Agile Project Management from Coursera

This is the fifth course in the Google Project Management Certificate program. This course will explore the history, approach, and philosophy of Agile project management, including the Scrum framework. You will learn how to differentiate and blend Agile and other project management approaches. As you progress through the course, you will learn more about Scrum, exploring its pillars and values and comparing essential Scrum team roles. You will discover how to build, manage, and refine a product backlog, implement Agile’s value-driven delivery strategies, and define a value roadmap. You will also learn strategies to effectively organize the five important Scrum events for a Scrum team, introduce an Agile or Scrum approach to an organization, and coach an Agile team. Finally, you will learn how to search for and land opportunities in Agile roles. Current Google project managers will continue to instruct and provide you with the hands-on approaches, tools, and resources to meet your goals.

Learners who complete this program should be equipped to apply for introductory-level jobs as project managers. No previous experience is necessary.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

- Explain the Agile project management approach and philosophy, including values and principles.

- Explain the pillars of Scrum and how they support Scrum values.

- Identify and compare the essential roles in a Scrum team and what makes them effective.

- Build and manage a Product Backlog and perform Backlog Refinement.

- Describe the five important Scrum events and how to set up each event for a Scrum team.

- Implement Agile’s value-driven delivery strategies and define a value roadmap.

- Explain how to coach an Agile team and help them overcome challenges.

- Conduct a job search for an Agile role and learn how to succeed in your interview.

What's inside

Syllabus

The fundamentals of Agile

You will learn how the course is structured and explore the history, approach, and philosophy of Agile project management and Scrum theory. You will also learn why Agile is best suited to industries that are susceptible to change and how to differentiate and blend Agile approaches.

Scrum 101

You will learn the pillars of Scrum and how they support Scrum values. You will also compare essential Scrum Team roles and examine what makes them effective.

Implementing Scrum

You will learn how to build and manage a Product Backlog and develop user stories and epics. You will also explore how to set up the five important Scrum events and use tools to plan and visualize sprint workflows and progress.

Applying Agile in the organization

You will learn to implement Agile’s value-driven delivery strategies and how to define a value roadmap. You will learn strategies to effectively introduce an Agile or Scrum approach to an organization and coach an Agile team. You will also investigate how Agile frameworks have evolved and how to land opportunities in Agile roles.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces new terms and concepts, which may be useful for advancing to more specific Agile courses

Taught by Google Project Managers with experience in the industry, which suggests that learners will be able to translate knowledge to real-world work

Explores and defines Scrum, a leading Agile framework, which helps prepare learners for entry-level Scrum Master roles

Provides hands-on tools, resources, and approaches for embedding Agile practices within organizations

Examines topics like Agile's value-driven strategies and coaching Agile teams, enhancing learner versatility and professionalism

Reviews summary

Agile project management

learners say Google's Agile Project Management course teaches how to manage projects flexibly, collaboratively, iteratively with customer involvement and continuous improvement, promoting effective communication, ownership, and adaptability in dynamic uncertain environments. However, successful implementation requires a cultural shift and commitment to Agile principles, and it may not be suitable for all projects or organizations.

Benefits of Agile project management include increased customer satisfaction, faster time-to-market, improved project visibility and adaptability, and enhanced team collaboration and engagement.

"Benefits of Agile project management include increased customer satisfaction, faster time-to-market, improved project visibility and adaptability, and enhanced team collaboration and engagement."

Agile project management uses a variety of techniques, including: * Iterative and incremental development * Agile frameworks (e.g., Scrum, Kanban, Lean) * Empowered teams * Continuous improvement * Stakeholder engagement * Flexibility and adaptability * Continuous delivery

"Agile project management uses a variety of techniques, including iterative and incremental development, agile frameworks (e.g., Scrum, Kanban, Lean), empowered teams, continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, flexibility and adaptability, and continuous delivery"

Agile Project Management is: * Flexible * Collaborative * Iterative * Customer Focused * Continuously Improving

"Agile Project Management is flexible, collaborative, iterative, customer focused, and continuously improving."

Agile project management is guided by a set of principles such as: * Customer collaboration * Responding to change * Delivering working solutions * Promoting self-organizing teams

"Agile project management is guided by a set of principles such as customer collaboration, responding to change, delivering working solutions, and promoting self-organizing teams."

Agile project management may not be suitable for all projects or organizations. It requires a cultural shift and commitment to Agile principles.

"Agile project management may not be suitable for all projects or organizations."

"It requires a cultural shift and commitment to Agile 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 Agile Project Management with these activities:

Review knowledge of project management frameworks

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Refreshes prior knowledge of project management frameworks to provide a strong starting point for the course.

Browse courses on Project Management Frameworks

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Review notes or online resources on project management frameworks.

Create a visual summary of Agile principles

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Helps students understand and remember the key principles of Agile methodology.

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Identify the core principles of Agile.
Design a visual representation (e.g., flowchart, infographic) that captures these principles.

Practice using Scrum tools and techniques

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Provides hands-on experience with the tools and techniques used in Scrum, improving understanding and proficiency.

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Identify and familiarize yourself with popular Scrum tools (e.g., Jira, Asana).
Simulate Scrum events (e.g., sprint planning, retrospectives) using these tools.

Three other activities

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Connect with Agile practitioners or project managers

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Provides access to expert guidance, insights, and networking opportunities.

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Attend industry events or online forums to network with Agile professionals.
Reach out to potential mentors via LinkedIn or email.

Explore advanced Agile practices and case studies

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Deepens understanding of Agile concepts and provides exposure to real-world applications.

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Identify reputable sources or online courses on advanced Agile practices.
Study and apply the techniques presented in these resources.

Develop an Agile project plan for a real-world scenario

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Applies knowledge to a practical project, enhancing understanding and problem-solving skills.

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Identify a suitable project or scenario that can be managed using Agile principles.
Develop a detailed project plan that includes sprint goals, user stories, and release timelines.

Career center

Learners who complete Agile Project Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Agile Coach

The Agile Coach is responsible for helping organizations adopt and implement Agile methodologies. Their responsibilities include providing training, coaching, and consulting services. The Agile Project Management course from Google can be very useful for Agile Coaches, as it provides a comprehensive overview of Agile project management, including the Scrum framework. With this knowledge, Agile Coaches can effectively guide organizations through the Agile transformation process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agile Coach

Scrum Master

The Scrum Master is responsible for facilitating and coaching a Scrum team. Their responsibilities include guiding the team through the Scrum framework, removing obstacles, and ensuring that the team is working efficiently. The Agile Project Management course from Google provides a solid foundation for this role, as it teaches the pillars and values of Scrum, as well as how to implement Agile's value-driven delivery strategies.

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Project Manager

The Project Manager oversees all aspects of a project. Their responsibilities include planning, budgeting, staffing, and managing a project from start to finish. The Agile Project Management course from Google can be useful as it teaches the history, approach, and philosophy of Agile project management, including the Scrum framework. With this knowledge, Project Managers can learn how to differentiate and blend Agile and other project management approaches to successfully lead and complete projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Product Manager

The Product Manager is responsible for defining the vision and roadmap for a product. Their responsibilities include working with stakeholders to gather requirements, prioritizing features, and ensuring that the product meets the needs of the users. The Agile Project Management course from Google can be useful for Product Managers, as it teaches how to build and manage a Product Backlog and define a value roadmap. Additionally, the course provides insights into how to effectively organize Scrum events and coach an Agile team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Portfolio Manager

The Portfolio Manager is responsible for planning, budgeting, and managing a portfolio of projects. Their responsibilities include defining portfolio goals, developing portfolio plans, and managing portfolio risks. The Agile Project Management course from Google can be useful for Portfolio Managers, as it teaches the history, approach, and philosophy of Agile project management, including the Scrum framework. With this knowledge, Portfolio Managers can learn how to differentiate and blend Agile and other project management approaches to successfully lead and complete portfolios.

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Trainer

The Trainer is responsible for developing and delivering training programs. Their responsibilities include creating course materials, facilitating workshops, and assessing学员. The Agile Project Management course from Google can be very useful for Trainers, as it provides a comprehensive overview of Agile project management, including the Scrum framework. With this knowledge, Trainers can effectively develop and deliver Agile training programs.

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Product Owner

The Product Owner is responsible for defining the vision and roadmap for a product. Their responsibilities include working with stakeholders to gather requirements, prioritizing features, and ensuring that the product meets the needs of the users. The Agile Project Management course from Google can be helpful for Product Owners, as it teaches how to build and manage a Product Backlog and define a value roadmap. Additionally, the course provides insights into how to effectively organize Scrum events and coach an Agile team.

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Program Manager

The Program Manager is responsible for planning, budgeting, and managing a group of related projects. Their responsibilities include defining program goals, developing program plans, and managing program risks. The Agile Project Management course from Google can be useful for Program Managers, as it teaches the history, approach, and philosophy of Agile project management, including the Scrum framework. With this knowledge, Program Managers can learn how to differentiate and blend Agile and other project management approaches to successfully lead and complete programs.

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IT Project Manager

The IT Project Manager is responsible for planning, budgeting, and managing IT projects. Their responsibilities include defining project scope, developing project plans, and managing project risks. The Agile Project Management course from Google can be useful for IT Project Managers, as it teaches the history, approach, and philosophy of Agile project management, including the Scrum framework. With this knowledge, IT Project Managers can learn how to differentiate and blend Agile and other project management approaches to successfully lead and complete IT projects.

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Business Analyst

The Business Analyst is responsible for understanding the business needs of an organization and translating those needs into technical requirements. Their responsibilities include eliciting requirements, creating use cases, and developing functional specifications. The Agile Project Management course from Google can be helpful for Business Analysts, as it teaches how to differentiate and blend Agile and other project management approaches. Additionally, the course provides insights into how to implement Agile's value-driven delivery strategies and define a value roadmap.

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Consultant

The Consultant provides professional advice and services to organizations. Their responsibilities include analyzing business problems, developing solutions, and implementing recommendations. The Agile Project Management course from Google can be helpful for Consultants, as it teaches how to differentiate and blend Agile and other project management approaches. Additionally, the course provides insights into how to implement Agile's value-driven delivery strategies and define a value roadmap.

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Change Manager

The Change Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing change within an organization. Their responsibilities include developing change management plans, communicating change to stakeholders, and managing the impact of change. The Agile Project Management course from Google may be useful for Change Managers, as it teaches how to differentiate and blend Agile and other project management approaches. Additionally, the course provides insights into how to implement Agile's value-driven delivery strategies and define a value roadmap.

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Software Engineer

The Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing software applications. Their responsibilities include writing code, debugging errors, and ensuring that the software meets the requirements of the users. The Agile Project Management course from Google may be useful for Software Engineers, as it provides insights into how to work effectively in an Agile environment. Additionally, the course teaches how to implement Agile's value-driven delivery strategies and define a value roadmap.

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Risk Manager

The Risk Manager is responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing risks. Their responsibilities include developing risk management plans, implementing risk mitigation strategies, and reporting on risk status. The Agile Project Management course from Google may be useful for Risk Managers, as it teaches how to differentiate and blend Agile and other project management approaches. Additionally, the course provides insights into how to implement Agile's value-driven delivery strategies and define a value roadmap.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

The Quality Assurance Analyst is responsible for testing software applications to ensure that they meet the requirements of the users. Their responsibilities include writing test cases, executing tests, and reporting defects. The Agile Project Management course from Google may be useful for Quality Assurance Analysts, as it provides insights into how to work effectively in an Agile environment. Additionally, the course teaches how to implement Agile's value-driven delivery strategies and define a value roadmap.

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