Project Execution and Control from Coursera

The course "Project Execution and Control" delves into the advanced stages of project execution and control, equipping learners with the tools needed to ensure projects stay on track and meet their objectives. From defining project objectives to managing risks and resolving conflicts, this course offers a comprehensive insight into the strategies effective Project Managers use to maintain momentum and achieve success. You’ll explore key topics like design reviews, configuration management, quality control, and Earned Value Management (EVM), gaining practical knowledge on implementing and adjusting project plans in real-time.

What sets this course apart is its focus on hands-on application, enabling you to practice the skills you learn through exercises and scenarios that mirror actual project challenges. By mastering communication strategies, managing quality assurance, and collaborating with executives, you’ll be well-prepared to execute and monitor projects in diverse, high-stakes environments. Whether you’re new to project management or advancing your skills, this course offers invaluable techniques to elevate your project execution and control expertise.

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Syllabus

Course Introduction

This course delves into the advanced aspects of project execution and control, focusing on effective risk management, conflict resolution, design reviews, configuration management, and communication strategies. You'll learn to monitor and control project progress, ensure quality, collaborate with executives, and utilize Earned Value Management (EVM) to achieve successful project outcomes.

Execution; Risks and Opportunities; Conflict Management

This module focuses on the critical aspects of project management, including defining project objectives, executing and monitoring project progress, assessing risks and opportunities, and managing conflicts. You’ll learn how to guide a project from its inception to completion while effectively addressing challenges and maximizing opportunities.

Design Reviews; Configuration Management

This module focuses on design reviews and configuration management, which are crucial for ensuring project quality and consistency. You’ll explore the processes involved in conducting effective design reviews and managing configurations to maintain project integrity throughout its lifecycle.

Communications; Quality; Working with Executives; Earned Value Management

In this module, you'll learn how to define and implement a communications strategy for your project. We'll focus on the principles of quality management and explore the Project Manager's role in ensuring quality throughout the project's lifecycle.

Directing, Monitoring, and Controlling

In this module, you will learn various techniques for effectively directing, monitoring, and controlling project progress.

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Offers hands-on application through exercises and scenarios that mirror actual project challenges, which allows learners to practice the skills they learn in a practical setting

Explores key topics like design reviews, configuration management, quality control, and Earned Value Management (EVM), which are essential for maintaining project momentum and achieving success

Covers communication strategies, quality assurance, and collaboration with executives, which are crucial for executing and monitoring projects in diverse, high-stakes environments

Presented by Johns Hopkins University, which is known for its programs in business and management, and for its contributions to research and best practices

Focuses on the advanced stages of project execution and control, which may require learners to have some prior experience or familiarity with project management principles

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 Execution and Control with these activities:

Review Project Management Fundamentals

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Solidify your understanding of project management principles to better grasp the advanced concepts in project execution and control.

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Review the project lifecycle phases.
Study key project management terms.
Practice basic project scheduling techniques.

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

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Familiarize yourself with the industry-standard guide to project management to enhance your understanding of the course material.

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 project execution and control.
Take notes on key concepts and processes.

Practice Earned Value Management (EVM) Calculations

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Reinforce your understanding of EVM by working through practical calculation exercises to improve your ability to monitor project performance.

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Calculate Planned Value, Earned Value, and Actual Cost.
Analyze variances and performance indices.

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Create a Risk Management Plan Template

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Develop a reusable template for risk management to apply the concepts learned in the course and improve your planning skills.

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Research common risk management plan components.
Design a template with sections for identification, analysis, and response.
Populate the template with example risks and mitigation strategies.

Simulate a Project Execution Scenario

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Apply the course concepts by simulating a project execution scenario, including monitoring progress, managing risks, and resolving conflicts.

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Define a project with clear objectives and deliverables.
Create a project schedule and budget.
Simulate project progress and track performance.
Identify and manage risks and issues.

Read 'Critical Chain' by Eliyahu M. Goldratt

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Explore alternative project management methodologies to broaden your understanding of project execution and control.

View Critical Chain on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Critical Chain'.
Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
Compare the Critical Chain method to traditional project management.

Tutor other students in project management

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Reinforce your understanding of project execution and control by helping other students with the course material.

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Offer to tutor classmates or students in earlier courses.
Prepare explanations and examples for key concepts.
Answer questions and provide feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Project Execution and Control 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 within specific constraints. This course helps Project Managers ensure projects remain on schedule and meet objectives. The course covers areas such as risk management, conflict resolution, and design reviews, which are all essential for a Project Manager. Additionally, the hands-on exercises and focus on communication strategies help build a foundation for success in any project management environment. This course provides insight into the strategies effective Project Managers use to maintain momentum and achieve success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Engineering Project Manager

An Engineering Project Manager leads engineering projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. This course is highly relevant because it directly addresses project execution and control, which are essential in engineering. The emphasis on design reviews, configuration management, quality control, and Earned Value Management (EVM) helps an Engineering Project Manager maintain project integrity. Furthermore, the hands-on approach of the course prepares an Engineering Project Manager to tackle project challenges.

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Project Coordinator

Project Coordinators support Project Managers by handling various administrative and logistical tasks. This course will help a Project Coordinator develop a more thorough understanding of the entire project lifecycle. The course’s focus on risk management, design reviews, and communication will help build a foundation for more effective project coordination. The practical, hands-on approach and coverage of project execution helps a Project Coordinator to better understand the management of a project.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Coordinator

Quality Assurance Manager

A Quality Assurance Manager is tasked with overseeing quality control processes in an organization. This course is particularly relevant as it emphasizes key topics like design reviews and quality control. The course's focus on real-time project adjustments helps a Quality Assurance Manager to implement timely corrections to maintain quality. This course will help any Quality Assurance Manager who wishes to improve their grasp of project management and control.

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Risk Manager

A Risk Manager identifies and mitigates potential risks that could impact an organization. This course is helpful for a Risk Manager as it focuses on risk management, which is a core component of their role. The course material on project execution and control allows this role to better understand how risk management strategies can be implemented to maintain project integrity. The course's exploration of conflict resolution is also valuable for a Risk Manager.

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Project Analyst

Project Analysts gather, analyze, and report project data to support decision-making. This course could help a Project Analyst improve their understanding of project execution and control, and its focus on monitoring project progress, Earned Value Management, and quality assurance. This course’s hands-on approach also helps strengthen the analytical skills of a Project Analyst in the context of project management. The course will help any Project Analyst who wishes to improve their grasp of project management and control.

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Program Manager

Program Managers oversee multiple related projects to achieve strategic goals. This course may help Program Managers who seek to improve their execution and control skills, especially in areas like managing configurations and conducting design reviews. Furthermore, its coverage of risk management, design reviews, and Earned Value Management (EVM) provides a broader perspective for a Program Manager. This course’s focus on communication and stakeholder management will allow a Program Manager to effectively lead complex programs.

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Technical Project Manager

A Technical Project Manager is responsible for managing projects that involve technology or technical resources. This course addresses project execution and control, which is a vital skill for anyone in this role. The course's focus on managing risks and resolving conflicts is useful for a Technical Project Manager. The training in communication and working with executives also helps a Technical Project Manager improve coordination with stakeholders. This course may be particularly helpful for a Technical Project Manager who wants to enhance their project execution skills.

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Construction Manager

Construction Managers oversee building projects from start to finish, making sure they are completed on time and within budget. This course may be helpful as it discusses project execution and control, which is essential for a Construction Manager, especially its focus on monitoring project progress and quality assurance. Also, the training in configuration management and design reviews helps ensure the integrity of construction projects. The course will help a Construction Manager to develop skills in managing project risks and executing projects effectively.

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Change Manager

Change Managers plan and coordinate organizational change initiatives. This course may be helpful for a Change Manager as it provides insight into project execution and control. A Change Manager would benefit from the course's focus on managing risks, resolving conflicts, and maintaining project quality. The course will help a Change Manager to plan, implement, and monitor the execution of changes. This course’s emphasis on communication and working with executives is also valuable.

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Process Improvement Specialist

Process Improvement Specialists analyze and optimize organizational processes to increase efficiency. This course may be useful for a Process Improvement Specialist due to its coverage of project execution and control. The course’s emphasis on project objectives, risk management, and quality control can be applied to process optimization. The insights provided in the course can assist a Process Improvement Specialist in developing strategies to improve project outcomes and organizational processes.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers are in charge of ensuring the smooth functioning of an organization's daily activities. This course may be helpful to improve an Operations Manager’s understanding of project execution and control, and its focus on managing risks and ensuring quality. The training in communication and working with executives also helps an Operations Manager better coordinate with various teams and stakeholders. An Operations Manager can use the tools and processes from the course to enhance their project-related skills.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts identify an organization's challenges and propose solutions. This course may be useful for a Business Analyst because it provides a foundation in project execution and control. The course's focus on project objectives, risk management, and quality assurance helps a Business Analyst to align their proposed solutions with project parameters. This course’s emphasis on communication and collaboration is also beneficial for a Business Analyst who works with many stakeholders.

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Consultant

Consultants provide expert advice to organizations on various business and management issues. This course may be useful for a Consultant as it provides a strong base in project execution and control, and its emphasis on risk management, conflict resolution, and design reviews. The course’s focus on communication, working with executives, and Earned Value Management helps a Consultant to better serve their clients. This course helps build the skills required to consult on project related matters.

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Product Manager

Product Managers oversee the development and marketing of products. This course may be helpful to a Product Manager who wants to hone their grasp of project execution and control, especially in terms of managing project risks and ensuring quality. The training in communication, design reviews, and working with executives is also beneficial to a Product Manager who works with cross-functional teams. The skills learned are relevant when managing product launches and updates.

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