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Dr. James V. Green

Product management is one of the fastest growing and most lucrative jobs available today. Companies have awoken to the desperate need for product managers to create products that customers love, that integrate design, functionality, and business solutions. In our course, we define the fundamentals of product management and why this role is so coveted as a launch pad for future CEOs and startup founders.

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Product management is one of the fastest growing and most lucrative jobs available today. Companies have awoken to the desperate need for product managers to create products that customers love, that integrate design, functionality, and business solutions. In our course, we define the fundamentals of product management and why this role is so coveted as a launch pad for future CEOs and startup founders.

To be effective, product managers need a clear understanding of their jobs and duties. They also need a clear understanding of the required skills and competencies. An appreciation of these roles, responsibilities, skills, and capabilities is also beneficial for stakeholders and team members who collaborate with product managers.

This course investigates the framework for success in product management by defining the product manager’s position in an organization and the key responsibilities. We will examine the skills and competencies most critical to carrying out those responsibilities. To further improve your understanding of product management, we will discuss how product managers engage with the product team and stakeholders to create and manage successful products.

Product managers must also know how to establish, organize, and lead a team. They must know the typical product development life cycle and be able to select the right development methodology for the product and the target market. To meet these challenges to product team leadership, we will consider the phases of product development and the roles that product managers play in each step. We’ll examine a variety of team structures and product development methodologies, and the importance of establishing a team charter. Lastly, we will also explore the opportunities and challenges of market development and commercialization. We’ll provide an orientation to key marketing concepts critical to developing and commercializing innovative products and services.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Product Management Essentials
Get acquainted with the learning experience and course format, meet the faculty, and connect with classmates from across the globe.
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Roles and Responsibilities of the Product Manager
Managing Innovative Product Teams
Market Development and Commercialization

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Introduces product management and how it's sought as a starting point for top-level positions
Teaches product team leadership through phases of product development
Taught by Dr. James V. Green, who is experienced in the field
Introduces market development and commercialization, relevant to business and product management
Explores the roles, responsibilities, skills, and capabilities of product managers

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Reviews summary

Highly recommended product management course

Learners say that this well-received product management course provides helpful, insightful, and easy-to-understand content. Students appreciate the clear and informative instructors, making it a great option for beginners as well as those looking to advance their understanding of product management.
Covers key aspects of product management.
"All aspects of the company, consumer, Market has been covered thoroughly"
"The course succeeds on taking the student that doesn't know anything about roles and responsabilities of a Product Manager, to the level of understanding the details os the triangle of the PM: business, design and engineering. Excelent course!"
Concepts are explained clearly.
"Easy to understand!"
"Excellent course with clear and informative instructors and great subject knowledge."
Instructors have real-world experience.
"Excellent advise from field experienced professional. "
"This course is full of knowledge and develop individual as a product manager or leader."
Suitable for those new to product management.
"It touches the basics and is a good place to start!"
"Very good Course as initial stage to get into the Product Management Career"

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 Product Management Essentials with these activities:
Engage in peer-to-peer mentoring or study groups
Collaborate with fellow students or industry peers to exchange knowledge, provide support, and enhance your understanding of product management concepts.
Show steps
  • Identify a peer or group of peers with similar interests or expertise in product management.
  • Establish a regular schedule for meetings or discussions.
  • Take turns presenting on specific topics, leading discussions, or sharing industry insights.
  • Provide constructive feedback and support to each other's ideas and perspectives.
Analyze product case studies and real-world examples
Put your understanding of product management concepts into practice by examining real-world product examples and analyzing their successes and challenges.
Browse courses on Product Analysis
Show steps
  • Identify a product or industry of interest.
  • Research and gather information on the product's features, target market, and competition.
  • Analyze the product's strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement.
  • Present your findings and insights in a concise and compelling way.
Develop a product roadmap or strategy for a hypothetical product
Get hands-on experience in defining a product's vision, goals, and roadmap, considering market needs, customer feedback, and technical feasibility.
Browse courses on Product Roadmap
Show steps
  • Define the problem or opportunity you want to address.
  • Conduct market research to understand customer needs and preferences.
  • Develop a product vision and strategy to guide the product's development.
  • Create a roadmap that outlines the key milestones and deliverables for the product.
  • Regularly review and update the roadmap based on feedback and changing market dynamics.
Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Product Management Essentials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the lifecycle of a product from its inception to its launch and beyond. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to ensure that the product meets the needs of the customer. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Product Manager. You will learn about the product development process, how to manage a product team, and how to market and launch a product.
Product Owner
Product Owners are responsible for the vision and roadmap of a product. They work with the development team to ensure that the product is built according to the customer's needs. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Product Owner. You will learn about the product development process, how to manage a product team, and how to market and launch a product.
Program Manager
Program Managers are responsible for the planning, execution, and control of a program. They work with stakeholders to ensure that the program meets its objectives. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Program Manager. You will learn about the program management process, how to manage a program team, and how to communicate with stakeholders.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for the planning, execution, and control of a project. They work with stakeholders to ensure that the project meets its objectives. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Project Manager. You will learn about the project management process, how to manage a project team, and how to communicate with stakeholders.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts are responsible for understanding the needs of a business and developing solutions to meet those needs. They work with stakeholders to define the requirements of a project and to develop a plan to meet those requirements. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Business Analyst. You will learn about the business analysis process, how to define requirements, and how to develop a project plan.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses. They work with clients to identify problems and develop solutions. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Consultant. You will learn about the consulting process, how to identify problems, and how to develop solutions.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs are responsible for starting and running their own businesses. They work with customers, employees, and investors to build and grow their businesses. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Entrepreneur. You will learn about the entrepreneurial process, how to start a business, and how to grow a business.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. They work with customers, employees, and investors to build and grow their businesses. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Marketing Manager. You will learn about the marketing process, how to develop a marketing campaign, and how to measure the results of a marketing campaign.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers are responsible for leading and motivating a sales team. They work with customers, employees, and investors to build and grow their businesses. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Sales Manager. You will learn about the sales process, how to lead a sales team, and how to motivate a sales team.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a business. They work with customers, employees, and investors to build and grow their businesses. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Operations Manager. You will learn about the operations process, how to manage a team, and how to improve efficiency.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data and making recommendations to investors. They work with customers, employees, and investors to build and grow their businesses. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Financial Analyst. You will learn about the financial analysis process, how to analyze financial data, and how to make recommendations to investors.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers are responsible for the management of a company's employees. They work with employees, managers, and executives to build and grow a company's culture and workforce. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Human Resources Manager.
Information Technology Manager
Information Technology Managers are responsible for the management of a company's IT systems. They work with employees, managers, and executives to build and grow a company's IT infrastructure.
Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Managers are responsible for the management of a company's supply chain. They work with suppliers, customers, and employees to build and grow a company's supply chain.
Customer Service Manager
Customer Service Managers are responsible for the management of a company's customer service department. They work with customers, employees, and managers to build and grow a company's customer service.

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Product Management Essentials.
Provides a practical guide to using the Lean Startup methodology to develop and launch new products. It valuable resource for product managers who want to learn how to validate their ideas and build products that customers will love.
Classic work on marketing and selling technology products to mainstream customers. It valuable resource for product managers who want to learn how to position and market their products to reach a wider audience.
Provides a framework for understanding why large companies often fail to innovate. It valuable resource for product managers who want to learn how to avoid the pitfalls of corporate bureaucracy and build successful new products.
Provides a simple framework for evaluating the quality of a strategy. It valuable resource for product managers who want to learn how to develop and communicate effective product strategies.
Provides a comprehensive overview of agile product management with Scrum. It valuable resource for product managers who want to learn how to use Scrum to develop and launch successful products.
Provides a practical guide to the day-to-day work of a product manager. It valuable resource for product managers who want to learn how to manage their time, prioritize their work, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
Provides a practical guide to product leadership. It valuable resource for product managers who want to learn how to build and lead successful product teams.
Provides a practical guide to the Lean Startup methodology. It valuable resource for product managers who want to learn how to build and launch successful products with minimal waste.
Provides a practical guide to getting customers for your startup. It valuable resource for product managers who want to learn how to market and sell their products.
Provides a practical guide to value proposition design. It valuable resource for product managers who want to learn how to create products and services that customers want.
Provides a practical guide to bringing the Lean Startup methodology into your organization. It valuable resource for product managers who want to learn how to create a culture of innovation within their company.
Provides a practical guide to the Sprint process. It valuable resource for product managers who want to learn how to solve big problems and test new ideas in just five days.
Provides a practical guide to escaping the build trap. It valuable resource for product managers who want to learn how to create real value for their customers.

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