Project Planning: Putting It All Together from Coursera

This is the third course in the Google Project Management Certificate program. This course will explore how to map out a project in the second phase of the project life cycle: the project planning phase. You will examine the key components of a project plan, how to make accurate time estimates, and how to set milestones. Next, you will learn how to build and manage a budget and how the procurement processes work. Then, you will discover tools that can help you identify and manage different types of risk and how to use a risk management plan to communicate and resolve risks. Finally, you will explore how to draft and manage a communication plan and how to organize project documentation. 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:

- Describe the components of the project planning phase and their significance.

- Explain why milestones are important and how to set them.

- Make accurate time estimates and describe techniques for acquiring them from team members.

- Identify tools and best practices to build a project plan and risk management plan.

- Describe how to estimate, track, and maintain a budget.

- Explain the procurement process and identify key procurement documentation.

- Draft a communication plan and explain how to manage it.

- Explain why milestones are important and how to set them.

- Explain why a project plan is necessary and what components it contains.

- Make accurate time estimates and describe techniques for acquiring them from team members.

What's inside

Syllabus

Beginning the planning phase

You will learn how the course is structured, the benefits of planning and key components of the planning phase, the difference between tasks and milestones, and how to set milestones.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a practical foundation for aspiring project managers seeking entry-level positions

Taught by experienced Google project managers sharing their expertise and industry-proven techniques

Covers essential components of the project planning phase, including milestone setting, time estimation, budgeting, procurement, risk management, communication, and documentation

Utilizes real-world case studies and hands-on exercises to reinforce learning

Part of Google's Project Management Certificate program, offering a structured path for professional development

Requires no prior project management experience, making it accessible to beginners

Reviews summary

Foundational project planning for aspiring pms

According to students, this course provides a strong foundation in project planning, particularly for those new to project management or pursuing the Google Project Management Certificate. Learners highly appreciate the practical, real-world examples shared by Google project managers, finding the hands-on exercises and provided templates exceptionally useful. The content is consistently praised for being well-structured and clear, effectively breaking down complex topics like budgeting, procurement, and communication plans. While recent feedback is overwhelmingly positive, some more experienced learners note that it offers foundational depth rather than advanced techniques, occasionally covering topics like risk management and time estimation with less detail than desired. Overall, it's considered an excellent preparatory course for new project managers.

Covers key planning phases like budgeting and communication effectively.

"I especially appreciated the modules on risk management and budgeting."

"The communication plan section was particularly insightful."

"It breaks down complex topics like procurement and budget tracking into manageable, understandable pieces."

"Fantastic content! The explanations of budgeting and procurement were incredibly clear and actionable."

Well-organized content delivered by clear instructors.

"The content is well-structured and easy to follow..."

"The pacing is perfect, and the instructors are very clear."

"The instructors made complex concepts accessible. I especially liked the real-world scenarios and Google's unique insights."

Excellent starting point for new project managers.

"Overall, a very solid course. The content is well-structured and easy to follow, especially for someone new to project management."

"Excellent course for anyone starting out in project management. It breaks down complex topics like procurement and budget tracking into manageable, understandable pieces."

"It's great for someone who needs a foundational understanding..."

Offers actionable insights and examples from Google PMs.

"This course was incredibly practical and provided a strong foundation for project planning. The Google PMs shared excellent real-world examples and tools."

"The emphasis on Google's own internal practices was a huge plus. The exercises were relevant."

"I learned about the best project management tools and resources for the job at hand."

"The templates provided are super useful."

Some videos can feel slow, but overall manageable.

"Some videos felt a little slow, but overall, highly recommend for aspiring PMs."

Provides broad foundational knowledge, less on advanced topics.

"Good course for beginners, but as someone with a few years of experience, I found some of the content to be a bit too basic and repetitive..."

"While the course aims to be comprehensive, I felt some topics, especially time estimation and risk mitigation, were covered superficially."

"It provides an overview but doesn't delve deep enough for practical application beyond very simple projects. I had to look up more detailed information elsewhere."

"I wished for more diverse examples applicable to different industries. Good for foundational knowledge, but don't expect deep dives."

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 Planning: Putting It All Together with these activities:

Review General Project Management Concepts

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Strengthen your foundation in project management concepts to enhance your understanding of the course material.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Revisit introductory resources or textbooks on project management.
Review key principles such as project scope, objectives, and constraints.
Recall the different phases of the project life cycle.

Explore Project Management Templates

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Review project management templates to gain a practical understanding of the structure and components of a project plan.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Browse online repositories for project management templates.
Select a template that aligns with the specific project type and scope.
Analyze the sections and components of the template, understanding their purpose and content.
Identify areas where customization may be necessary for your project.

Estimate Project Durations Using PERT

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Develop proficiency in estimating project durations using the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT).

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Review the principles and calculations involved in PERT.
Practice applying PERT to sample projects.
Break down projects into tasks and estimate durations.
Calculate expected project completion times.

Four other activities

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Develop a Project Plan for a Personal Project

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Consolidate your understanding of project planning by creating a comprehensive plan for a personal project.

Browse courses on Project Planning

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Define the project scope, goals, and deliverables.
Break down the project into tasks and estimate durations.
Develop a timeline and milestones.
Identify and allocate resources.
Create a communication plan for the project.

Read 'Effective Project Management' by Robert K. Wysocki

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Expand your understanding of project management concepts and best practices through a comprehensive book.

View Effective Project Management: Traditional,... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book, 'Effective Project Management' by Robert K. Wysocki.
Read through each chapter, highlighting key concepts and making notes.
Reflect on the real-world examples and case studies presented in the book.
Apply the principles and techniques to your own project planning and execution.

Attend a Project Planning Workshop

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Gain hands-on experience and expert insights by attending a project planning workshop.

Browse courses on Project Planning

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Research and identify relevant project planning workshops.
Register for a workshop that aligns with your learning objectives.
Attend the workshop, actively participate in discussions.
Apply the knowledge and skills acquired in your own project planning endeavors.

Prepare a Project Management Presentation

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Enhance your project management communication skills by preparing and delivering a project management presentation.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Define the purpose and audience of the presentation.
Develop a clear and concise outline.
Gather and organize project-related data and information.
Create visually appealing and informative slides.
Practice delivering the presentation effectively.

Career center

Learners who complete Project Planning: Putting It All Together will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required specifications. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Project Manager, including how to create a project plan, manage a budget, and identify and mitigate risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Program Manager

Program Managers oversee multiple projects, ensuring that they are aligned with the organization's strategic goals and that they are completed successfully. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Program Manager, including how to create a program plan, manage a budget, and identify and mitigate risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work with cross-functional teams to define the product vision, roadmap, and specifications. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Product Manager, including how to create a product plan, manage a budget, and identify and mitigate risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Coordinator

Project Coordinators assist Project Managers with the day-to-day tasks of project management. They may be responsible for creating and maintaining project plans, tracking progress, and managing communications. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Project Coordinator, including how to create a project plan, manage a budget, and identify and mitigate risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Coordinator

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and expertise to organizations on a variety of topics, including project management. They may work with organizations to develop project plans, manage budgets, and identify and mitigate risks. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Consultant, including how to create a project plan, manage a budget, and identify and mitigate risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Business Analyst

Business Analysts gather and analyze data to help organizations improve their business processes. They may use project management techniques to help organizations implement new processes or systems. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Business Analyst, including how to create a project plan, manage a budget, and identify and mitigate risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the daily operations of an organization. They may be responsible for managing budgets, projects, and teams. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as an Operations Manager, including how to create a project plan, manage a budget, and identify and mitigate risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify, assess, and mitigate risks to an organization. They may use project management techniques to help organizations develop and implement risk management plans. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Risk Manager, including how to create a risk management plan, manage a budget, and identify and mitigate risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Change Manager

Change Managers help organizations implement change. They may use project management techniques to help organizations plan and execute change initiatives. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Change Manager, including how to create a project plan, manage a budget, and identify and mitigate risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Change Manager

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software to ensure that it meets the required specifications. They may use project management techniques to help organizations develop and implement quality assurance plans. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Quality Assurance Analyst, including how to create a project plan, manage a budget, and identify and mitigate risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and test software applications. They may use project management techniques to help organizations plan and execute software development projects. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Software Developer, including how to create a project plan, manage a budget, and identify and mitigate risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. They may use project management techniques to help organizations develop and implement data analysis plans. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Data Analyst, including how to create a project plan, manage a budget, and identify and mitigate risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts analyze financial data to help organizations make informed investment decisions. They may use project management techniques to help organizations develop and implement financial analysis plans. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Financial Analyst, including how to create a project plan, manage a budget, and identify and mitigate risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing plans to promote products and services. They may use project management techniques to help organizations plan and execute marketing campaigns. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Marketing Manager, including how to create a project plan, manage a budget, and identify and mitigate risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve sales goals. They may use project management techniques to help organizations plan and execute sales campaigns. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Sales Manager, including how to create a project plan, manage a budget, and identify and mitigate risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager