OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
Coursera logo

Project Management Fundamentals

4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 471 ratings
see reviews
Microsoft

The Project Management Fundamentals course provides a comprehensive overview of essential concepts and skills behind project management, leading you through the role of a project manager. There is a focus on the processes and methodologies used to ensure effective project management as well as different approaches to ensure smooth planning and execution to realize business goals.

After completing this course, you’ll be able to:

• Describe the basic concepts and principles of project management

• Identify and analyze the different approaches taken to project planning

Read more

The Project Management Fundamentals course provides a comprehensive overview of essential concepts and skills behind project management, leading you through the role of a project manager. There is a focus on the processes and methodologies used to ensure effective project management as well as different approaches to ensure smooth planning and execution to realize business goals.

After completing this course, you’ll be able to:

• Describe the basic concepts and principles of project management

• Identify and analyze the different approaches taken to project planning

• Discuss the value and benefits that a project management office (PMO) can bring to an organization

This is a great way to prepare for the industry-recognized PMI® Authorized PMP® Exam, a global standard in project management certification.

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until March 12, 2027
Save 40% Off 3 Months
Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.
Take
40%
off
Get offer

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to project management and the Project Management Professional (PMP)
In this module, you will review the pivotal role of a project manager, exploring the responsibilities and skills required to navigate the complexities of project execution. You will then review the foundational principles that guide project management practices, providing you with a solid understanding of the core concepts that drive successful project outcomes.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Microsoft, who are recognized for their work in project management
Explores the role of a project manager and the responsibilities and skills required to navigate the complexities of project execution
Develops skills to identify and describe the five project management process groups
Examines the people involved in a business project and teaches how to identify their interests, expectations and how much they can influence the project
Provides a solid understanding of the core concepts that drive successful project outcomes
May require learners to come in with extensive background knowledge first

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Essential project management skills & pmp basics

According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation in project management fundamentals and serves as a valuable introduction to PMP concepts. Students frequently praise the clear and concise lectures and find the content easy to grasp for beginners. While it offers a logical, modular structure, many reviewers note that coverage can be surface-level, particularly for those seeking more hands-on exercises or practical application beyond the final project. A few express concern that the course is mostly theoretical and could benefit from incorporating more modern methodologies, suggesting it might feel outdated to some.
Excellent for those new to project management roles.
"Highly recommended for anyone starting in PM!"
"Overall, this course is good, especially for me as someone new to the field."
"For beginners, it's quite good. However, as an experienced professional, I found it too foundational."
Covers concepts valuable for PMP certification preparation.
"I found the PMP exam preparation content particularly valuable."
"This course was useful for understanding the fundamentals and processes, giving me a good theoretical base for the PMP framework."
"As someone transitioning into a project coordination role, this was exactly what I needed, covering PMP concepts effectively."
Lectures are clear, concise, and easy to understand.
"The lectures were clear and concise, and the instructor explained complex topics well, making them easy to grasp for me."
"I found the instructor's explanations to be very clear."
"The concepts were well-explained, and the quizzes reinforced my learning effectively."
Provides a comprehensive introduction to project management.
"This course provided a fantastic introduction to project management fundamentals."
"Absolutely brilliant! This course provided such a strong groundwork for project management."
"I gained a solid foundation for PM. I appreciated the real-world examples and the breakdown of the PMI process groups."
Some content may feel outdated, with issues in pace or production.
"I found this course somewhat outdated in its approach. It barely touches on agile or modern methodologies which are crucial today."
"The production quality was also a bit lacking for me. It wasn't really suitable for someone looking for current industry practices."
"It felt a bit dry at times, and the pace was slow; I found myself skipping through most of the videos."
Provides an introduction but may not be enough for full exam prep.
"While it touches on PMP, I don't think it's sufficient as a standalone prep; you'll need to supplement heavily."
"The PMP prep claim might be a bit of an overstatement for me, as it really only scratches the surface."
"I barely learned anything new, and the course promised PMP prep but delivered very little specific to it."
Could benefit from more hands-on activities and real-world case studies.
"I felt some parts were a bit surface-level, and it could benefit from more hands-on exercises beyond the final project."
"The content is mostly theoretical; I was hoping for more practical application."
"While it gave me a good theoretical base, I wished for more practical examples or case studies to make the concepts stick better."

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 Fundamentals with these activities:
Read Agile Project Management for Dummies
Provides an approachable introduction to Agile methodologies and practices, enhancing understanding of iterative and adaptive project management approaches.
Show steps
  • Read through the chapters on Agile principles and concepts.
  • Review the sections on Scrum and other Agile frameworks.
  • Consider how Agile principles can be applied to your projects.
Identify a Project Management Mentor
Provides access to guidance, support, and valuable insights from experienced project managers, enhancing learning outcomes and professional development.
Show steps
  • Network with professionals in the field and attend industry events.
  • Reach out to potential mentors and inquire about their availability.
Review PMBOK Guide
Review the PMBOK Guide to refresh your understanding of project management fundamentals and prepare for the exam.
Browse courses on PMBOK
Show steps
  • Read the PMBOK Guide thoroughly
  • Take notes on key concepts and definitions
  • Complete practice questions to test your understanding
14 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 17 activities
Review PMBOK Guide
Provides a thorough overview and deepens understanding of the fundamental principles and practices of project management.
View Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read through the PMBOK Guide to understand the core concepts and processes of project management.
  • Review the exam objectives to identify the key areas to focus on.
  • Take practice quizzes and mock exams to test your knowledge.
Discuss Project Management Best Practices
Engage in peer discussions to share knowledge and insights on project management best practices and methodologies.
Browse courses on Project Management Best Practices
Show steps
  • Identify a group of peers to discuss with
  • Set up regular meeting times
  • Prepare for each meeting by researching best practices
  • Facilitate discussions and encourage participation
Join a Project Management Study Group
Encourages collaboration, discussion, and knowledge sharing among peers, fostering a deeper understanding of project management concepts through group learning.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or create one with classmates.
  • Review course materials and work through practice problems together.
  • Discuss project management scenarios and share insights.
PMP Certification Preparation Project
Kick-off a project to prepare for the industry-recognized PMI® Authorized PMP® Exam, validating your expertise in project management.
Browse courses on Project Management Certification
Show steps
  • Create a study plan
  • Gather study materials
  • Enroll in a preparation course
  • Start taking practice exams
Complete EdX Course on Project Management
Enhances understanding of project management concepts and best practices, and provides hands-on experience through assignments and projects.
Show steps
  • Sign up for the EdX course on Project Management.
  • Complete the video lectures and tutorials.
PMBOK Guide Tutorial Series
Explore a series of guided tutorials to reinforce your understanding of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide, the foundational framework for project management.
Browse courses on PMBOK Guide
Show steps
  • Identify a tutorial series
  • Follow the tutorials in order
  • Take notes and ask questions
PMP Exam Simulation Practice
Sharpen your skills and knowledge by taking multiple PMP exam simulation practice tests. This will help you identify areas where you need additional preparation.
Browse courses on Project Management Concepts
Show steps
  • Find a reputable exam simulation platform
  • Take practice tests regularly
  • Review your results and improve
Practice Project Scheduling with Gantt Charts
Develops proficiency in creating and managing Gantt charts for project scheduling, enabling accurate planning and timeline management.
Browse courses on Gantt Charts
Show steps
  • Download a Gantt chart template.
  • Enter project tasks and their durations.
  • Establish dependencies between tasks.
  • Finalize the Gantt chart and analyze the project schedule.
Design a Project Management Plan
Create a comprehensive project management plan to demonstrate your understanding of project planning, execution, and control.
Browse courses on Project Charters
Show steps
  • Define the project scope and objectives
  • Identify project stakeholders and their roles
  • Develop a detailed project schedule
  • Estimate project costs and resources
  • Develop a communication plan
Project Management Networking Meetup
Attend a project management networking event to connect with other professionals in the field, share experiences, and gain insights.
Browse courses on Professional Development
Show steps
  • Identify a networking event
  • Prepare your elevator pitch
  • Attend the event and network
  • Follow up with connections
Attend PMI Workshop on Project Management
Provides in-depth knowledge and exposure to industry best practices, tools, and techniques through expert-led sessions and networking opportunities.
Show steps
  • Register for a PMI workshop on project management.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in the sessions.
  • Network with other participants and industry professionals.
Agile Project Management Workshop
Enroll in an Agile project management workshop to enhance your knowledge and skills in this popular approach to project delivery.
Browse courses on Agile Project Management
Show steps
  • Find a reputable workshop
  • Attend the workshop
  • Participate in discussions and exercises
  • Apply Agile principles to your projects
Plan and Execute a Small Project
Provides practical experience in applying project management concepts and tools to a real-world project, fostering problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Show steps
  • Define the project scope, goals, and objectives.
  • Develop a project plan outlining tasks, timelines, and resources.
  • Execute the project plan, manage risks, and track progress.
Develop a Project Management Blog Post
Encourages critical thinking, synthesis of knowledge, and communication skills by requiring the creation of written content that conveys project management concepts and lessons learned.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm project management topics relevant to the course.
  • Research and gather information from various sources.
  • Write a well-structured blog post outlining your insights and perspectives.

Career center

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

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Project Management Fundamentals.
Getting Started with Azure DevOps Boards
Most relevant
Leadership and Team Management
Most relevant
Process Groups and Processes in Project Management
Most relevant
Structural scheme setting and ETABS Analysis of RCC...
Most relevant
Forest Carbon Credits and Initiatives
Most relevant
Project Management in Basecamp: Make a project plan
Most relevant
GenAI for Project Managers: Scaling with GenAI
Most relevant
Project Management: Life cycle and project planning
Most relevant
Copy.AI for Beginners: Generate texts for various use...
Most relevant

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections
14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses
7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions
Free course audit option for lectures and readings
Verified certificates from top universities & companies
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Rating
4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
Approx. 16 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Microsoft
Instructor
Microsoft
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Microsoft, who are recognized for their work in project management
Explores the role of a project manager and the responsibilities and skills required to navigate the complexities of project execution
Develops skills to identify and describe the five project management process groups
Examines the people involved in a business project and teaches how to identify their interests, expectations and how much they can influence the project
Provides a solid understanding of the core concepts that drive successful project outcomes
May require learners to come in with extensive background knowledge first
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Project Management Fundamentals.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser