We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Thomas Buchanan and Amy Bechner

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.

Read more

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.

Enroll now

What's inside

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.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores Earned Value Management (EVM), which is a standard technique used to measure project performance and forecast completion dates and final costs
Develops communication strategies, which are essential for aligning stakeholders and ensuring project goals are understood and met across diverse teams
Examines configuration management, which is crucial for maintaining project integrity and consistency throughout its lifecycle, especially in complex projects
Taught by Johns Hopkins University, which is known for its programs in engineering, applied science, and medicine, all of which rely on project management
Requires learners to practice skills through scenarios that mirror actual project challenges, which may require additional time and effort outside of the course

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Practical project execution & control

According to learners who have completed "Project Execution and Control", the course provides a solid foundation in key project management concepts. Many find the content, particularly on risk management and communication strategies, to be highly relevant to their work and appreciate the structured approach. While the course is generally well-received, some students report finding the module on Earned Value Management (EVM) challenging or requiring additional external resources for full comprehension. Overall, it's considered a valuable resource for professionals looking to deepen their understanding of the execution and control phases.
Good introduction but limited in advanced detail.
"This is a good starting point, but for truly advanced techniques, I might need a more specialized course."
"While comprehensive in breadth, some topics could benefit from more in-depth exploration."
"It provides a solid overview, but doesn't go into the weeds on highly complex project scenarios."
Well-organized and easy to follow structure.
"The course modules were logically structured, making it easy to progress through the material."
"I appreciated the clear layout and the way complex topics were broken down."
"The course is well-structured and provides a clear path through the different aspects of project execution."
Provides a good overview of critical PM areas.
"This course gives a very good overview of key Project Execution and Control subjects like risk management and communication."
"I learned a lot about critical areas like risk management and handling opportunities that I can apply immediately."
"It covers essential topics for project managers, providing a comprehensive look at execution and control phases."
Skills and concepts are applicable to work.
"The content provided useful tools and strategies that I could immediately apply to my job as a project manager."
"I found the sections on managing conflicts and working with executives directly applicable to real-world scenarios."
"This course helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, giving me actionable insights."
Earned Value Management section is complex.
"The Earned Value Management (EVM) section was particularly challenging and felt a bit dense."
"I struggled with the EVM module and had to use other online resources to fully understand it."
"While important, the EVM part could benefit from clearer explanations or more varied examples."

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
Solidify your understanding of project management principles to better grasp the advanced concepts in project execution and control.
Show steps
  • 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)'
Familiarize yourself with the industry-standard guide to project management to enhance your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • 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
Reinforce your understanding of EVM by working through practical calculation exercises to improve your ability to monitor project performance.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
  • Calculate Planned Value, Earned Value, and Actual Cost.
  • Analyze variances and performance indices.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Risk Management Plan Template
Develop a reusable template for risk management to apply the concepts learned in the course and improve your planning skills.
Show steps
  • 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
Apply the course concepts by simulating a project execution scenario, including monitoring progress, managing risks, and resolving conflicts.
Show steps
  • 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
Explore alternative project management methodologies to broaden your understanding of project execution and control.
View Critical Chain on Amazon
Show steps
  • 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
Reinforce your understanding of project execution and control by helping other students with the course material.
Show steps
  • 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Project Execution and Control.
The PMBOK Guide is the definitive resource for project management standards and best practices. It provides a comprehensive framework for managing projects across various industries. useful reference tool for understanding the processes, knowledge areas, and techniques discussed in the course, and is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions and by industry professionals.
Critical Chain introduces a different approach to project management that focuses on managing constraints and buffers to improve project completion times. It challenges traditional project management methods and offers innovative solutions for overcoming common project challenges. is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference, providing a broader perspective on project execution and control.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser