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Margaret Meloni, MBA, PMP

This capstone project is designed to allow you to take the knowledge you have gained through the Specialization and put that knowledge into practice. In the capstone, you will create several of the key planning deliverables that have been discussed in these courses and either work on a project you choose or use a suggested case study. You will begin the capstone project by writing part of the project charter. You will build on that information to define your project, and then ultimately create a schedule, budget and responses for the risks you identify. The goal is for you to use what you have learned in the previous courses and to perform your own research on how to best move forward with the capstone project. Your work will be peer reviewed by your classmates. In turn you will peer review the work of other classmates. Instructions on how to conduct peer reviews will be included in the course. Upon completing this series, you will be able to (1) write a narrative charter statement, (2) create a work breakdown structure, (3) sequence project activities,(4) build a project schedule, (5) create a project budget, (6) create a responsibility assignment matrix, (7) identify project risks and (8) define responses for those risks.

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This capstone project is designed to allow you to take the knowledge you have gained through the Specialization and put that knowledge into practice. In the capstone, you will create several of the key planning deliverables that have been discussed in these courses and either work on a project you choose or use a suggested case study. You will begin the capstone project by writing part of the project charter. You will build on that information to define your project, and then ultimately create a schedule, budget and responses for the risks you identify. The goal is for you to use what you have learned in the previous courses and to perform your own research on how to best move forward with the capstone project. Your work will be peer reviewed by your classmates. In turn you will peer review the work of other classmates. Instructions on how to conduct peer reviews will be included in the course. Upon completing this series, you will be able to (1) write a narrative charter statement, (2) create a work breakdown structure, (3) sequence project activities,(4) build a project schedule, (5) create a project budget, (6) create a responsibility assignment matrix, (7) identify project risks and (8) define responses for those risks.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Write a narrative charter statement

2. Create a work breakdown structure

3. Sequence project activities

4. Build a project schedule

5. Create a project budget

6. Create a responsibility assignment matrix

7. Identify project risks and define responses for those risks

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What's inside

Syllabus

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This section will prepare you for your capstone project and final peer review. It will also answer any questions you might have about the project assignment, the grading rubric, and what you can expect in the upcoming weeks together.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores risk management, a critical aspect of project management
Provides hands-on experience through a capstone project
Builds on the knowledge gained from the project management specialization
Covers essential project management deliverables such as project charters, work breakdown structures, schedules, budgets, and risk responses
Taught by experienced project management professionals, Margaret Meloni and PMP
Involves peer review of project deliverables, providing valuable feedback

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Reviews summary

Practical project management capstone

According to learners, this capstone course provides a positive and practical application of project management principles learned throughout the specialization. Many students find creating key deliverables like the charter, WBS, schedule, and budget to be a highly valuable hands-on exercise that helps solidify their understanding. However, a common point of concern is the peer review process, which some find inconsistent or unhelpful depending on the quality of feedback received from peers. The course is seen as a good way to consolidate knowledge and is particularly beneficial for those seeking to apply concepts in a real-world context. While some find instructions straightforward, others note areas where clarity could be improved, particularly for complex projects.
Effectively integrates learning from prior courses.
"This capstone effectively tied together everything I learned in the previous courses of the specialization."
"It's a necessary and valuable conclusion to the series, forcing you to use all the tools."
"Felt like the perfect final exam, requiring application rather than just recalling facts."
Creating charter, WBS, schedule, budget documents.
"Building the WBS and schedule from scratch really made the concepts click for me."
"The templates and structure provided for the charter and risk register were very useful."
"Completing the budget section was challenging but gave me practical skills I can use immediately."
"I appreciated having to create all the core planning documents for one project."
Apply PM concepts to a real or case project.
"I found the project management project to be a great way to apply all the concepts learned in the specialization..."
"Applying the methodologies on a chosen project was incredibly valuable and helped consolidate my learning."
"Creating the actual project deliverables was the best part, felt like I was doing real work."
"The hands-on aspect of building a schedule and budget was exactly what I needed after the theory."
Instructions sometimes lack detail or clarity.
"While most instructions were clear, some parts of the rubrics felt vague, making it hard to know exactly what was expected."
"Navigating the requirements for the project was occasionally confusing, especially for unique project types."
"Could use more examples or clarification on how to apply certain deliverables to different scenarios."
"I wished there was more guidance available for troubleshooting issues specific to my chosen project."
Quality of peer feedback varies significantly.
"The peer review process was a hit or miss; some feedback was insightful, while others were generic or unhelpful."
"Receiving low-quality reviews from peers who didn't seem to understand the material was frustrating."
"I spent a lot of time providing detailed feedback, but didn't receive the same in return."
"The inconsistency of grading via peer review is a major downside of this course structure."

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 Project with these activities:
Review Prerequisite Math
Refresh your math skills to ensure a strong foundation for project management concepts.
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Show steps
  • Review basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
  • Practice solving equations and inequalities
  • Review basic geometry concepts (area, perimeter, volume)
  • Brush up on probability and statistics
Create a Project Management Resource Kit
Compiling a resource kit with templates, tools, and references will provide you with ready access to essential project management materials throughout the course.
Show steps
  • Gather project management templates, such as project charters, schedules, and budgets.
  • Collect useful tools, such as project management software and collaboration platforms.
  • Bookmark or save online resources, such as articles, videos, and webinars.
Review Basic Math and Statistics Concepts
Refreshing basic math and statistics concepts will strengthen your foundation for project management calculations and analysis.
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  • Review concepts such as percentages, ratios, and averages.
  • Practice solving simple math and statistics problems.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Review the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK)
Reviewing the PMBOK Guide will provide a solid foundation in project management concepts and best practices, which will enhance your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Read through the PMBOK Guide, focusing on key concepts and definitions.
  • Identify and summarize the different project management processes and knowledge areas.
  • Take practice quizzes or exams to test your understanding.
Develop a Project Charter
Creating a project charter will help you define the scope, objectives, and constraints of your project, providing a clear roadmap for your work.
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Show steps
  • Identify the project stakeholders and their roles.
  • Define the project goals and objectives.
  • Outline the project scope and deliverables.
  • Establish the project timeline and budget.
  • Document the project assumptions and constraints.
Create a Project Schedule
Developing a project schedule will help you plan and manage the sequence and duration of your project tasks, ensuring timely completion.
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Show steps
  • Identify and list all project tasks.
  • Estimate the duration of each task.
  • Create a project schedule using a tool like MS Project or Gantt charts.
  • Consider dependencies between tasks and adjust the schedule accordingly.
  • Monitor and update the schedule throughout the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Project Management Project will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Project Manager
A Project Manager is a professional who plans, organizes and executes projects from start to finish. They work with stakeholders to define project goals, create budgets, develop timelines, and manage risk. The Project Management Project course from the University of California, Irvine can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. The course covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management. By completing this course, you will be able to create project plans, identify project risks, and develop mitigation strategies. You will also be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders and manage project teams. This course is an excellent way to prepare for a career in project management.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and management of products. They work with stakeholders to define product requirements, create product roadmaps, and track product progress. The Project Management Project course from the University of California, Irvine can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. The course covers topics such as product planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management. By completing this course, you will be able to create product plans, identify product risks, and develop mitigation strategies. You will also be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders and manage product teams. This course is an excellent way to prepare for a career in product management.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. They work with stakeholders to define business requirements, create business cases, and track project progress. The Project Management Project course from the University of California, Irvine can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. The course covers topics such as business analysis, project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management. By completing this course, you will be able to create business plans, identify project risks, and develop mitigation strategies. You will also be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders and manage project teams. This course is an excellent way to prepare for a career in business analysis.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a business. They work with stakeholders to define operational goals, create operational plans, and track operational progress. The Project Management Project course from the University of California, Irvine can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. The course covers topics such as operational planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management. By completing this course, you will be able to create operational plans, identify operational risks, and develop mitigation strategies. You will also be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders and manage operational teams. This course is an excellent way to prepare for a career in operations management.
Program Manager
Program Managers are responsible for the management of multiple related projects. They work with stakeholders to define program goals, create program plans, and track program progress. The Project Management Project course from the University of California, Irvine can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. The course covers topics such as program planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management. By completing this course, you will be able to create program plans, identify program risks, and develop mitigation strategies. You will also be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders and manage program teams. This course is an excellent way to prepare for a career in program management.
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinators are responsible for the day-to-day administration of projects. They work with project managers to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with specifications. The Project Management Project course from the University of California, Irvine can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. The course covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management. By completing this course, you will be able to create project plans, identify project risks, and develop mitigation strategies. You will also be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders and manage project teams. This course is an excellent way to prepare for a career in project coordination.
Construction Manager
Construction Managers are responsible for the planning, execution, and management of construction projects. They work with stakeholders to define project goals, create construction plans, and track project progress. The Project Management Project course from the University of California, Irvine can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. The course covers topics such as construction planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management. By completing this course, you will be able to create construction plans, identify construction risks, and develop mitigation strategies. You will also be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders and manage construction teams. This course is an excellent way to prepare for a career in construction management.
Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Managers are responsible for the planning, execution, and management of the supply chain. They work with stakeholders to define supply chain goals, create supply chain plans, and track supply chain progress. The Project Management Project course from the University of California, Irvine can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. The course covers topics such as supply chain planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management. By completing this course, you will be able to create supply chain plans, identify supply chain risks, and develop mitigation strategies. You will also be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders and manage supply chain teams. This course is an excellent way to prepare for a career in supply chain management.
Risk Manager
Risk Managers are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks. They work with stakeholders to define risk management goals, create risk management plans, and track risk management progress. The Project Management Project course from the University of California, Irvine can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. The course covers topics such as risk management planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk assessment. By completing this course, you will be able to create risk management plans, identify risks, and develop mitigation strategies. You will also be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders and manage risk management teams. This course is an excellent way to prepare for a career in risk management.

Reading list

We've selected 32 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 Project Management Project.
This comprehensive textbook covers all aspects of project management, from planning and scheduling to controlling and closing. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike, and it provides a solid foundation for the concepts covered in the course.
Unique and innovative guide to the PMP® exam. It uses a brain-friendly approach to help readers learn and retain the material. This book great resource for anyone who is preparing for the PMP® exam.
Comprehensive guide to the PMP® exam that is written by a PMP® exam expert. It provides everything you need to know to pass the exam on your first try.
A visual and engaging guide to the PMBOK® Guide for PMP exam preparation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of project management, including traditional, agile, and extreme methodologies. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn about different project management approaches and how to choose the right approach for a given project.
Is the official guide to the PMBOK, which is the global standard for project management. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the fundamental concepts of project management and the best practices for applying them.
While not specific to project management, this book offers valuable insights on innovation and iterative development that can be applied to project management.
Comprehensive guide to Agile project management with Scrum. It provides everything you need to know to get started with Scrum.
Classic business book that provides insights into the Toyota Production System. This book can help you to learn about the principles of lean manufacturing and how you can apply them to your own projects.
Novel that tells the story of a struggling manufacturing plant that is transformed by the Theory of Constraints. This book great way to learn about the Theory of Constraints and how it can help you to improve your project management practices.
Business book that explores the reasons why large companies often fail to innovate. This book can help you to understand the challenges of innovation and how you can overcome them.
Business book that provides a framework for developing good strategy. This book can help you to learn how to develop and implement a successful strategy for your project.
Business book that provides a framework for getting customers for your startup. This book can help you to learn how to develop a traction strategy and how to reach your target audience.
Provides a practical guide to project management from a real-world perspective. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to manage projects effectively and avoid common pitfalls.
Provides guidance on project cost management, including budgeting, cost control, and forecasting.
This novel tells the story of a troubled IT project and how it is turned around using DevOps principles. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn about DevOps and how to improve the performance of IT projects.
Provides a humorous and practical guide to project management for people who are new to the field. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to manage projects effectively, even if they do not have any prior experience.
This classic book provides insights into the challenges of software development and project management. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of managing software projects.
Provides insights into the qualities of effective leaders. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their leadership skills and become a more effective project manager.
Provides a comprehensive overview of project management for beginners. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn the basics of project management and how to apply them to real-world projects.
Provides insights into the power of introverts. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the strengths and weaknesses of introverts and how to create a more inclusive workplace.

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