Project Management - Initiation and Planning from Coursera

The course begins with an introduction to project management, elucidating its significance and the roles undertaken by project managers. The course progresses to project feasibility methods and Project phases, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closure, are explored in detail.

In the first module, the learners will begin with the concept of a project, then into the project phases and the overall project lifecycle by understanding the key activities and considerations at each stage. This module also covers project feasibility methods, providing a perspective on assessing the viability and potential success of a project. Additionally, the learners will explore various project organization structures, elucidating how different organizational frameworks can impact project management dynamics.

In the second module, the learners will begin with understanding the Essential Elements of Valid Contracts, and gain insights into legal and contractual principles. They will also learn the Common Contract Types, providing a brief perspective on various contractual structures. Tendering processes, including Bid Evaluation, and Contract Award procedures are explained, offering the leaners a practical insight into the competitive procurement landscape. This module extends to Change Management, exploring strategies to navigate and implement changes effectively within the contract framework. Additionally, the learners will also understand the art of Claim Management, how to address and resolve disputes while maintaining contractual integrity.

In the third module, the leaners will begin with a comprehensive understanding of scope management like how to define, document, and control project scope. Then understand how to break down complex projects into manageable components. Through a combination of theoretical concepts and real-life case study, the leaners will develop the skills necessary to effectively structure and organize a well-defined WBS tailored to the unique needs of their projects.

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Syllabus

Introduction to Project Management

In this module, you will begin with the concept of a project, then into the project phases and the overall project lifecycle. You will gain insights into the initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing phases of a project, understanding the key activities and considerations at each stage. The module also covers project feasibility methods, providing a perspective on assessing the viability and potential success of a project. Additionally, you will explore various project organization structures, elucidating how different organizational frameworks can impact project management dynamics.

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Teaches project management basics as well as essential elements of project management like project phases and lifecycle, scope management, contract management

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in project management

Introduction to project management

Explores contract management, including essential elements of valid contracts, common contract types, tendering processes, change management, and claim management

Examines scope management, including defining, documenting, and controlling project scope

Reviews summary

Foundations in project management initiation & planning

According to students, this course offers a clear and concise overview of project management, focusing on the initiation and planning phases. Learners frequently praise the comprehensive coverage of Contract Management, noting its practical insights into elements, types, tendering, and claim handling as a unique and valuable aspect. The module on Scope Management and WBS, enhanced by a real-life case study, is also highlighted for its effectiveness. While many find the course well-structured and practical, some experienced professionals suggest the pace might be slow or the content too foundational for advanced learners, indicating it is best suited for those seeking a strong introductory base.

Effectively teaches scope definition and WBS creation with real-world examples.

"I loved how they structured the WBS module with a case study."

"The real-life case study in the WBS module was incredibly useful."

"I now feel confident in defining scope and creating a robust WBS."

Provides a solid, clear introduction to project management principles.

"This course provided a very clear and concise overview of project initiation and planning."

"Good foundational course. The coverage of project phases and feasibility was solid."

"It's a perfect course for anyone looking to build a strong base in project management."

Delivers detailed and practical insights into contract elements and dispute resolution.

"The modules on contract management and WBS were particularly insightful."

"The instructor explained complex topics like claim management very simply."

"The sections on essential elements of valid contracts and bid evaluation were directly applicable to my work."

"I found the contract management section very informative, it's not something often covered in depth in other PM courses."

Some learners find the pace slow and content too basic for advanced needs.

"While the content is comprehensive, I felt the pace was sometimes too slow, especially in the early modules."

"Some parts felt a bit theoretical and could use more real-world case studies for deeper understanding."

"I wish there were more interactive exercises for deeper understanding."

Ideal for those new to project management, less so for experienced professionals.

"For someone with prior exposure to project management, it might feel a bit basic."

"It provides a good overview for freshers, but not for experienced professionals looking for deep dives."

"I was expecting more advanced content... felt very much like a beginner's course."

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 Management - Initiation and Planning with these activities:

Volunteer at a Project Management Organization

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Gain practical experience and build your network by volunteering at industry events or organizations.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Identify opportunities to volunteer
Contact the organization and express your interest
Attend volunteer events and support project management activities

Read 'Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide'

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Review the industry standard for project management to align with the concepts covered in this course.

View Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the PMBOK Guide
Read through the chapters relevant to the course topics
Take notes and highlight key concepts

Attend a Project Management Workshop

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Enhance your project management knowledge and skills by attending workshops led by industry experts.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Research and identify relevant workshops
Register and attend the workshops
Actively participate and engage with speakers

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Project Charter Development

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Develop a project charter to solidify your comprehension of project initiation and planning.

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Gather necessary project information
Define the project scope and objectives
Identify stakeholders and their roles
Document the project charter

PMP Exam Practice Questions

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Enhance your understanding of project management concepts by practicing exam-style questions.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Find a reputable source for PMP exam practice questions
Set aside dedicated time for practice
Analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement

Peer Review of Project Plans

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Engage with peers to review and provide feedback on project plans, fostering critical thinking and collaboration.

Browse courses on Project Execution

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Find a study partner or group
Exchange project plans for review
Provide constructive criticism and feedback
Incorporate feedback to improve project plans

Project Risk Analysis Presentation

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Present a risk analysis to demonstrate your grasp of risk identification and mitigation strategies.

Browse courses on Project Risk Management

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Identify potential project risks
Analyze the likelihood and impact of risks
Develop mitigation strategies for identified risks
Create a presentation outlining your risk analysis

Read 'The Agile Project Management Handbook'

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Supplement your understanding of project management methodologies with a focus on agile approaches.

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Obtain a copy of the book
Read and take notes on relevant chapters
Apply agile principles to your project management approach

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

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Project Management - Initiation and Planning

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Foundations in project management initiation & planning

Activities

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