Project Communications, Stakeholders & Leadership from edX

What's inside

Learning objectives

Job-ready project management communication skills in 6 weeks, supported by practical experience employers look for on a resume and an industry-recognized credential.
How to foster a healthy environment for team members and benefit by empowering them.
How to apply different project communication skills and mediums effectively.

Powerful leadership skills that get positive project outcomes, build trust in teams, and establish strong stakeholder relationships.
How to engage stakeholders and keep them involved in the project.

Job-ready project management communication skills in 6 weeks, supported by practical experience employers look for on a resume and an industry-recognized credential.
How to foster a healthy environment for team members and benefit by empowering them.
How to apply different project communication skills and mediums effectively.
Powerful leadership skills that get positive project outcomes, build trust in teams, and establish strong stakeholder relationships.
How to engage stakeholders and keep them involved in the project.

Syllabus

Module 0: Welcome

Video: Course Introduction

Reading: General Information

Reading: Learning Objectives and Syllabus

Reading: Grading Scheme

Reading: Introduction to CAPM/PMP Certifications

Reading: How to Make the Most of this Course

Module 1: Creating a Healthy Project Foundation

Reading: Module Introduction and Learning Objectives

Video: Put Your People First

Discussion Prompt: Creating a Healthy Project Environment

Video: Communicating Clear Project Objectives

Video: Participating in the Work

Video: Expert Viewpoints: Characteristics of Servant Leadership

Discussion Prompt: Servant Leadership

Practice Module 1: Creating a Healthy Project Foundation

Module 1 Summary: Creating a Healthy Project Foundation

Module 1 Glossary: Creating a Healthy Project Foundation

Module 1 Graded Quiz: Creating a Healthy Project Foundation

Module 2: Effective Communications Building Blocks

Video: Effective Conversations

Video: Project Management Communication Skills

Video: Project Communications Overview

Video: Expert Viewpoints: Communicating Effectively for Positive Results

Video: Synchronous Versus Asynchronous Communications

Video: Communications Mediums

Video: Expert Viewpoints: What’s the Most Effective Communication Media

Discussion Prompt: Managing Communications

Video: Effective Engagement

Video: Cross Cultural Communications and Communications Channels

Reading: Introduction to Failing Fast

Video: When Is Failing Fast Good?

Video: Expert Viewpoints: Failing Fast Successfully

Discussion Prompt: Failing Fast

Reading: Key Project Roles

Project Role Identification: RACI

Discussion Prompt: Traditional Role Impact

Video: Expert Viewpoints: Working Together as a Team

Lab: Key Project Roles and RACI

Practice Quiz: Module 2: Effective Communications Building Blocks

Module 2 Summary: Effective Communications Building Blocks

Module 2 Glossary: Effective Communications Building Blocks

Module 2 Graded Quiz: Effective Communications Building Blocks

Module 3: Communications Planning

Reading: Key Tool: Critical Path Method

Video: Demo: Critical Path Method

Lab: Perform Critical Path Analysis

Video: Critical Chain Method

Video: Key Tool: Communications Management Plan

Reading: Business Analyst Communication Requirements

Video: Demo: Communications Management Plan

Lab: Create a Communications Management Plan

Video: Expert Viewpoints: Planning for Effective Virtual and In Person Communications

Video: Planning Virtual Communications

Discussion Prompt: Planning Virtual Communications

Video: Status Reporting

Video: Demo: Status Reporting

Lab: Create a Project Status Report

Reading: Defining Communication Styles

Video: Demo: Assessing Communication Styles

Lab: Assess Your Communication Style

Practice Quiz: Module 3: Communications Planning

Module 3 Summary: Communications Planning

Module 3 Glossary: Communications Planning

Module 3 Graded Quiz: Communications Planning

Module 4: Leadership Fundamentals

Video: Leadership Essentials

Video: Expert Viewpoints: Why Leadership?

Discussion Prompt: Examples of Good Leadership

Video: Expert Viewpoints: Leading Successfully

Video: Demo: Leadership Level Survey

Lab: Leadership Level

Video: Impact of a Good Leader on Team Dynamics and Productivity

Discussion Prompt: Attributes of a Good Leader

Reading: Techniques for Improving Leadership Skills

Video: Leadership Factors and Styles

Discussion Prompt: Readiness Levels and Leadership Challenges

Video: Expert Viewpoints: Leadership Competencies, Skills, and Mindset

Video: Situational Leadership with Your Team

Reading: Mapping Situational Leadership Model to the Tuckman Ladder

Reading: The Knowledge Sharing Hierarchy

Reading: Intuitive Decision-Making

Video: Expert Viewpoints: Using Your Intuition

Practice Quiz: Module 4: Leadership Fundamentals

Module 4 Summary: Leadership Fundamentals

Reading: Module 4 Glossary: Leadership Fundamentals

Module 4 Graded Quiz: Leadership Fundamentals

Module 5: Managing and Leading Stakeholders

Reading: Effective Resource Planning

Video: Acquiring Resources

Lab: Acquiring Resources and Effective Negotiation

Video: Building Trust

Video: Expert Viewpoints: Trusting Team Environment

Discussion Prompt: Building Trust

Video: Emotional Intelligence

Reading: Managing Up

Video: Adaptability and Resilience

Video: Expert Viewpoints: Overcoming Resource Planning Challenges

Discussion Prompt: Resource Scheduling

Practice Quiz: Module 5: Managing and Leading Stakeholders

Reading: Module 5 Summary: Managing and Leading Stakeholders

Reading: Module 5 Glossary: Managing and Leading Stakeholders

Module 5 Graded Quiz: Managing and Leading Stakeholders

Module 6: Final Project and Quiz

Reading: Final Project Overview

Reading: Project Scenario

Lab: Exercise 1: Identify Key Roles and Develop Team RACI

Lab: Exercise 2: Revise a Communications Management Plan

Lab: Exercise 3: Develop a Project Status Report

Lab: Exercise 4: Create a Resource Breakdown Structure

Peer Review: Manage Project Communications and Stakeholders

Module 7: Course Summary and Next Steps

Module Introduction and Learning Objectives

Reading: Key Takeaways

Reading: Congratulations & Next Steps

Reading: Thanks from the Course Team

Reading: Copyrights and Trademarks

Course Rating and Feedback

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Offers hands-on labs and a final project, providing practical experience that can be showcased in interviews, which is valuable for those seeking their first project management role

Covers topics like servant leadership, communication styles, and emotional intelligence, which are valuable for building trust and fostering positive team dynamics

Includes readings on CAPM/PMP certifications, which may be useful for learners interested in pursuing these credentials to enhance their career prospects

Explores both synchronous and asynchronous communication methods, which are essential for managing project communications effectively in various work environments

Examines the Critical Path Method and Communications Management Plans, which are standard tools used in project management for planning and execution

Includes readings and videos on failing fast, which is a concept that may be at odds with traditional project management approaches

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 Communications, Stakeholders & Leadership with these activities:

Review 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People'

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Provides a strong foundation in interpersonal skills and leadership principles, essential for effective project communication and stakeholder management.

View The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 30th... on Amazon

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Read the book, focusing on habits 4, 5, and 6.
Reflect on how these habits apply to project scenarios.
Identify specific actions to implement these habits.

Review Communication Styles

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Reinforces understanding of different communication styles to improve team collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

Browse courses on Communication Styles

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Research different communication styles (e.g., assertive, passive, aggressive).
Take an online communication style assessment.
Reflect on your own communication style and its impact.

Develop a Communication Plan Template

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Solidifies understanding of communication planning by creating a reusable template for future projects.

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Research best practices for communication plans.
Outline the key sections of a communication plan.
Develop a template with clear instructions and examples.
Share the template with peers for feedback.

Four other activities

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Role-Play Stakeholder Communication Scenarios

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Improves communication skills by practicing responses to common stakeholder concerns and questions.

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Identify common stakeholder communication scenarios.
Partner with a peer to role-play different scenarios.
Provide constructive feedback to each other.

Analyze a Project's Communication Breakdown

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Deepens understanding of communication challenges by analyzing a real-world project failure.

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Research a project that experienced communication breakdowns.
Identify the root causes of the communication failures.
Develop recommendations to prevent similar issues.
Present your findings in a short report.

Review 'Crucial Conversations'

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Enhances ability to handle difficult conversations with stakeholders and team members, leading to better project outcomes.

View Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When... on Amazon

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Read the book, focusing on the STATE and AMPP skills.
Identify situations where you can apply these skills.
Practice using these skills in real-life conversations.

Mentor Junior Project Team Members

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Reinforces learning by teaching communication and leadership skills to others.

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Volunteer to mentor junior project team members.
Share your knowledge and experience in communication.
Provide guidance and support to help them develop their skills.

Career center

Learners who complete Project Communications, Stakeholders & Leadership 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, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course specifically focuses on the crucial communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills that are essential for any successful project manager. The course's emphasis on creating a healthy project environment and empowering team members, along with practical exercises such as creating a communications management plan and a project status report, directly translates to the day-to-day tasks of a project manager. The hands-on labs, coupled with the final project will build a strong resume for entry-level positions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Team Lead

A team lead guides and motivates a team, ensuring they work collaboratively and productively towards common goals. The ability to communicate clearly, manage stakeholders, and foster a healthy team environment are all critical for a team lead, and this course directly addresses these areas. The course modules on leadership fundamentals, as well as managing and leading stakeholders, give a solid base for a team lead. Additionally, the course emphasizes the different communication mediums, which helps the team lead to communicate effectively within their team.The final project will be a showcase of a team lead's ability to manage project communication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Team Lead

Scrum Master

A scrum master facilitates agile project development, focusing on removing obstacles and fostering team collaboration. The communication and leadership skills in this course are directly applicable to the scrum master role. The course's materials on creating a healthy team environment, effective project communication, and stakeholder management, as well as the hands-on exercises, align with the responsibilities of a scrum master. The final project will give scrum masters the ability to show their abilities in leading teams.

See salaries and explore the career path for Scrum Master

Project Coordinator

A project coordinator supports project managers, handling administrative tasks and ensuring smooth project operations. This course provides the basic communication and team management skills that are critical for a project coordinator, and it may be useful for individuals seeking this role. The course helps to build a foundation in communication mediums, and managing communications, that are important to project coordination. The final project gives the ability to show project management skills that are crucial to project coordination.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Coordinator

Product Owner

A product owner defines and prioritizes product features, requiring strong communication with stakeholders and development teams. The course may be useful as it includes material on stakeholder engagement, communication planning, and leadership skills. The course's emphasis on engaging stakeholders and keeping them involved in the project, along with the knowledge of communication styles, is directly related to the role of a product owner. The final project will demonstrate the product owner's ability to communicate effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Owner

Program Manager

A program manager oversees multiple related projects, ensuring their alignment with strategic goals, requiring strong leadership and communication skills. This course may be useful as it helps build a foundation in stakeholder management, communication planning, and leading projects, all of which are needed in program management. The course's focus on creating a healthy project environment and empowering team members, paired with its emphasis on effective communication, will be helpful to anyone looking at program management. Modules like communications planning and leadership fundamentals can help individuals prepare for this role. The final project will help show off some of the program management skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Business Analyst

A business analyst identifies and documents business needs, playing a crucial role in project definition and success. This course may be useful for business analysts, as it emphasizes stakeholder engagement and effective communication planning. The course material on communication mediums, and planning for effective virtual and in-person communications, is important for business analysts. The course includes material on business analyst communication requirements, which is especially useful for those in this role. Furthermore, the final project will showcase the communication skills required of a business analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Consultant

A consultant provides expertise and guidance to clients, requiring strong communication and leadership skills to influence project outcomes. This course may be useful because it helps build a foundation in project communications and stakeholder management. The course modules on effective communication, leading teams, and managing stakeholders, will help any consultant with client interaction and team management. The practical experience from the final project is an applicable tool.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Account Manager

An account manager is responsible for maintaining client relationships, requiring strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities. This course may be useful as it provides training in effective communication, stakeholder management, and leadership, all of which are essential for an account manager to succeed. The course's emphasis on communication styles and stakeholder engagement, is directly relevant to the work of any account manager. The final project will enable any account manager to demonstrate their ability to manage stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Account Manager

Training Manager

A training manager designs and implements training programs, focusing on effective communication and stakeholder engagement. This course may be useful for a training manager, as it focuses on effective communications and stakeholder management. The course material on different communication mediums and assessing communication styles, as well as leadership styles, will be helpful to training managers. The ability to lead and communicate taught in this course will be useful for training programs.

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Change Manager

A change manager guides organizations through transitions, requiring effective communication and stakeholder management. This course may be useful because it helps build a foundation in managing and leading stakeholders, communication planning, and leadership. The course’s emphasis on building trust, managing up, and adaptability and resilience is helpful for a change manager. The final project will display the ability of the change manager to communicate with stakeholders.

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Operations Manager

An operations manager oversees the day-to-day activities of an organization, ensuring efficiency and productivity. This course may be useful because it helps build a foundation in communication skills, leadership and managing different types of stakeholders. The course's modules on creating a healthy project foundation, as well as managing and leading stakeholders, are closely related to the responsibilities of an operations manager. The final project will show the operations manager's ability to plan and communicate.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Resource Manager

A resource manager is responsible for planning, allocating, and overseeing resources for projects or operations. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in stakeholder management and communication planning, which is crucial to resource management. The course's exercises on acquiring resources and planning for effective communication can be helpful. The final project will demonstrate the resource manager's ability to plan and communicate effectively.

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Project Analyst

A project analyst supports project teams with data analysis, reporting, and project planning. This course may be useful given its emphasis on project communications, stakeholder engagement and leadership. The course modules on effective communication, managing and leading stakeholders, and communication planning, are all relevant to the work of a project analyst. The final project will help demonstrate the project analyst's ability to communicate and develop a plan.

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Technical Writer

A technical writer creates documentation and communication materials, requiring strong communication skills. This course may be useful because it helps build a foundation in communication planning and effective communications. The course's emphasis on different communication mediums is helpful for technical writers. The ability to create status reports, as taught in this course, will also be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Project Communications, Stakeholders & Leadership

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