International Project Management from edX

Managing global projects presents unique challenges. This course addresses the knowledge, skills and behaviors required to successfully manage projects that span organizations, national boundaries and cultural differences.

In this course we will explore the impact on project management of culture, language variations, religious, regulatory and legal practices, technology penetration, temporal orientation, gender issues, corruption, ethics, personal liberty and political contexts. We learn how to meet global projects challenges through efficient use of practices and technology. The course will utilize available case studies and examples from companies to help students sharpen the skills needed to recognize and foster a successful international project environment.

First, you will learn how culture affects how teams perceive each other, lead, solve problems and execute tasks. Although the world is increasingly connected, the people behind the projects have biases, expectations and a perception of life that impacts all decisions.

Second, you will learn how to effectively manage global teams including how to build trust and collaboration across various cultures, time zones and technological settings. You will learn how to design communication channels and project structures effectively in a global project environment.

Third, you will become familiar with the issues underlying the problem of corruption, which is the abuse of trusted power for private gain. Reducing the risk of corruption strengthens a company's reputation, builds the respect of employees and raises credibility with key stakeholders.

Finally, you will learn how the adoption of collaboration tools can enhance the global project experience.

This course is part of the RIT Project Management MicroMasters Program that is designed to teach how to successfully deliver projects in an international environment. In order to qualify for the MicroMasters Credential, you will need to earn a verified certificate in each of the three courses.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understanding the impact of culture on multiple aspects of a project
Managing global teams and building trust

Setting up an efficient global collaboration framework

Understanding the impact of culture on multiple aspects of a project
Managing global teams and building trust
Setting up an efficient global collaboration framework

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the impact of culture on project management, which is critical when working with international teams

Covers a range of topics relevant to global project management, including communication, collaboration, and ethics

Provides practical tips and strategies for effectively managing global project teams

Case studies and examples from companies help to illustrate the concepts and challenges of global project management

Taught by instructors with expertise in global project management

This course is intended for professionals involved in managing global projects

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 International Project Management with these activities:

Review of Project Management Fundamentals

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Strengthen your understanding of project management principles and refresh your knowledge of essential concepts.

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Review your course notes or textbooks.
Take a practice quiz or exam.

Book Review: 'The Global Project Manager' by Kate Vitasek

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Read a widely acclaimed book on global project management to gain insights into best practices and lessons learned.

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the book and take notes.
Write a brief summary of the key concepts.

Tutorial: Cultural Bias in Project Management

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Improve your awareness of cultural biases and learn strategies for mitigating their impact on project management.

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Watch a video tutorial on cultural bias in project management.
Read an article on the topic and take notes.
Discuss the topic with a colleague or mentor.

Four other activities

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Project Plan Template for Global Projects

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Create a customized project plan template that addresses the unique challenges of managing global projects.

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Gather best practices and lessons learned from previous global projects.
Identify key elements and sections to include in the template.
Format the template and make it available for use.

Project Risk Analysis Exercises

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Enhance your risk analysis skills and develop strategies for identifying and mitigating potential project risks.

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Complete a risk analysis exercise using a real-world case study.
Identify potential risks and develop mitigation plans.
Simulate a risk analysis scenario and analyze the outcomes.

Global Project Management Workshop

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Attend an in-person workshop to engage with experts, gain practical insights, and network with peers in the field of global project management.

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Research and identify relevant workshops.
Register for the workshop and attend all sessions.
Actively participate in discussions and exercises.
Network with other attendees and follow up after the workshop.

Mentoring Emerging Project Managers

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Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring aspiring project managers, providing guidance and support on global project management topics.

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Identify a mentoring opportunity or program.
Establish clear goals and expectations with your mentee.
Provide support, feedback, and guidance on global project management practices.

Career center

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

International Project Manager

An International Project Manager leads and executes projects in various countries and cultures. This course can help build a foundation for this role by providing an understanding of cultural differences and how to manage global teams. It also highlights the importance of collaboration, trust, and communication in international project management.

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Global Program Manager

A Global Program Manager oversees multiple projects across different countries and regions. This course can be beneficial in this role, as it explores the impact of culture on project management, provides strategies for managing global teams, and emphasizes the importance of fostering collaboration in a global context.

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Project Management Consultant

Project Management Consultants provide guidance and support to organizations on project management practices. This course can enhance the skills of a Project Management Consultant, particularly in the area of international project management, by providing insights into cultural nuances, global team management, and collaboration strategies.

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Multicultural Project Leader

Multicultural Project Leaders manage projects involving diverse teams and stakeholders from different cultural backgrounds. This course can be valuable in this role, as it provides a framework for understanding cultural differences and developing effective communication and collaboration strategies in multicultural environments.

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Cross-Cultural Trainer

Cross-Cultural Trainers help individuals and organizations navigate cultural differences and develop effective communication and collaboration strategies. This course can provide a foundation for this role by enhancing the understanding of cultural factors that influence behavior and by providing practical tools for cross-cultural communication and collaboration.

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Intercultural Communication Specialist

Intercultural Communication Specialists help organizations develop and implement effective communication strategies across cultural boundaries. This course can provide a strong foundation for this role by exploring the impact of culture on communication, providing strategies for managing cross-cultural communication, and emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity.

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International Business Development Manager

International Business Development Managers are responsible for developing and executing business strategies in international markets. This course may be helpful in this role, as it provides an understanding of cultural differences, global team management, and collaboration strategies, which are essential for success in international business.

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Global Supply Chain Manager

Global Supply Chain Managers oversee the flow of goods and services across international borders. This course can be beneficial in this role by providing insights into cultural differences, global team management, and collaboration strategies, which are crucial for effective supply chain management in a global context.

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International Marketing Manager

International Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing strategies for global markets. This course may be useful in this role, as it provides an understanding of cultural differences, global team management, and collaboration strategies, which are essential for effective marketing in international markets.

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Global Human Resources Manager

Global Human Resources Managers oversee human resources functions across international locations. This course can be beneficial in this role by providing insights into cultural differences, global team management, and collaboration strategies, which are crucial for effective human resources management in a global context.

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International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work on projects aimed at improving the economic and social conditions in developing countries. This course may be helpful in this role, as it provides an understanding of cultural differences, global team management, and collaboration strategies, which are essential for effective development work in international contexts.

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Diplomat

Diplomats represent their countries in foreign nations and work to maintain and develop relationships between countries. This course may be useful in this role, as it provides an understanding of cultural differences, global team management, and collaboration strategies, which are crucial for effective diplomacy.

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Cultural Anthropologist

Cultural Anthropologists study human societies and cultures. This course may be useful in this role, as it provides an understanding of cultural differences and how they impact behavior and communication.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study human societies and social behavior. This course may be useful in this role, as it provides an understanding of cultural differences and how they impact social structures and interactions.

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Political Scientist

Political Scientists study political systems and processes. This course may be useful in this role, as it provides an understanding of cultural differences and how they impact political institutions and policies.

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