Project Initiation: Starting a Successful Project from Coursera

This is the second course in the Google Project Management Certificate program. This course will show you how to set a project up for success in the first phase of the project life cycle: the project initiation phase. In exploring the key components of this phase, you’ll learn how to define and manage project goals, deliverables, scope, and success criteria. You’ll discover how to use tools and templates like stakeholder analysis grids and project charters to help you set project expectations and communicate roles and responsibilities. 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:

- Understand the significance of the project initiation phase of the project life cycle.

- Describe the key components of the project initiation phase.

- Determine a project’s benefits and costs.

- Define and create measurable project goals and deliverables.

- Define project scope and differentiate among tasks that are in-scope and out-of-scope.

- Understand how to manage scope creep to avoid impacting project goals.

- Define and measure a project’s success criteria.

- Complete a stakeholder analysis and explain its significance.

- Utilize RACI charts to define and communicate project team member responsibilities.

- Understand the key components of project charters and develop a project charter for project initiation.

- Evaluate various project management tools to meet project needs.

What's inside

Syllabus

Fundamentals of project initiation

You will learn how the program is structured, understand the significance of a project’s initiation phase and describe its key components, and understand how to determine a project’s benefits and costs.

Defining project goals, scope, and success criteria

You will learn how to define and create measurable project goals and deliverables; how to define project scope, differentiate among tasks that are in-scope and out-of-scope, and avoid scope creep; and how to define and measure a project’s success criteria.

Working effectively with stakeholders

You will learn how to define project roles and responsibilities, complete a stakeholder analysis, and utilize RACI charts to define and communicate project team member responsibilities.

Utilizing resources and tools for project success

You will learn the typical resources needed to manage a project, recognize the importance of clear and consistent project documentation, understand the key components of project proposals and charters and develop a project charter, and evaluate various project management tools to meet project needs.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches industry-standard project management processes used by Google

For absolute beginners with no experience in the field

Has introductory material in the fundamentals of project management

Taught by experienced project managers

Provides hands-on projects and exercises to enhance practical application

May require additional resources for in-depth knowledge and certification preparation

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 Initiation: Starting a Successful Project with these activities:

Review project management fundamentals

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Review foundational concepts and theories in project management to establish a strong baseline for the course.

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Read course syllabus and introductory materials
Review basic principles of project management, such as scope, time, cost, and quality
Consider reviewing a relevant textbook or online resources

Explore project management tools

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Familiarize yourself with popular project management tools to enhance your ability to manage projects effectively.

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Research and identify different project management tools
Explore tutorials and webinars on using these tools
Try out a few tools to gain hands-on experience

Develop a project charter template

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Create a template that can be used to standardize and streamline project charter development in future projects.

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Research and gather best practices for project charter creation
Identify key elements and sections of a project charter
Design a template that includes these elements and sections
Test and iterate on the template to ensure its effectiveness

Four other activities

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Plan a small-scale project

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Apply project initiation concepts by planning a small-scale project, providing practical experience in defining project goals and scope.

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Identify a suitable project idea
Define project goals, objectives, and scope
Develop a project plan outlining deliverables, timeline, and budget
Identify potential risks and mitigation strategies
Secure approval and resources for the project

Discuss best practices in project initiation

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Engage with peers to share and learn from diverse perspectives on best practices in project initiation.

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Join or initiate a study group or online forum
Participate in discussions and share your own experiences and insights
Collaborate on case studies or simulations to apply concepts

Participate in a project management competition

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Test your skills and knowledge by participating in a project management competition, providing a challenging and rewarding learning experience.

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Research and identify relevant project management competitions
Form a team and develop a project proposal
Execute the project and submit deliverables
Present your project and compete against other teams

Volunteer in a project management role

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Gain real-world experience and contribute to the community by volunteering in a project management role.

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Identify organizations or projects seeking project management volunteers
Inquire about volunteer opportunities and eligibility
Commit to a suitable volunteer role and timeframe
Perform project management tasks and support the project team
Reflect on your experience and identify areas for growth

Career center

Learners who complete Project Initiation: Starting a Successful Project will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Program Manager

Program Managers are responsible for managing multiple related projects to achieve a common goal. They work with stakeholders to define program objectives, develop program plans, and manage program budgets and resources. Program Managers are typically responsible for managing complex programs that require a high degree of coordination and collaboration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Managers are responsible for managing a portfolio of projects and programs. They work with stakeholders to define portfolio objectives, develop portfolio plans, and manage portfolio budgets and resources. Portfolio Managers are typically responsible for managing portfolios that are aligned with an organization's strategic goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Portfolio Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and delivery of products. They work with stakeholders to define product requirements, develop product plans, and manage product budgets and resources. Product Managers are typically responsible for managing products that are aligned with an organization's strategic goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers lead the planning, execution, and closure of projects. They are responsible for developing project plans, managing budgets and resources, and ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Projects of all types generally require a project manager. This course provides a solid foundation in project management principles and practices, which can be applied to a wide range of project types.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Project Coordinator

Project Coordinators assist Project Managers with the day-to-day management of projects. They work with stakeholders to gather and document project requirements, develop project plans, and manage project budgets and resources. Project Coordinators are typically responsible for providing administrative and technical support to Project Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Coordinator

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for the design, development, and implementation of information systems. They work with stakeholders to gather and document system requirements, develop system designs, and manage system development projects. Systems Analysts may also be responsible for managing stakeholder relationships and facilitating communication between stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with stakeholders to gather and document business requirements. They develop business cases, conduct feasibility studies, and recommend solutions for business problems. Business Analysts may also be responsible for managing stakeholder relationships and facilitating communication between stakeholders.

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Project Change Manager

Project Change Managers are responsible for managing changes to projects. They work with stakeholders to identify and assess changes, develop change management plans, and implement changes. Project Change Managers may also be responsible for managing stakeholder relationships and facilitating communication between stakeholders.

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Project Integration Manager

Project Integration Managers are responsible for integrating the various aspects of projects. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, develop project plans, and manage project integration. Project Integration Managers may also be responsible for managing stakeholder relationships and facilitating communication between stakeholders.

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Project Risk Manager

Project Risk Managers are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to projects. They develop risk management plans, conduct risk assessments, and recommend risk mitigation strategies. Project Risk Managers may also be responsible for managing stakeholder relationships and facilitating communication between stakeholders.

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Project Quality Manager

Project Quality Managers are responsible for ensuring that projects meet quality standards. They develop quality management plans, conduct quality audits, and recommend quality improvement strategies. Project Quality Managers may also be responsible for managing stakeholder relationships and facilitating communication between stakeholders.

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Project Procurement Manager

Project Procurement Managers are responsible for managing the procurement of goods and services for projects. They work with stakeholders to identify and procure goods and services, negotiate contracts, and manage vendor relationships. Project Procurement Managers may also be responsible for managing stakeholder relationships and facilitating communication between stakeholders.

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Project Communications Manager

Project Communications Managers are responsible for developing and implementing project communications plans. They work with stakeholders to define communication objectives, develop communication strategies, and manage communication channels. Project Communications Managers may also be responsible for managing stakeholder relationships and facilitating communication between stakeholders.

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Project Scheduling Manager

Project Scheduling Managers are responsible for developing and managing project schedules. They work with stakeholders to define project timelines, identify dependencies, and develop project schedules. Project Scheduling Managers may also be responsible for managing stakeholder relationships and facilitating communication between stakeholders.

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Project Cost Manager

Project Cost Managers are responsible for managing the cost of projects. They work with stakeholders to develop project budgets, track project costs, and manage project variances. Project Cost Managers may also be responsible for managing stakeholder relationships and facilitating communication between stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Cost Manager