Best Practices for Project Management Success from edX

Project management plays a key role in supporting a business's success. In this project management course, you will learn what's required from an organization for projects to excel.

You will learn how to turn project management principles and theory into practice. The course will cover:

project management methods and best practices
project portfolio management
the project management office
Six Sigma
corporate culture and organizational behavior
project management leadership

The course will utilize case studies and examples from companies to help students sharpen their project management skills to recognize and implement an environment that supports success.

First, we will cover the basic organizational and leadership elements required to provide a successful environment for all projects to succeed.

Second, we will cover the necessary organizational support structures and methods that enable project management and project managers to deliver results to the business and to the customers they serve.

Finally, we will explore the challenges of specific types of projects such as projects in crisis, global projects and managing a portfolio.

This course is part of the RIT Project Management MicroMasters Program that is designed to teach the importance of the organizational and leadership characteristics for the success of projects. In order to qualify for the MicroMasters Credential, you will need to earn a verified certificate in each of the three courses.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to achieve success in project management
Best practices in organizational and leadership characteristics

How to overcome challenges of specific types of projects

How to achieve success in project management
Best practices in organizational and leadership characteristics
How to overcome challenges of specific types of projects

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches project management best practices, which are standard in the project management industry

Explores leadership elements that support project management success, which is highly relevant to project managers

Taught by Leonie Fernandes, recognized for their work in project management

Examines organizational support structures, which is a core skill for project management

Develops theory and practice for turning project management principles into successful projects, which is useful for personal growth and development

Taught by RIT, recognized for their work in project management

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 Best Practices for Project Management Success with these activities:

Review the Six Sigma principles

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Refreshing these principles will provide a better background for the course

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Read the first chapter of an introductory textbook on Six Sigma
Review the basic principles of Six Sigma (DMAIC, Lean, etc.)
Identify a small-scale project that you can use to test your understanding of the principles

Review Project Management Fundamentals

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Review the Project Management Institute's PMBOK Guide to reinforce foundational concepts and best practices.

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

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Read the PMBOK Guide thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key points.
Summarize each chapter in your own words to enhance understanding.
Identify and define any unfamiliar terms or concepts.

Project Management Tools and Techniques Workshop

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Attend a workshop to gain hands-on experience with project management tools and techniques, enhancing your practical abilities.

Browse courses on Project Management Tools

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Research and register for a project management tools and techniques workshop.
Attend the workshop and actively engage in hands-on exercises.
Experiment with the tools and techniques learned in the workshop.

Four other activities

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Project Planning and Scheduling Exercises

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Practice planning and scheduling projects using Gantt charts or other project management tools to enhance your practical skills.

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Develop a project plan and schedule for a real-world project.
Analyze project dependencies and identify critical tasks.
Estimate task durations and allocate resources.
Monitor project progress and make adjustments as needed.

Agile Project Management Techniques

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Follow online tutorials or workshops on Agile project management techniques to expand your knowledge and skills.

Browse courses on Agile Project Management

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Research and identify reputable tutorials or workshops on Agile project management.
Attend the tutorials or workshops and actively participate in exercises.
Apply the knowledge and skills gained to your own project work.

Project Management Plan

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Create a comprehensive project management plan that demonstrates your understanding of project management theory and principles.

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Define the project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
Develop a project schedule and allocate resources.
Identify and manage project risks.
Develop a communication plan and manage stakeholder expectations.
Monitor project progress and make necessary adjustments.

Contribute to Open-Source Project Management Software

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Collaborate on an open-source project management software to gain experience in practical project management and contribute to the community.

Browse courses on Project Management Software

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Identify an open-source project management software that aligns with your interests.
Join the community and contribute to discussion forums.
Review the codebase and identify areas where you can contribute.
Write and submit code contributions to the project.
Engage with other contributors and participate in project discussions.

Career center

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

Project Manager

A project manager is a professional who is responsible for planning, executing, and completing projects. They work with stakeholders to define the project scope, develop a project plan, and allocate resources. Project managers also track progress, manage risks, and report on project status. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful project manager. You will learn about project management methods and best practices, project portfolio management, the project management office, and project management leadership.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Program Manager

A program manager is a professional who is responsible for managing a group of related projects. They work with project managers to ensure that projects are aligned with the organization's strategic goals and that they are executed successfully. Program managers also track progress, manage risks, and report on program status. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful program manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Portfolio Manager

A portfolio manager is a professional who is responsible for managing a group of investments. They work with investors to define the investment goals and objectives, and they develop and implement investment strategies. Portfolio managers also track performance, manage risks, and report on portfolio status. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful portfolio manager. You will learn about project portfolio management, the project management office, and project management leadership.

See salaries and explore the career path for Portfolio Manager

Business Analyst

A business analyst is a professional who is responsible for analyzing business needs and developing solutions to meet those needs. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, analyze data, and develop recommendations. Business analysts also help to implement solutions and track progress. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful business analyst. You will learn about project management methods and best practices, project portfolio management, and the project management office.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Systems Analyst

A systems analyst is a professional who is responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, develop specifications, and design systems. Systems analysts also help to implement systems and track progress. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful systems analyst. You will learn about project management methods and best practices, project portfolio management, and the project management office.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Database Administrator

A database administrator is a professional who is responsible for managing and maintaining databases. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, design databases, and implement and maintain database systems. Database administrators also help to track performance, manage risks, and report on database status. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful database administrator. You will learn about project management methods and best practices, project portfolio management, and the project management office.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

IT Manager

An IT manager is a professional who is responsible for managing an organization's IT resources. They work with stakeholders to develop IT strategies and policies, and they oversee the implementation and maintenance of IT systems. IT managers also help to track performance, manage risks, and report on IT status. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful IT manager. You will learn about project management methods and best practices, project portfolio management, and the project management office.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Operations Manager

An operations manager is a professional who is responsible for managing an organization's operations. They work with stakeholders to develop operational plans and policies, and they oversee the implementation and maintenance of operational systems. Operations managers also help to track performance, manage risks, and report on operational status. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful operations manager. You will learn about project management methods and best practices, project portfolio management, and the project management office.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Supply Chain Manager

A supply chain manager is a professional who is responsible for managing an organization's supply chain. They work with stakeholders to develop supply chain strategies and policies, and they oversee the implementation and maintenance of supply chain systems. Supply chain managers also help to track performance, manage risks, and report on supply chain status. This course may help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful supply chain manager. You will learn about project management methods and best practices, project portfolio management, and the project management office.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager

Risk Manager

A risk manager is a professional who is responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing risks. They work with stakeholders to develop risk management plans and policies, and they oversee the implementation and maintenance of risk management systems. Risk managers also help to track performance, manage risks, and report on risk status. This course may help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful risk manager. You will learn about project management methods and best practices, project portfolio management, and the project management office.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Compliance Manager

A compliance manager is a professional who is responsible for ensuring that an organization complies with laws and regulations. They work with stakeholders to develop compliance plans and policies, and they oversee the implementation and maintenance of compliance systems. Compliance managers also help to track performance, manage risks, and report on compliance status. This course may help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful compliance manager. You will learn about project management methods and best practices, project portfolio management, and the project management office.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Manager

Quality Manager

A quality manager is a professional who is responsible for ensuring that an organization's products and services meet quality standards. They work with stakeholders to develop quality plans and policies, and they oversee the implementation and maintenance of quality systems. Quality managers also help to track performance, manage risks, and report on quality status. This course may help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful quality manager. You will learn about project management methods and best practices, project portfolio management, and the project management office.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Manager

Project Coordinator

A project coordinator is a professional who is responsible for coordinating the activities of a project team. They work with stakeholders to develop project plans and schedules, and they track progress and communicate with team members. Project coordinators also help to manage risks and report on project status. This course may help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful project coordinator. You will learn about project management methods and best practices, project portfolio management, and the project management office.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Coordinator

Project Administrator

A project administrator is a professional who is responsible for providing administrative support to a project team. They work with stakeholders to gather information, prepare reports, and maintain project files. Project administrators also help to track progress and communicate with team members. This course may help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful project administrator. You will learn about project management methods and best practices, project portfolio management, and the project management office.

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Project Scheduler

A project scheduler is a professional who is responsible for scheduling the activities of a project. They work with stakeholders to develop project plans and schedules, and they track progress and communicate with team members. Project schedulers also help to manage risks and report on project status. This course may help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful project scheduler. You will learn about project management methods and best practices, project portfolio management, and the project management office.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Scheduler