attend the volunteer training sessions.
Participate in the project management team meetings.
Help to plan and execute the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Project Execution: Running the Project will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, manage, and execute projects. They work to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course provides Project Managers the skills and knowledge they need to be successful. It covers essential topics such as project planning, execution, risk management, and quality management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Program Manager

Program Managers oversee multiple projects and ensure that they are aligned with the organization's strategic goals. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, manage resources, and track progress. This course provides Program Managers with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful. It covers essential topics such as project management, portfolio management, and stakeholder management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work with stakeholders to define product requirements, manage the product development process, and track product performance. This course provides Product Managers with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful. It covers essential topics such as product management, market research, and product development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with stakeholders to define and document business requirements. They analyze business processes and identify opportunities for improvement. This course provides Business Analysts with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful. It covers essential topics such as business analysis, requirements gathering, and process improvement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts work to ensure that products and services meet quality standards. They develop and implement quality assurance processes, and they conduct testing to identify and resolve defects. This course provides Quality Assurance Analysts with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful. It covers essential topics such as quality assurance, testing, and process improvement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify and assess risks, and they develop and implement strategies to mitigate those risks. This course provides Risk Managers with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful. It covers essential topics such as risk management, risk assessment, and risk mitigation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Change Manager

Change Managers work to manage change within organizations. They help organizations to plan, implement, and manage change initiatives. This course provides Change Managers with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful. It covers essential topics such as change management, change leadership, and change communication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Change Manager

Project Coordinator

Project Coordinators support Project Managers in the planning, execution, and closing of projects. They work to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course provides Project Coordinators with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful. It covers essential topics such as project management, project planning, and project execution.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Coordinator

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. This course provides Data Analysts with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful. It covers essential topics such as data analysis, data visualization, and data mining.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst