Project Management for Development from Coursera

The course outlines the key factors that have contributed to this development, such as investment in infrastructure and social programs, and the importance of managing these investments effectively. A survey by the IDB showed that only 60% of available investment funds are actually used, which represents a significant challenge for regional development.

To address this challenge, the course introduces the "Results-Based Project Management" (PM4R) methodology, based on international standards, which has successfully trained over 4,000 public officials in project planning and management. This methodology aims to address bottlenecks and improve the implementation and outcomes of public sector projects.

Furthermore, through the use of MOOCs, the course extends its reach to new audiences, including the private sector and NGOs, recognizing that development projects are a collaboration among many stakeholders. Over 90,000 people have already enrolled in previous editions, and it is expected that more participants will benefit from this knowledge.

By the end of the course, students will be better prepared to contribute effectively to the development of their countries by using proven tools and methodologies.

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Project Charter

This section of the course includes an introduction where we will detail the objectives, structure, assessments, and materials, including a welcome video and an essential participant guide, culminating in an initial survey. Following this, in this module, we will explore the Project Charter

Module 2: Scope Planning Tool

In this module, we will explore the Work Break Down Structure (WBS).

Module 3: Time Management Tool (Schedule)

In this module, we will explore the Time Management Tool.

Module 4: Cost Management Tool ( S-Curve)

In this module, we will explore the Cost Management Tool (S-Curve).

Module 5: Procurement Management Tool

In this module, we will explore the Procurement Management Tool

Module 6: Risk Management Tool ( Risk Matrix)

In this module, we will explore the Risk Management Tool.

Module 7: Communications Matrix Tool

In this module, we will explore the Communication Matrix Tool.

Module 8: Human Resources Management Tool

In this module, we will explore the Human Resources Management Tool.

Module 9: Project Control Tool

In this module, we will explore the Project Control Tool.

Conclusions Module

Final steps

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces the Results-Based Project Management (PM4R) methodology, which has successfully trained over 4,000 public officials in project planning and management

Aims to improve the implementation and outcomes of public sector projects, addressing bottlenecks that hinder effective resource utilization and project success

Explores tools such as the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Time Management Tool, Cost Management Tool (S-Curve), and Risk Matrix, which are essential for effective project execution

Based on international standards, providing a framework that aligns with globally recognized best practices in project management and development initiatives

Addresses the challenge of underutilized investment funds in development projects, offering practical solutions to improve the effective use of available resources

Explores the Procurement Management Tool, Communication Matrix Tool, and Human Resources Management Tool, which are essential for managing project resources and stakeholders

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 for Development with these activities:

Review Project Management Fundamentals

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Reinforce your understanding of core project management principles before diving into the development-specific aspects covered in the course.

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Review the project management lifecycle.
Familiarize yourself with key project management terms.
Practice applying basic project management techniques.

Read 'A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)'

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of project management principles and terminology, which will enhance your ability to apply the PM4R methodology.

View Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and... on Amazon

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Obtain the latest edition of the PMBOK Guide.
Read the sections relevant to the course modules.
Take notes on key concepts and definitions.

Develop a Project Charter for a Hypothetical Development Project

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Apply the concepts learned in Module 1 by creating a project charter for a development project in your area of interest.

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Define the project's objectives and scope.
Identify key stakeholders and their roles.
Outline the project's budget and timeline.
Document assumptions and constraints.

Four other activities

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Create a WBS for a Development Project

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Practice breaking down a development project into manageable tasks using a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), reinforcing the concepts from Module 2.

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Identify the major deliverables of the project.
Decompose each deliverable into smaller tasks.
Organize the tasks into a hierarchical structure.
Estimate the effort required for each task.

Write a Blog Post on Risk Management in Development Projects

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Solidify your understanding of risk management (Module 6) by explaining its importance and application in development projects to a broader audience.

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Research common risks in development projects.
Explain the risk management process.
Provide examples of risk mitigation strategies.
Publish the blog post on a relevant platform.

Read 'Making it Happen: Mastering Project Execution'

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Deepen your understanding of project execution challenges and strategies, enhancing your ability to manage development projects effectively.

View Making Things Happen: Mastering Project... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Making it Happen'.
Read the chapters on team management and problem-solving.
Reflect on how the concepts apply to development projects.

Volunteer for a Local Development Project

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Gain practical experience in project management by volunteering for a development project, applying the tools and methodologies learned in the course.

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Identify local development organizations.
Inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Participate in project activities and tasks.
Reflect on your experience and lessons learned.

Career center

Learners who complete Project Management for Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality. This course, with its emphasis on the 'Results-Based Project Management' methodology, can be invaluable to a project manager. The course builds a foundation in crucial project management tools such as scope planning, time management, and cost management, all of which are essential to ensuring project success. Moreover, the course covers procurement, risk, communication, and human resources, which can help a project manager to lead teams and handle challenges effectively. This course’s specific focus on development projects also provides an understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced within this sector, making it especially relevant for those interested in public sector or NGO work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Development Program Coordinator

The role of a Development Program Coordinator involves overseeing the implementation of development projects, frequently involving coordination with various stakeholders and close attention to project details. This course is highly beneficial for an aspiring program coordinator because it introduces 'Results-Based Project Management' methodologies aimed at improving the efficacy of public sector initiatives. Through the tools taught in this course, including Work Breakdown Structures, time management, and cost management, a development program coordinator can enhance the effectiveness of their project management. The curriculum's focus on public sector and NGO projects also means this course is especially pertinent for a program coordinator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Development Program Coordinator

Program Manager

A Program Manager directs multiple related projects, coordinating their goals and resources in order to achieve strategic objectives. Because this course teaches vital skills in planning, risk management, and project control, it assists a program manager in executing projects successfully. With its focus on 'Results-Based Project Management' and the inclusion of tools such as the communication matrix, this course also helps a program manager foster collaboration among stakeholders. The emphasis on development projects also provides unique insights relevant to this role, particularly if the program manager is working within public or non-profit sectors.

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Operations Manager

An Operations Manager oversees the day-to-day activities of an organization, working to improve efficiency and productivity. Although operations management is a broad field, the project management strategies taught in this course can be beneficial to an operations manager, particularly in the implementation and execution of organizational improvement initiatives. The methodologies described in this course, such as risk management, procurement management, and the use of the communication matrix, provide skills that help operations managers better manage resources and projects. The course's focus on 'Results-Based Project Management' may also prove valuable to an operations manager who needs to implement strategic initiatives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Public Sector Consultant

A Public Sector Consultant provides expert advice to government agencies and public organizations, often helping them to improve their operations and services, and working on initiatives to promote development goals. This course, specifically crafted around the 'Results-Based Project Management' methodology, is very helpful for a consultant because they need an understanding of project planning, management, and evaluation. The course provides key tools and techniques for project management, including cost management, procurement management, and stakeholder communication. The focus on public sector development in this course aligns directly with the type of projects a consultant in this arena would work on.

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Nonprofit Program Director

A Nonprofit Program Director is responsible for overseeing and leading programs designed to fulfill a nonprofit's mission. This course, with its emphasis on 'Results-Based Project Management,' can be very helpful for a nonprofit program director to run successful projects. The course introduces techniques in areas such as project scope management and time management, which are particularly important in ensuring programs are delivered effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, lessons in cost control, risk management, and human resources management can be crucial in the nonprofit sector, where resources are often limited. The course’s focus on development projects aligns directly with the work often undertaken by NGOs.

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Project Analyst

A Project Analyst supports project managers by gathering data, analyzing project performance, and providing insights to improve project outcomes. This course on 'Results-Based Project Management' introduces a variety of tools, such as the Work Breakdown Structure, which would be very useful for a project analyst gathering data and assessing scope. Furthermore, the course’s modules on time, cost, and risk management provide an indispensable understanding of analytical frameworks used in project analysis. This offers a good understanding of the project management process as a whole.

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International Development Officer

An International Development Officer works on programs and projects aimed at improving conditions in developing countries, with a particular focus on working with international partners and NGOs. A development officer will find this course, with its focus on 'Results-Based Project Management' in the context of development, beneficial. The course offers a practical framework for managing projects with a specific focus on the public and NGO sectors. The course also teaches tools in risk, procurement, and human resources, which are all relevant to international development initiatives. This particular course may help develop the skills necessary to make these projects successful.

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Grants Manager

A Grants Manager oversees the grant-making process, from application review to project oversight and reporting. This course on 'Results-Based Project Management' may be beneficial for a grants manager because it covers tools in project planning, scope management, and cost management, all of which are important for ensuring funded projects are executed effectively. Furthermore, the course covers procurement which is helpful for understanding spending. The focus on projects within the public and NGO sectors also aligns well with the type of work a grants manager may encounter.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst identifies business needs and determines solutions to business problems. While this role is not exclusively focused on project management, the practical skills taught in this course, including risk management and project communications, may be helpful for a business analyst when they analyze project needs. Techniques taught in this course, including those related to scope, time, and cost, may also be beneficial for the analyst to understand. Because the course covers 'Results-Based Project Management,' an analyst may find value in the methodologies when they analyze projects.

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Management Consultant

A Management Consultant provides organizations with expert advice on how to improve efficiency and effectiveness. While this role is broad, the project management skills taught in this course, such as project charters, risk management, and communications, may be useful for a management consultant. The course's focus on 'Results-Based Project Management' may be of great value when helping organizations improve business practices. A management consultant may also use tools such as the Work Breakdown Structure and S-Curves to help their clients.

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Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst conducts research and analysis to support the development of government policies. While the job is not directly related to project management, a policy analyst may find the project management skills taught in this course, such as the use of a communication matrix and stakeholder analysis, beneficial when working on projects that require inter-agency cooperation or public engagement. The focus on 'Results-Based Project Management' may also be helpful as policy development may be viewed as a project in its own right. This also means this course may help a policy analyst view implementation as a project or initiative.

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Logistics Coordinator

A Logistics Coordinator manages the supply chain and ensures that goods are transported efficiently. Although this position is not primarily focused on project management, the tools taught in this course, particularly the procurement management tool and the risk management matrix, may be useful to a logistics coordinator when they manage the delivery of goods. Understanding 'Results-Based Project Management' may also help a logistics coordinator view their work as a project, and plan accordingly, focusing on efficiency and clear timelines.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to support decision-making, often within an organization or business. While this role is primarily focused on data analysis, the knowledge of project management tools taught in this course may be helpful for a data analyst who is working on projects. An understanding of risk management and scope management may be useful when working on initiatives, even if it is not the central focus of the job. This course may help a data analyst understand 'Results-Based Project Management' which may be used in future projects.

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Human Resources Generalist

A Human Resources Generalist handles a variety of HR functions and is typically responsible for the day to day implementation of HR policies. The human resources management tool taught in this course may be useful for a generalist to understand how a typical project manages its human resources. Although this course is not primarily about HR, the exposure to management frameworks, particularly the ‘Results-Based Project Management’ approach, may offer a human resources generalist a different perspective when developing initiatives.

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Project Management for Development

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