Platform Product Essentials from edX

Delivering a platform solution for your business in a “clicks not code environment” seems easy. However the drag and drop interface of the technology isn’t the hard part. This is a course that will help you focus on the real difficulty in platform implementation, the structure of your business and its people. We will explore the benefits of low-code application development vs no-code development and how these tools are surpassing traditional development as the gold standard for custom applications. Our classes will showcase the low-code app development on the google platform and show you how to leverage LC/NC apis to leverage the functionality of tools like Zapier to connect your platform applications. All with little to no coding knowledge.

This fun and engaging course will take a foundational look at the necessary elements to successfully transform your business with the right platform. Starting with establishing a foundational understanding of LCNC tools and taking a look at the landscape of platforms in the market. Participants will get a taste of how citizen developers and professional developers can collaborate to build productive low-code applications. We will then introduce the four pillars model as a tool that will provide clarity for all of the critical elements that are involved in your implementation. We will also highlight some real world use cases where LC/NC applications have been built successfully and where application development has failed.

Historically, traditional implementation models utilize project management techniques to deliver solutions. Throw your PMBOK (project management body of knowledge) out the window. We are no longer running a project. Our platform is now a product and you are on the road to your digital transformation.

This course will consist of the following lectures:

A brief history of software development.
Lining up Your Business.
Selecting the Right Tool: A primer of some LCNC platforms.
Getting the Support you need.
Putting your team to work.

By the end of this course you will have a foundational understanding of how to successfully deliver a platform application to your business.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Some history of software development, on premise application and hosted cloud solutions
Low-code vs no-code vs high-code (and what is mid-code?)
The importance and value of lcnc platforms
The foundation of platform management
The four pillars of platform management
Ensuring your are ready for success

Selecting a software vendor to ensure scalability
Different pricing models for vendor support
How to structure your team
Defining a business process
How and when to get outside assistance

Some history of software development, on premise application and hosted cloud solutions
Low-code vs no-code vs high-code (and what is mid-code?)
The importance and value of lcnc platforms
The foundation of platform management
The four pillars of platform management
Ensuring your are ready for success
Selecting a software vendor to ensure scalability
Different pricing models for vendor support
How to structure your team
Defining a business process
How and when to get outside assistance

Syllabus

Week 1: A brief history of software development. What is LC/NC and how did we get here?

Week 2: Lining up Your Business. Ensuring the foundational elements are in place for your platform to revolutionize your business and to meet your business needs and streamline delivery.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for current and aspiring business leaders

Emphasizes the alignment of business needs and platform implementation

Provides a framework (four pillars model) for successful platform management

Covers key aspects of platform implementation, including tool selection and team collaboration

Helps learners understand the shift from project management to product management in platform delivery

May be less relevant for individuals with significant experience in platform implementation or management

Reviews summary

Strategic blueprint for platform product development

According to learners, this course offers a strong foundational understanding of LCNC platforms, emphasizing a crucial shift from 'project' to 'product' thinking. Many found the 'four pillars' model and real-world use cases particularly insightful and applicable for digital transformation. While lauded for its strategic framework and focus on organizational readiness, some students noted a lack of hands-on technical depth and felt it was too high-level for those seeking detailed implementation, better suiting those needing a broad overview. It's generally considered excellent for business leaders navigating LCNC adoption.

Course content remains relevant and effective, with no significant trends in feedback.

"The strategic insights provided feel current and highly relevant to my work in LCNC adoption."

"I found the strategic insights I gained from this course are still highly relevant and haven't felt outdated."

"The information on platform product thinking continues to be a valuable resource for my business transformation efforts."

Well-suited for those new to platform thinking and strategic LCNC adoption.

"Good for absolute beginners in platform thinking, but less so for those already familiar with project management or agile."

"A strong foundation for understanding platform products. The course delivered on its promise of giving a foundational understanding."

"It's not a technical course, which is good for its target audience."

Offers insightful models like the 'four pillars' and real-world examples.

"The 'four pillars' model is incredibly insightful and applicable."

"I especially appreciated the real-world use cases."

"I found the emphasis on organizational readiness and getting stakeholder support to be critical."

Emphasizes moving from project management to product thinking for platforms.

"This course was a revelation! It truly shifts your mindset from 'project' to 'product' when dealing with platforms."

"The course has some solid points, especially about changing the mindset from project to product."

"I found the course exceptional in highlighting the strategic importance of treating platforms as products, not projects."

Provides a strategic overview but limited hands-on technical implementation details.

"I would have liked a bit more technical depth on the Google platform mentioned, but I understand the focus was on strategy, not coding."

"Honestly, I found this course a bit basic... it doesn't give you much practical application guidance on actual LCNC platforms."

"I signed up hoping for actionable insights on specific LCNC tools, but it remained largely conceptual. Disappointed with the lack of hands-on application."

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 Platform Product Essentials with these activities:

Review low-code app development concepts

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Understanding the core principles of low-code app development will help you grasp the content presented in this course.

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Read articles or watch videos about low-code app development.
Review your notes from previous courses or workshops on low-code app development.
Test your understanding by completing online quizzes or exercises.

Navigating Low-Code Development Platforms

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Low-code development platforms can be overwhelming. Get comfortable navigating the platform to ease your transition.

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Identify key features of different platforms.
Practice building simple components.
Explore documentation and support resources.

Follow tutorials on LCNC platform features

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Exploring tutorials and documentation will help you understand the capabilities and limitations of the specific LCNC platform you are using.

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Search for tutorials on the vendor's website or online forums.
Choose a tutorial that aligns with your learning objectives.
Follow the steps in the tutorial and try out the features in your own environment.

One other activity

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Develop a business case for an LCNC platform implementation

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Creating a business case will help you justify the investment in an LCNC platform and demonstrate its potential value to your organization.

Browse courses on Business Process Improvement

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Define the business problem or opportunity that the LCNC platform will address.
Research and analyze the potential benefits of using an LCNC platform.
Estimate the costs and resources required for implementation.
Develop a plan for implementation and ongoing support.
Present the business case to decision-makers and stakeholders.

Career center

Learners who complete Platform Product Essentials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Technical Architect

Technical Architects can significantly benefit from the Platform Product Essentials course as it provides a holistic understanding of platform architecture and management. The course covers key topics such as the selection of appropriate tools, the four pillars of platform management, and the integration of legacy systems. By gaining insights into these areas, Technical Architects can effectively design and implement platform solutions that meet the complex technical requirements of their organizations.

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Enterprise Architect

The Platform Product Essentials course offers valuable knowledge for Enterprise Architects seeking to specialize in platform-based enterprise architecture. It provides a comprehensive overview of the technical and business aspects of platform implementation, with a focus on enterprise architecture. The course covers key topics such as platform governance, enterprise integration, and the four pillars of platform management. By gaining insights into these areas, Enterprise Architects can effectively design and implement platform solutions that meet the complex enterprise architecture requirements of their organizations.

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Systems Analyst

This Platform Product Essentials course is highly relevant for Systems Analysts, providing a solid foundation for understanding the technical and business aspects of platform implementation. The course covers key concepts such as low-code and no-code development, the four pillars of platform management, and the selection of appropriate tools. By gaining insights into these areas, Systems Analysts can effectively analyze and design platform solutions that meet the needs of their organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Business Analyst

The Platform Product Essentials course can be highly beneficial for Business Analysts seeking to advance their careers. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the business and technical aspects involved in platform implementation, including the alignment of business needs with the platform, the selection of appropriate tools, and the management of team dynamics. The course's emphasis on the four pillars of platform management and real-world use cases further enhances its relevance for Business Analysts.

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CTO

The Platform Product Essentials course offers valuable knowledge for CTOs seeking to specialize in platform-based technology solutions. It provides a comprehensive overview of the technical and business aspects of platform implementation and management, with a focus on technology leadership. The course covers key topics such as platform innovation, platform roadmap, and the four pillars of platform management. By gaining insights into these areas, CTOs can effectively lead their organizations to develop and implement platform solutions that drive technological innovation and competitive advantage.

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Data Architect

The Platform Product Essentials course offers valuable knowledge for Data Architects seeking to specialize in platform-based data management. It provides a comprehensive overview of the technical and business aspects of platform implementation, with a focus on data management. The course covers key topics such as data integration, data governance, and the four pillars of platform management. By gaining insights into these areas, Data Architects can effectively design and implement platform solutions that meet the complex data management requirements of their organizations.

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Information Technology Manager

Information Technology Managers can benefit from the Platform Product Essentials course as it provides a comprehensive overview of the technical and business aspects of platform implementation and management. The course covers key topics such as the selection of appropriate tools, the four pillars of platform management, and the integration of legacy systems. By gaining insights into these areas, Information Technology Managers can effectively lead their teams to implement and manage platform solutions that meet the strategic objectives of their organizations.

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Cloud Architect

The Platform Product Essentials course is highly relevant for Cloud Architects seeking to specialize in platform-based cloud solutions. It provides a comprehensive overview of the technical and business aspects of platform implementation, with a focus on cloud computing. The course covers key topics such as cloud platform selection, cloud security, and the four pillars of platform management. By gaining insights into these areas, Cloud Architects can effectively design and implement platform solutions that leverage the scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness of cloud computing.

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CIO

CIOs seeking to drive digital transformation within their organizations can benefit from the Platform Product Essentials course. It provides a comprehensive overview of the technical and business aspects of platform implementation and management, with a focus on digital transformation. The course covers key topics such as platform strategy, platform governance, and the four pillars of platform management. By gaining insights into these areas, CIOs can effectively lead their organizations to adopt and leverage platform solutions to achieve their strategic objectives.

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VP of Engineering

For VP of Engineering roles, the Platform Product Essentials course can be beneficial in providing a comprehensive understanding of platform implementation and management. The course covers key topics such as platform architecture, platform governance, and the four pillars of platform management. By gaining insights into these areas, VP of Engineering can effectively lead their engineering teams to design, build, and maintain robust and scalable platform solutions that meet the strategic objectives of their organizations.

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Product Manager

For those aspiring to become Product Managers, this Platform Product Essentials course offers valuable insights into the process of delivering a platform solution for a business. It emphasizes the importance of aligning the business with the platform, selecting the right tool, and ensuring scalability. The course also covers topics such as team structuring and the four pillars of platform management, providing a solid foundation for successful product management.

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Project Manager

Project Managers can benefit from the Platform Product Essentials course as it offers a unique perspective on platform implementation and management. The course highlights the shift from traditional project management techniques to a product-centric approach, emphasizing the importance of team collaboration, stakeholder alignment, and continuous improvement. By gaining insights into the four pillars of platform management and the challenges of low-code/no-code development, Project Managers can enhance their ability to deliver successful platform solutions.

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Software Engineer

The Platform Product Essentials course offers valuable knowledge for Software Engineers seeking to specialize in platform development. It provides a comprehensive overview of the entire platform implementation process, from business alignment to team structuring. The course's focus on low-code and no-code development, as well as its emphasis on the four pillars of platform management, equips Software Engineers with the skills and knowledge to design, build, and maintain robust and scalable platform solutions.

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Business Process Analyst

The Platform Product Essentials course is highly relevant for Business Process Analysts, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the business aspects of platform implementation. The course emphasizes the importance of aligning business needs with the platform, understanding the four pillars of platform management, and effectively managing change. By gaining insights into these areas, Business Process Analysts can effectively analyze and improve business processes, ensuring that they are streamlined and aligned with the organization's platform strategy.

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Software Developer

This Platform Product Essentials course can be useful for individuals who seek a career as a Software Developer, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the necessary elements to successfully deliver a platform application to a business. The course delves into concepts such as low-code and no-code development, the four pillars of platform management, selecting the right tool, and team structuring, equipping learners with valuable knowledge for effective software development.

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