Project Management Foundations, Initiation, and Planning from Coursera

To navigate today’s complex and rapidly changing work environments, many organizations divide work into projects. Project management provides a structured approach to plan and manage projects in order to achieve on-time, within-budget, and scope as planned delivery.

Compare and contrast predictive and adaptive project management models. Learn to avoid common causes of project failure. Investigate how to lead effective meetings and how motivating your team can lead to project success. Create essential documents required during the project initiation phase like the business case, project charter, project brief, stakeholder register, and stakeholder engagement plan. Prepare other project documents to help you scope a project and plan accurate project schedules and budgets.

You will gain practical experience with hands-on labs. Upon completion, you will have a portfolio of widely used project initiation and planning assets to demonstrate your skills to potential employers.

This course is set up to help you succeed as a project manager. It is well-suited for those looking to step up their careers or new graduates seeking to establish their project management careers.

This course is part of series of courses intended to help you prepare for CAPM and PMP certification exam.

RECOMMENDED: It is good for everyone gearing toward a career in Project Management to have basic to intermediate skills in an Office Productivity Suite, such as Microsoft Office 365. We highly recommend enrolling in the SkillUp EdTech Office Productivity Software Specialization, which covers Word Processing, Spreadsheets, PowerPoint, Messaging, and Email.

What's inside

Syllabus

Why Project Management?

Welcome to Module 1, which introduces the three-course project management series and the importance of project management in any career path. This module will summarize what you can expect to learn in this three-course series and what the first course will cover. You will also learn the three constraints in project management, how to get the most out of this series, and the project management certifications for which we prepare you.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines traditional and modern project management concepts, which is standard in industry

Studies project management principles and methodologies

Taught by Daniel C. Yeomans, Skill-Up EdTech Team, who are recognized for their work in project management

Develops core project management skills for roles such as project managers

Provides hands-on labs and interactive materials to reinforce learning

Recommended for those looking to step up their careers or new graduates seeking to establish their project management careers

Reviews summary

Practical project management foundations for professionals

According to students, this course provides a solid and practical foundation for Project Management. Learners appreciate the well-structured content, which covers essential concepts from predictive to adaptive methodologies. The course is highly praised for its hands-on labs and the emphasis on creating critical project documents like business cases and project charters, enabling students to build a valuable portfolio of assets. Many find it an excellent preparation for CAPM and PMP certifications, making it particularly beneficial for career advancement. While some advanced learners might desire deeper dives into specific tools, the course successfully delivers comprehensive initiation and planning skills.

Covers foundations, less on advanced PM tools/scenarios.

"While excellent for beginners, I felt some topics could have been explored in more detail for intermediate learners."

"This course is great for getting started, but it's not meant for advanced project management tools or techniques."

"I would have liked more case studies on complex project scenarios beyond the foundational level."

Comprehensive and well-structured PM introduction.

"I gained a clear understanding of project management fundamentals, from initiation to planning processes."

"The modules on predictive and adaptive models were very informative and well-explained."

"This course offers a concise yet thorough overview of key project management principles."

Strong resource for project management certification prep.

"I found this course extremely helpful in understanding the concepts required for my CAPM exam."

"The content aligns well with PMI's PMBOK principles, making it a great start for PMP aspirants."

"This course lays a solid groundwork, providing the necessary knowledge to pursue further certification study."

Helps create essential project initiation documents.

"I learned to create essential documents like the business case and project charter, which are invaluable for my work."

"The hands-on labs were fantastic; I now have a portfolio of project initiation assets to show employers."

"This course provided me with practical templates and a clear understanding of how to use them effectively in a project."

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 Foundations, Initiation, and Planning with these activities:

Review: Project Management for Dummies

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Provide you with a foundational understanding of project management concepts and best practices.

View Project Management For Dummies on Amazon

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Start by reading through the introductory chapters.
Focus on understanding the different project management methodologies.

Review software

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Review foundational skills in Office Productivity Suite to strengthen knowledge in preparation for this course.

Browse courses on Microsoft Office 365

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Review the basics of the different applications in Office Productivity Suite, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Practice using these applications to complete tasks such as creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and emails.
Complete tutorials or online courses to enhance your skills in specific applications.
Find a mentor or experienced user who can provide guidance and support.

Learn Scrum and Agile

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Explore Scrum and Agile methodologies to enhance your understanding of modern approaches to project management.

Browse courses on Scrum

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Identify and enroll in online tutorials or courses that provide an introduction to Scrum and Agile.
Follow along with the tutorials, completing exercises and assignments to reinforce your learning.
Join online forums or communities dedicated to Scrum and Agile to connect with other learners and practitioners.
Attend webinars or workshops on Scrum and Agile to gain practical insights and best practices.

Seven other activities

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Project: Design a Project Plan

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Help you understand the major components of a project management plan and reinforce essential knowledge.

Browse courses on Project Plan

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Identify the project scope, goals, and objectives.
Determine the project activities and tasks.
Estimate the resources and budget required.
Develop a project schedule.
Identify the risks and mitigation strategies.

Gather Essential Project Documents

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Provide you with a repository of essential project documents that you can use as templates for your own projects.

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Start compiling documents including the business case, project charter, project brief, stakeholder register, and stakeholder engagement plan.

Manage a Small Project

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Gain hands-on experience by initiating and planning a small project to solidify your understanding of the course concepts.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Identify a small project that you can complete within a limited time frame.
Define the project scope, goals, and objectives.
Create a project plan that outlines the tasks, timeline, and resources required.
Execute the project plan, tracking progress and making adjustments as needed.
Evaluate the project outcomes and identify areas for improvement.

Explore Project Management Blogs and Resources

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Expose you to different perspectives and best practices in project management.

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Search for reputable project management blogs and websites.
Follow industry experts on social media.
Attend webinars and virtual conferences.

Connect with a Project Management Mentor

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Provide you with guidance, support, and insights from an experienced professional.

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Attend networking events and industry meetups.
Reach out to professionals in your field.
Join online communities and forums.

Volunteer for a Local Project

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Give you hands-on experience in project management and allow you to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.

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Identify a local organization or project that aligns with your interests.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Be prepared to commit to a regular schedule.

Start a Personal Project

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Allow you to apply your project management knowledge and skills to a real-life project, helping you develop your practical abilities.

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Identify a personal project that you are passionate about.
Define the project scope, goals, and objectives.
Develop a project plan and timeline.
Execute the project and track your progress.
Document your experiences and lessons learned.

Career center

Learners who complete Project Management Foundations, Initiation, and Planning will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, develop project plans, and track project progress. This course helps you build a foundation in project management that can help you succeed as a Project Manager. You'll learn about project management concepts, principles, terminology, and methodologies. You'll also learn how to design effective project management templates and improve project management results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Program Manager

Program Managers are responsible for managing multiple projects that are related to each other. They work with stakeholders to define program goals, develop program plans, and track program progress. This course helps you build a foundation in project management that can help you succeed as a Program Manager. You'll learn about project management concepts, principles, terminology, and methodologies. You'll also learn how to design effective project management templates and improve project management results.

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 goals, develop portfolio plans, and track portfolio progress. This course helps you build a foundation in project management that can help you succeed as a Portfolio Manager. You'll learn about project management concepts, principles, terminology, and methodologies. You'll also learn how to design effective project management templates and improve project management results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Portfolio Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for managing the development and launch of new products. They work with stakeholders to define product requirements, develop product plans, and track product progress. This course helps you build a foundation in project management that can help you succeed as a Product Manager. You'll learn about project management concepts, principles, terminology, and methodologies. You'll also learn how to design effective project management templates and improve project management results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business needs and developing solutions to meet those needs. They work with stakeholders to define business requirements, develop business plans, and track business progress. This course helps you build a foundation in project management that can help you succeed as a Business Analyst. You'll learn about project management concepts, principles, terminology, and methodologies. You'll also learn how to design effective project management templates and improve project management results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems. They work with stakeholders to define system requirements, develop system plans, and track system progress. This course helps you build a foundation in project management that can help you succeed as a Systems Analyst. You'll learn about project management concepts, principles, terminology, and methodologies. You'll also learn how to design effective project management templates and improve project management results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. They work with stakeholders to define data requirements, develop data plans, and track data progress. This course helps you build a foundation in project management that can help you succeed as a Data Analyst. You'll learn about project management concepts, principles, terminology, and methodologies. You'll also learn how to design effective project management templates and improve project management results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data and making recommendations. They work with stakeholders to define financial requirements, develop financial plans, and track financial progress. This course helps you build a foundation in project management that can help you succeed as a Financial Analyst. You'll learn about project management concepts, principles, terminology, and methodologies. You'll also learn how to design effective project management templates and improve project management results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Consultant

Consultants are responsible for providing advice and guidance to organizations. They work with stakeholders to define consulting requirements, develop consulting plans, and track consulting progress. This course helps you build a foundation in project management that can help you succeed as a Consultant. You'll learn about project management concepts, principles, terminology, and methodologies. You'll also learn how to design effective project management templates and improve project management results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs are responsible for starting and running their own businesses. They work with stakeholders to define business requirements, develop business plans, and track business progress. This course helps you build a foundation in project management that can help you succeed as an Entrepreneur. You'll learn about project management concepts, principles, terminology, and methodologies. You'll also learn how to design effective project management templates and improve project management results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Freelancer

Freelancers are responsible for providing services to clients on a contract basis. They work with stakeholders to define project requirements, develop project plans, and track project progress. This course helps you build a foundation in project management that can help you succeed as a Freelancer. You'll learn about project management concepts, principles, terminology, and methodologies. You'll also learn how to design effective project management templates and improve project management results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelancer

Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of an organization. They work with stakeholders to define operational requirements, develop operational plans, and track operational progress. This course helps you build a foundation in project management that can help you succeed as an Operations Manager. You'll learn about project management concepts, principles, terminology, and methodologies. You'll also learn how to design effective project management templates and improve project management results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Managers are responsible for managing the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. They work with stakeholders to define supply chain requirements, develop supply chain plans, and track supply chain progress. This course helps you build a foundation in project management that can help you succeed as a Supply Chain Manager. You'll learn about project management concepts, principles, terminology, and methodologies. You'll also learn how to design effective project management templates and improve project management results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager

Quality Manager

Quality Managers are responsible for ensuring the quality of products and services. They work with stakeholders to define quality requirements, develop quality plans, and track quality progress. This course helps you build a foundation in project management that can help you succeed as a Quality Manager. You'll learn about project management concepts, principles, terminology, and methodologies. You'll also learn how to design effective project management templates and improve project management results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Manager

Risk Manager

Risk Managers are responsible for identifying and managing risks. They work with stakeholders to define risk requirements, develop risk plans, and track risk progress. This course helps you build a foundation in project management that can help you succeed as a Risk Manager. You'll learn about project management concepts, principles, terminology, and methodologies. You'll also learn how to design effective project management templates and improve project management results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager