Project Management of Engineering Projects: Preparing for Success from edX

Are you a (project) engineer with a technical background but lack – or wish to enhance – your management skills? Are you eager to improve project performance and optimize your project outcomes?

This business and management course will equip you with the necessary project management skills to successfully manage projects, concentrating on three key areas:

The project manager and the team
The project process
The project context

The course focuses on the early project phases, drawing practical insights and real-world examples from a diverse array of technical projects spanning multiple sectors and industries, including, but not limited to, infrastructure and construction.

At the end of this course, you will have created your own project execution plan, either independently or collaboratively as part of a team.

New cases and activities

The demands of project management in engineering are continually evolving. In response to this, several enhancements have been made to this course, including new examples that draw from today’s dynamic project management landscape. These resources, which reflect the current challenges faced by professionals in the field, offer invaluable insights, combining theory with practical application. By integrating these updates, we ensure that engineers are equipped with the latest tools and knowledge to excel in their project management roles and tasks.

Our project management courses

This course is part of our Engineering Project Management series. Each program consists of two courses – this introductory course, plus one of these specializations: Project Financing or Mastering Project Complexity.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Recognize the importance of the front-end phases in creating a successful project
Select an appropriate project manager
Collaborate successfully as part of a specialized project team

Identify how projects are successfully managed in different sectors and contexts
Draft a project execution plan

Recognize the importance of the front-end phases in creating a successful project
Select an appropriate project manager
Collaborate successfully as part of a specialized project team
Identify how projects are successfully managed in different sectors and contexts
Draft a project execution plan

Syllabus

Module 1: The need for and the importance of project managementHow is project success defined? How is it achieved? We explain the decision to focus this course on the front-end phase of projects and the people aspect of projects. We also link to a more strategic level: does your project fit the company’s strategy?

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Applies to learners who may have some background in project management and engineering, but want to further develop their management skills

Designed for learners who are new to project management and have a desire to learn the core principles and strategies

Examines the importance of the front-end phases in creating a successful project, which is useful knowledge for learners

Includes real-world examples from various sectors and industries to help learners connect classroom learning to practical applications

Led by experienced instructors with expertise in project management and engineering, providing learners with access to industry-leading insights

Reviews summary

Practical project management for engineers

According to learners, this course provides a practical and relevant introduction to project management specifically tailored for engineers. Students particularly value the opportunity to create a Project Execution Plan (PEP), which helps consolidate the learned concepts into a tangible output. The course structure is described as well-organized and easy to follow, offering a solid foundational overview of key project phases and management aspects. While generally positive, some note that the group project component can present logistical challenges, and that the course provides a broad introduction rather than a deep dive into every topic. Overall, it's seen as a valuable starting point for engineers needing PM skills.

Provides a solid foundation but lacks deep dive.

"This course gives a solid foundation in project management for engineers new to the field."

"It's a great introduction, but I'll need more advanced courses for specific techniques like detailed scheduling or risk analysis."

"The course covers many topics but doesn't go into extreme depth on any one area."

"I felt I got a good overview of the key PM concepts relevant to engineering projects."

Modules are logical and easy to follow.

"The course is very well organized, logically building from module to module."

"Content is presented clearly and concisely, making it easy to understand even complex topics."

"The modules provide a good overview of the front-end project phases in a structured way."

"I found the course structure intuitive and the progression felt natural."

Hands-on experience creating a project plan.

"Creating the PEP was the most valuable part, bringing all concepts together into one practical document."

"The PEP template and guidance provided were excellent resources for developing the project plan."

"Working on a real or hypothetical project through the PEP helped solidify my understanding of the process."

"The project execution plan activity is a great way to ensure I grasped the key phases."

Provides useful PM skills for engineers.

"This course directly applies PM principles to engineering contexts, which is incredibly useful."

"As an engineer, I found the examples and case studies highly relevant to my work and industry."

"Finally a project management course that feels like it speaks the language of engineering projects!"

"I learned practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

Group project dynamics can be challenging.

"Working in a group with remote strangers was sometimes difficult for scheduling and coordination."

"While the group PEP was good for collaboration, managing different schedules and commitments was a pain point."

"Reliance on teammates for the final project adds an element of risk if not everyone contributes equally."

"The group assignments are sometimes hard to coordinate across different time zones."

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 of Engineering Projects: Preparing for Success with these activities:

Read 'Project Management for Dummies' by Stanley E. Portny

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Gain a comprehensive overview of project management principles and best practices from a highly accessible and practical guide.

View Project Management For Dummies on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of the book or borrow it from a library
Allocate dedicated time for reading and note-taking
Reflect on the key concepts and apply them to your own project management experiences

Review fundamental engineering concepts

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Reinforce your understanding of basic engineering principles to lay a solid foundation for project management concepts.

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Revisit textbooks and lecture notes from previous courses
Attend review sessions or workshops on core engineering topics
Practice solving engineering problems to test your comprehension

Engage in peer discussions and review sessions

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Collaborate with fellow students to exchange knowledge, clarify concepts, and gain diverse perspectives on project management practices.

Browse courses on Knowledge Sharing

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Join or form study groups with other course participants
Host or attend virtual or in-person meetings to discuss course topics and assignments
Share resources, insights, and best practices with your peers

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

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Explore project management software and tools

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Familiarize yourself with the tools that are commonly used in project management to enhance your practical skills.

Browse courses on Project Management Tools

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Identify reputable online courses or tutorials on project management software
Follow the tutorials to learn the functionalities and best practices of the software
Experiment with the software by creating sample projects

Attend industry conferences or webinars on project management

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Connect with professionals in the field and stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in project management, expanding your knowledge and network.

Browse courses on Networking

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Research upcoming industry conferences or webinars
Register and attend the events to hear from experts and engage with attendees
Follow up with individuals you connect with to build your professional network

Simulate project planning and execution

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Apply your understanding of project management concepts through hands-on simulations to develop your decision-making skills.

Browse courses on Project Planning

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Join online simulations or case studies that provide realistic project scenarios
Analyze the project requirements and develop a comprehensive plan
Execute the project within the simulated environment, addressing challenges and making informed decisions

Develop a project management plan for a hypothetical project

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Synthesize your knowledge by creating a comprehensive plan that outlines the key aspects of a project, demonstrating your understanding of project management principles.

Browse courses on Project Planning

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Identify a hypothetical project idea that aligns with the course concepts
Define the project scope, objectives, and deliverables
Develop a detailed project schedule, budget, and resource plan
Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies
Present your project plan to peers or instructors for feedback

Contribute to open-source project management tools or software

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Apply your skills to real-world projects by contributing to open-source software or tools used in project management, enhancing your technical abilities and domain knowledge.

Browse courses on Software Development

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Identify open-source project management projects or initiatives
Review the project's documentation and codebase
Identify areas where you can contribute your skills, such as bug fixes or feature enhancements
Submit your contributions to the project's repository and engage with the community

Career center

Learners who complete Project Management of Engineering Projects: Preparing for Success will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, develop project plans, and manage project budgets. This course provides a strong foundation in project management principles and practices. It covers topics such as project planning, risk management, quality management, and change management. This knowledge can help Project Managers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Program Manager

Program Managers are responsible for overseeing the execution of large-scale projects from start to finish. They ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course provides a broad overview of the project management process, with a focus on the front-end phases. It covers topics such as project planning, team building, risk management, and contracting. This knowledge can help Program Managers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Engineering Manager

Engineering Managers are responsible for leading and managing engineering teams. They work with engineers to develop and implement engineering projects. This course provides a broad overview of the project management process, with a focus on the engineering industry. It covers topics such as project planning, team building, risk management, and quality management. This knowledge can help Engineering Managers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Engineering Manager

Construction Manager

Construction Managers are responsible for overseeing the construction of buildings and infrastructure projects. They work with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course provides a broad overview of the project management process, with a focus on the construction industry. It covers topics such as project planning, team building, risk management, and contracting. This knowledge can help Construction Managers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for overseeing the development and launch of new products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketing teams to ensure that products meet the needs of customers. This course provides a broad overview of the project management process, with a focus on the product development industry. It covers topics such as project planning, team building, risk management, and quality management. This knowledge can help Product Managers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business needs and developing solutions to meet those needs. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, develop business cases, and create project plans. This course provides a strong foundation in business analysis principles and practices. It covers topics such as requirements gathering, process mapping, and cost-benefit analysis. This knowledge can help Business Analysts to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to clients on a variety of business issues. They work with clients to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement change. This course provides a broad overview of the consulting process. It covers topics such as problem solving, communication, and negotiation. This knowledge can help Consultants to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles.

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Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs are responsible for starting and running their own businesses. They work with investors, customers, and employees to develop and launch new products and services. This course provides a broad overview of the entrepreneurial process. It covers topics such as business planning, marketing, and finance. This knowledge can help Entrepreneurs to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a business. They work with employees to ensure that products and services are produced and delivered efficiently and effectively. This course provides a broad overview of the operations management process. It covers topics such as process improvement, quality management, and inventory control. This knowledge can help Operations Managers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles.

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Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Managers are responsible for overseeing the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. They work with suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics providers to ensure that products are delivered to customers on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course provides a broad overview of the supply chain management process. It covers topics such as inventory management, transportation, and warehousing. This knowledge can help Supply Chain Managers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles.

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Logistics Manager

Logistics Managers are responsible for planning and executing the movement of goods and materials. They work with suppliers, carriers, and customers to ensure that products are delivered to the right place, at the right time, and at the right cost. This course provides a broad overview of the logistics management process. It covers topics such as transportation, warehousing, and inventory management. This knowledge can help Logistics Managers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles.

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Procurement Manager

Procurement Managers are responsible for purchasing goods and services for their organizations. They work with suppliers to negotiate contracts and ensure that products and services are delivered to the required quality standards. This course provides a broad overview of the procurement process. It covers topics such as contract management, supplier management, and inventory management. This knowledge can help Procurement Managers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading and managing sales teams. They work with sales representatives to develop and implement sales strategies. This course provides a broad overview of the sales management process. It covers topics such as sales planning, sales forecasting, and sales performance management. This knowledge can help Sales Managers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns. They work with marketing teams to create and execute marketing plans. This course provides a broad overview of the marketing management process. It covers topics such as market research, product development, and advertising. This knowledge can help Marketing Managers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for overseeing the human resources function of an organization. They work with employees to recruit, hire, and develop employees. This course provides a broad overview of the human resources management process. It covers topics such as human resource planning, employee relations, and compensation and benefits. This knowledge can help Human Resources Managers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles.

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