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.

Building a project plan

You will learn why a project plan is necessary and what components it contains, how to create accurate time estimates and why they are important, and which tools and best practices to use to build a project plan.

Managing budgeting and procurement

You will learn what the components of a project budget are, how the budgeting process works, and how to manage a project budget. You will also explore how the procurement process works, what documentation is necessary, and how to obtain support and avoid ethical conflicts during the process.

Managing risks effectively

You will learn what risk management is and how it can help prevent project failure, what tools can help identify and manage risks, how to identify different types of risks and measure their impact on a project, and how to use a risk management plan to communicate and resolve risks.

Organizing communication and documentation

You will learn the elements of a simple communication plan and how to draft and manage one, why documentation helps create project team visibility and accountability, how to organize documents in one central place, and how to prepare for a job search by documenting experience and highlighting transferable skills.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Project planning: a closer look

learners say Google's Project Planning course provides learners with the skills and tools to plan and manage projects effectively. While the course is challenging, learners appreciate the hands-on activities and detailed instruction. They also find the peer review process helpful, although they wish there was a way to ensure that reviews are fair and constructive. Overall, learners highly recommend this course to anyone interested in learning more about project planning and management.

The peer review process is a great way to get feedback on your work and learn from others. However, learners wish there was a way to ensure that reviews are fair and constructive.

"I am actually really happy with the way this course was laid out and I felt there was a tremendous amount of information and it changed my perspective dramatically. If I could rate it more than 5 stars I would put 100 stars."

"The instructor is nice, precise and helpful. The whole course is "on point". I've learnt much of that course! There were some nice exercises which also helps me improve in google docs/spreadsheets/presentations"

"The course has given me hands on skills in project planning. Given that a project plan is the prerequisite for the success of any project, the skills learned in this course will help me in my project managment role"

"I really enjoyed this course. It highlights the value of managing projects through correct processes and documentation, and helps give an understanding as to how to run projects with higher levels of success."

The course instructors are knowledgeable and engaging, and they do a great job of explaining complex concepts in a clear and concise way. The videos and readings are also well-produced and easy to follow.

"I found this information helpful in that it provides more detailed processes to do what I have been doing throughout my career. I hope these tools will help me navigate my next role with a better sense of clarity around roles and how to communicate effectively."

"The Google Project Management Certificate will teach you how to effectively coordinate projects for companies of all sizes."

"I found the course instructor's delivery of the course material to be flat and almost robotic. Her use of hand gestures was unnecessary and distracted from what I was trying to learn."

"I enjoy the course so much! the course helps clarifying some of the common myths in project management, and provide guidance on how to better prepare a project before you jump into it, which established 50% of the project success."

The course includes plenty of hands-on exercises and activities that allow learners to apply the concepts they learn to real-world scenarios. These activities are a great way to reinforce learning and ensure that learners understand the material.

"I also felt that although some of the practice worksheets were involved and sometimes hard (like the risk managment plan), it was hellpful to go through the motions of creating them."

"This course provide solid knowledge and good practice on the assignments though the real world project planning is way complicated and a lot of roadblocks."

"The entire course was amazing and really enlightening. I learned about the planning stage of the project, schedulling, budget, and risk management. I also learned key skills such as vendor management, risk analysis, budget estimation, and procurement. I have implemented most of the skills and knowledge learned into my daily activities and I'm amazed at my growth."

"By far one of the best courses I've attanded! not only on project management, but in general! great work Google and Coursera teams."

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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Show all seven activities

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