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Project Management

Life cycle and project planning

Daniel Trabucchi and Tommaso Buganza

Project Management is a fundamental theme to understand and work in any business environments. One of the main skills that Project Managers need to have deals with the ability to manage the project during its entire life-cycle and to plan the work needed to achieve the final result. During the course, the various phases of a typical project are presented. Then, various practical tools are presented aiming to help professionals in actually manage their projects through useful instruments. Among the others, the Scope Statement helps managers in identifying and clearly define what is and what is not part of the project, the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) helps in identifying the activities, the Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS) in managing the team, the Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) to match activities and people, while the Gantt Chart provides a time-based view on the project.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides foundational skills for aspiring Project Managers
Introduces a systematic approach to managing projects
Covers core Project Management tools and techniques
Taught by experienced instructors with industry knowledge
Requires knowledge of basic project management concepts

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Reviews summary

Project management: clear & practical foundation

According to students, this course provides a clear and practical foundation in project management, simplifying complex topics like Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Gantt charts, and Scope Statements. Many learners, particularly working professionals, found the tools and insights immediately applicable to their roles. The instructor's explanations are highly praised for their clarity and passion. While offering a strong theoretical framework, some feedback suggests it can be high-level and could benefit from more hands-on exercises or contemporary examples for deeper practical application. It is generally considered ideal for beginners or those seeking a concise overview.
Serves as an excellent starting point for those new to project management.
"Highly recommended for beginners!"
"It's definitely for beginners."
"I found this course to be a solid foundation for understanding the project lifecycle."
The instructor is highly praised for clear explanations and passion.
"The instructor's explanations are easy to follow, and I feel much more confident in my ability to manage projects."
"Excellent instructor!"
"The instructor is knowledgeable and passionate. I particularly appreciated the focus on real-world application of concepts..."
Provides a strong, easily understandable introduction to project management principles.
"This course is a fantastic introduction to project management. The concepts are explained clearly, and the practical tools like WBS and Gantt charts are incredibly useful."
"Absolutely brilliant! As a working professional, I needed a course that cuts to the chase and provides actionable insights. This course delivered."
"Outstanding for understanding the entire project lifecycle. Every concept, from WBS to Gantt charts, was explained with clarity."
Some examples or content might benefit from being updated to be more contemporary.
"My main feedback would be to update some of the examples to be more contemporary."
"Not much has changed in terms of content since I last checked a year ago, so it feels a bit static."
A few learners found the course pace slow or the presentation style unengaging.
"Found the course a bit dry and the pace was slow at times. While it covered the promised topics, the presentation style wasn't engaging."
"I also felt that some concepts were repeated unnecessarily. Could be improved with more dynamic delivery and concise content."
Offers a solid theoretical base but lacks in-depth practical exercises or software demos.
"I was hoping for more real-world scenarios or software demonstrations. While the concepts are important, I struggled to see how they directly translate into my daily work."
"I wish there were more hands-on exercises or case studies to apply the concepts directly."
"It provides a good theoretical framework, but for practical implementation, I needed to seek additional resources."

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 Management: Life cycle and project planning with these activities:
Attend a half-day workshop on project management best practices
Offers practical insights and tools for effective project delivery.
Browse courses on Project Management Best Practices
Show steps
  • Find a half-day workshop on project management best practices.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions.
  • Implement the learned best practices in future projects.
Attend an online tutorial on project scope management
Provides clarity on project scope and boundary definition.
Browse courses on Project Scope Management
Show steps
  • Find an online tutorial on project scope management.
  • Watch the tutorial and take notes.
  • Apply the concepts learned to a real-world project.
Read 'Project Management for Dummies' by Stanley Erwin Portny
Provides a comprehensive overview of project management concepts and best practices.
View Project Management For Dummies on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book from cover to cover.
  • Highlight important concepts and make notes.
  • Review the book regularly to reinforce learning.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Lead a study group discussion on project team management
Enhances leadership skills and understanding of team collaboration.
Browse courses on Project Team Management
Show steps
  • Organize a study group.
  • Research and prepare the topic.
  • Facilitate the discussion and encourage participation.
  • Summarize key takeaways.
Create a Gantt Chart for a hypothetical project
Develops understanding of project scheduling and visualization.
Browse courses on Gantt Chart
Show steps
  • Define the project scope and deliverables.
  • Break the project into smaller tasks.
  • Estimate the duration and dependencies of each task.
  • Draw the Gantt Chart using a spreadsheet or software.
Solve case study assignments on WBS development
Improves skills in decomposing projects and defining deliverables.
Browse courses on Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
Show steps
  • Read the case study and identify the project objectives.
  • Break down the project into smaller components.
  • Create a WBS diagram using a hierarchical structure.
  • Validate the WBS with an instructor or peer.
Participate in an online project management simulation competition
Tests project management skills in a competitive and realistic environment.
Show steps
  • Find an online project management simulation competition.
  • Form a team or join an existing team.
  • Develop a project plan and execute it within the competition timeframe.
Contribute to an open-source project management tool
Provides hands-on experience in project management tool development.
Browse courses on Project Management Software
Show steps
  • Find a suitable open-source project management tool.
  • Identify areas where you can contribute.
  • Submit a code contribution or documentation improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete Project Management: Life cycle and project planning will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and controlling projects to achieve specific goals. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the project lifecycle, from initiation to closure, and covers essential tools such as the Scope Statement, Work Breakdown Structure, and Gantt Chart. By understanding the principles and practices of project management, you can develop the skills necessary to successfully lead and manage projects in a variety of industries.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Program Manager
Program Managers oversee multiple projects that are related to a common goal or objective. This course provides a foundation in project management principles and tools, which can help Program Managers effectively coordinate and manage complex programs. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of project lifecycles and planning techniques, you can enhance your ability to deliver successful programs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and execution of product strategies. This course provides insights into project management techniques, such as scope management and planning, which can be applied to product development lifecycles. By understanding how to define and manage project scope, you can effectively guide the development and launch of new products.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help organizations improve their processes and systems. This course provides a foundation in project management principles and tools, which can be valuable for Business Analysts in understanding project requirements and managing project deliverables. By gaining expertise in project planning and execution, you can enhance your ability to contribute to successful business initiatives.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and expertise to organizations on a variety of topics, including project management. This course provides a comprehensive overview of project lifecycles and planning techniques, which can be valuable for Consultants in understanding client needs and developing effective project plans. By gaining proficiency in project management, you can improve your ability to deliver successful consulting projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinators assist Project Managers in the planning and execution of projects. This course provides a foundation in project management principles and tools, which can help Project Coordinators effectively support project teams. By understanding the different phases of a project lifecycle and how to plan and manage projects, you can contribute to the success of projects in a variety of industries.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Coordinator
Operations Manager
Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an organization. This course provides insights into project management principles and tools, which can be valuable for Operations Managers in planning and executing operational projects. By understanding how to define project scope and develop project plans, you can enhance your ability to effectively manage operational processes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Managers oversee a portfolio of projects and programs. This course provides a comprehensive overview of project management lifecycles and planning techniques, which can be valuable for Portfolio Managers in managing project portfolios. By understanding how to prioritize and manage projects, you can enhance your ability to achieve strategic objectives.
See salaries and explore the career path for Portfolio Manager
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify and manage risks in projects and organizations. This course provides a foundation in project management principles and tools, which can be valuable for Risk Managers in understanding project risks and developing risk management strategies. By gaining expertise in project planning and execution, you can enhance your ability to contribute to the effective management of risks in projects and organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager
Quality Manager
Quality Managers oversee the quality of products and services. This course provides insights into project management principles and tools, which can be valuable for Quality Managers in managing quality initiatives and projects. By understanding how to define project scope and develop project plans, you can enhance your ability to effectively manage quality processes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Manager
Change Manager
Change Managers help organizations implement and manage change. This course provides a foundation in project management principles and tools, which can be valuable for Change Managers in understanding change management processes and projects. By gaining expertise in project planning and execution, you can enhance your ability to contribute to the successful implementation of change initiatives.
See salaries and explore the career path for Change Manager
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. This course provides insights into project management principles and tools, which can be valuable for Systems Analysts in understanding system development lifecycles and projects. By understanding how to define project scope and develop project plans, you can enhance your ability to effectively manage system development projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course provides a foundation in project management principles and tools, which can be valuable for Software Engineers in understanding software development lifecycles and projects. By gaining expertise in project planning and execution, you can enhance your ability to contribute to the successful development of software applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. This course provides insights into project management principles and tools, which can be valuable for Data Analysts in understanding data analysis projects. By understanding how to define project scope and develop project plans, you can enhance your ability to effectively manage data analysis projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts analyze and interpret financial data to help organizations make informed decisions. This course provides insights into project management principles and tools, which can be valuable for Financial Analysts in understanding financial analysis projects. By understanding how to define project scope and develop project plans, you can enhance your ability to effectively manage financial analysis projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Reading list

We've selected nine 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 Project Management: Life cycle and project planning.
Cover image
Project Management
Save
Is commonly used as a textbook for project management courses. It provides a comprehensive overview of the project management life cycle, from project initiation to project closeout.
Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning,...
Hardcover
$$$
Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning,...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
The Standard for Program Management - Fifth Edition
Save
Is the official guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). It provides a comprehensive overview of the project management profession and valuable resource for project managers at all levels.
The Standard for Program Management - Fifth Edition
Paperback
$$$
The Standard for Program Management - Fifth Edition
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Project Management For Dummies
Save
Great introduction to project management for beginners. It covers the basics of project management in a clear and concise way.
Project Management For Dummies
Paperback
$$
Project Management For Dummies
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Robert Redford
Save
Provides practical advice on how to get work done in a project environment. It covers the different challenges that project managers face and how to overcome them.
Robert Redford: The Biography
Paperback
$$
Robert Redford: The Biography
Hardcover
$$$
Robert Redford: The Biography (Doubleday large...
Hardcover
$$$
(Deutsch) Robert Redford: Die Biographie
Perfect Paperback
$$
(Türkçe) Robert Redford: Biyografi (Turkish Edition)
Paperback
$$
Robert Redford: The Biography
Kindle Edition
$$
(Deutsch) Robert Redford: Die Biographie (German Edition)
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Itil 4: Digital and It Strategy
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to PRINCE2, a project management methodology. It covers the different PRINCE2 processes and how to use them to manage projects effectively.
ITIL 4: Digital and IT Strategy (ITIL 4 Strategic...
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
Making Things Happen
Save
Provides a thought-provoking look at project management. It covers the different challenges that project managers face and how to overcome them.
Making Things Happen: Mastering Project Management...
Paperback
$$
(中文) 项目管理之美 (O'Reilly精品图书系列) (Chinese Edition)
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Managing Risk in Projects
Save
Provides a case-study approach to project management. It covers the different challenges that project managers face and how to overcome them.
Managing Risk in Projects
Paperback
Check
Managing Risk in Projects
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Transitions in Nursing - E-Book
Save
Provides a concise guide to project management. It covers the different aspects of project management, from project planning to project closeout.
Transitions in Nursing - E-Book: Preparing for...
Kindle Edition
$$
Transitions in Nursing eBook: Preparing for...
Kindle Edition
$$
Transitions in Nursing - E-Book: Preparing for...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Project Based Problem Solving and Decision Making
Save
Provides a guide to project management for small projects. It covers the different aspects of project management, from project planning to project closeout.
Project Based Problem Solving and Decision Making:...
Kindle Edition
$$$

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Course image
Effort
2 weeks // 10 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Politecnico di Milano
Instructors
Daniel Trabucchi
Tommaso Buganza
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a collection called Project Management: Tools, Approaches, Behavioural Skills . It's comprised of three courses:
  1. Project Management: Control using the Earned Value and Risk
  2. Project Management: Beyond planning and control
  3. Project Management: Life cycle and project planning (viewing)
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides foundational skills for aspiring Project Managers
Introduces a systematic approach to managing projects
Covers core Project Management tools and techniques
Taught by experienced instructors with industry knowledge
Requires knowledge of basic project management concepts
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