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Project Lifecycle and Risk Management

The global need for skilled project managers is skyrocketing, with an estimated 25 million more professionals required by 2030 (Project Management Institute). Designed specifically for beginners, career starters, and professionals exploring a new career, this Project Management: Lifecycle and Risk Management course builds job-ready skills employers are looking for. No prior experience is necessary.

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The global need for skilled project managers is skyrocketing, with an estimated 25 million more professionals required by 2030 (Project Management Institute). Designed specifically for beginners, career starters, and professionals exploring a new career, this Project Management: Lifecycle and Risk Management course builds job-ready skills employers are looking for. No prior experience is necessary.

In this course, you’ll explore how to manage risk throughout the project lifecycle and share information to keep stakeholders informed and aligned. You’ll look at the various phases in the project lifecycle and consider the differences between project methodologies. You’ll learn about best practices for information sharing with project teams and external stakeholders. Plus, you’ll be introduced to effective information-sharing techniques.

You’ll also assess how to plan and identify and evaluate risks. You’ll investigate different strategies to respond to risks. You’ll be introduced to various tools, including risk reports, registers, and matrices. Plus, you’ll apply your skills to create these artifacts for project scenarios.

Throughout the course, you’ll gain valuable hands-on practice in online labs that simulate real-world scenarios, including SWOT analysis, developing a risk register, and creating a risk matrix. Great for talking about in interviews!

If you’re looking to land your first project management role and are keen to build specific project lifecycle and risk management skills, ENROLL TODAY and add skills to your resume that employers are looking for in less than 6 weeks!

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Job-ready project lifecycle and risk management skills employers need in just 6 weeks, supported by practical experience you can discuss in interviews. no prior experience is required.
  • The phases in the project lifecycle, including waterfall and adaptive lifecycles.
  • How to improve communication with team members and external stakeholders using information-sharing techniques.
  • How to conduct end-to-end risk analysis, including swot analysis, develop a risk register, and create a risk matrix.
  • How to develop executable risk response strategies to avoid or mitigate threats and exploit or enhance opportunities.

Syllabus

Module 0: Welcome
Video: Course Introduction
Reading: General Information
Reading: Learning Objectives and Syllabus
Read more
Reading: Grading Scheme
Reading: Introduction to Project Management Certifications
Reading: How to Make the Most of this Course
Module 1: The Project Management Lifecycle
Reading: Module Introduction and Learning Objective
Video: Lifecycle Overview
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Lifecycle Selection Management
Video: Adaptive Lifecycles
Video: Project Initiation
Video: Project Planning
Video: Project Executing
Video: Project Monitoring and Controlling
Reading: Project Closing
Reading: Common Causes for Project Failure
Lab: : Why Projects Fail
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Project Failure
Practice Quiz: Module 1: The Project Management Lifecycle
Reading: Module 1 Summary and Highlights: The Project Management Lifecycle
Reading: Module 1 Glossary: The Project Management Lifecycle
Module 1 Graded Quiz: The Project Management Lifecycle
Module 2: Information Sharing: Communications
Video: Communications Basics
Video: Communications Planning
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Communications Planning
Video: Manage Communications: Part 1
Video: Manage Communications: Part 2
Video: Manage Communications, Tools, and Techniques
Video: Monitor Communications
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Monitoring and Controlling Communications
Lab: Communication Effectiveness
Practice Quiz: Module 2: Information Sharing: Communications
Reading: Module 2 Summary and Highlights: Information Sharing: Communications
Reading: Module 2 Glossary: Information Sharing: Communications
Module 2 Graded Quiz: Information Sharing: Communications
Module 3: Information Sharing: Stakeholder Management
Video: Identify Stakeholders
Video: Plan Stakeholder Engagement
Reading: Manage Stakeholder Engagement
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Stakeholder Management Tools
Video: Monitor Stakeholder Engagement
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Ground Rules and Norms
Video: Demo: Team Charter
Lab: Develop a Team Charter
Practice Quiz: Module 3: Information Sharing: Stakeholder Management
Reading: Module 3 Summary and Highlights: Information Sharing: Stakeholder Management
Reading: Module 3 Glossary: Information Sharing: Stakeholder Management
Module 3 Graded Quiz: Information Sharing: Stakeholder Management
Module 4: Introduction to Project Risk Management
Video: Project Risk Management Overview
Video: Risk Defined
Video: Risk Metalanguage
Video: SWOT Analysis
Lab: Perform SWOT Analysis
Video: The Risk Management Plan
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Risk Planning
Reading: Customer and Stakeholder Interaction
Video: Demo: Risk Register
Lab: Hands-on Lab: Develop a Risk Register
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Risk Management
Practice Quiz: Module 4: Introduction to Project Risk Management
Reading: Module 4 Summary and Highlights: Introduction to Project Risk Management
Reading: Module 4 Glossary: Introduction to Project Risk Management
Module 4 Graded Quiz: Introduction to Project Risk Management
Module 5: Respond and Monitor Risk
Video: Respond to Risk
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Risk Responses
Video: Risk Report
Video: Risk Reassessment (Review)
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Risk Monitoring
Video: Risk Matrix
Lab: Create a Risk Matrix
Practice Quiz: Module 5: Respond and Monitor Risk
Reading: Module 5 Summary and Highlights: Respond and Monitor Risk
Reading: Module 5 Glossary: Respond and Monitor Risk
Module 5 Graded Quiz: Respond and Monitor Risk
Module 6: Final Project and Quiz
Reading: Final Project Overview
Final Project Scenario
Lab: Develop a Risk Register
Peer Review: Perform Initial Risk Analysis
Final Course Quiz: Project Lifecycle, Information Sharing, and Risk Management
Retake Exam
Module 7: Course Summary and Next Steps
Reading: Key Takeaways
Reading: Congratulations and Next Steps
Reading: Thanks from the Course Team
Reading: Copyrights and Trademarks
Course Rating and Feedback
Course Rating

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides hands-on labs that simulate real-world scenarios, such as SWOT analysis, developing a risk register, and creating a risk matrix, which are great for discussing in interviews
Explores both waterfall and adaptive project lifecycles, providing a comprehensive understanding of different project management methodologies
Teaches how to develop executable risk response strategies to avoid or mitigate threats and exploit or enhance opportunities, which are essential skills for effective project management
Includes readings on project management certifications, which may help learners explore options for formalizing their project management knowledge
Requires learners to perform a peer review of an initial risk analysis, which may be challenging for learners who prefer to work independently
Focuses on communication and stakeholder management, which are crucial for project success but may require strong interpersonal skills

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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 Lifecycle and Risk Management with these activities:
Review Project Management Methodologies
Solidify your understanding of different project management methodologies before starting the course. Understanding the differences between Waterfall, Agile, and other methodologies will provide a strong foundation for the course material.
Browse courses on Agile
Show steps
  • Research different project management methodologies.
  • Compare and contrast the methodologies.
  • Identify the strengths and weaknesses of each methodology.
Review 'Risk Management: Concepts and Guidance'
Expand your knowledge of risk management by reading 'Risk Management: Concepts and Guidance'. This book will provide a deeper understanding of risk management principles and best practices.
View The Project Management Drill Book: A Self-Study... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Risk Management: Concepts and Guidance'.
  • Read the chapters related to risk identification, assessment, and response planning.
  • Take notes on key concepts and examples.
Review 'A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)'
Familiarize yourself with the PMBOK Guide to gain a deeper understanding of project management principles. This will enhance your comprehension of the course material and provide a valuable reference for future projects.
View Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the PMBOK Guide.
  • Read the sections related to project lifecycles and risk management.
  • Take notes on key concepts and definitions.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Risk Register Template
Design a reusable risk register template that can be used for future projects. This activity will reinforce your understanding of the key elements of a risk register and how to effectively track and manage risks.
Show steps
  • Research existing risk register templates.
  • Identify the key fields to include in the template.
  • Design the template using a spreadsheet or project management software.
  • Test the template with sample data.
Practice SWOT Analysis on Case Studies
Sharpen your SWOT analysis skills by applying them to real-world case studies. This will improve your ability to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in various project scenarios.
Show steps
  • Find several project management case studies online.
  • Perform a SWOT analysis for each case study.
  • Compare your analysis with published analyses, if available.
Develop a Risk Management Plan for a Hypothetical Project
Apply the concepts learned in the course by creating a risk management plan for a hypothetical project. This hands-on activity will solidify your understanding of risk identification, analysis, and response strategies.
Show steps
  • Define the scope and objectives of the hypothetical project.
  • Identify potential risks associated with the project.
  • Analyze the likelihood and impact of each risk.
  • Develop risk response strategies for each identified risk.
  • Document the risk management plan in a clear and concise manner.
Write a Blog Post on Effective Communication in Project Management
Reinforce your understanding of communication strategies by writing a blog post on effective communication in project management. This will help you articulate key concepts and share your knowledge with others.
Show steps
  • Research effective communication strategies in project management.
  • Outline the key points to include in the blog post.
  • Write the blog post in a clear and engaging style.
  • Edit and proofread the blog post before publishing.

Career center

Learners who complete Project Lifecycle and Risk Management 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, and this course directly addresses many core competencies required for this role. This includes understanding the project lifecycle, from initiation to closure, and applying different project methodologies. The course also dives into risk management, a critical component of a project manager's job, which will allow you to develop and implement strategies to mitigate threats and capitalize on opportunities. This course gives you hands-on experience that can be discussed in interviews, enhancing your qualifications when seeking a project manager role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Program Manager
Program managers oversee multiple related projects, and this course helps to build the foundational understanding of project lifecycles and risk management needed for this role. A program manager must manage risks across various projects, and skills learned about risk identification and response strategies are crucial. The course's practical exercises, like developing a risk register and matrix, will significantly aid in applying these skills in a program manager role. The focus on stakeholder communication in this course will also support you in successfully managing stakeholder engagement across multiple projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager
Project Coordinator
Project coordinators assist project managers by handling administrative tasks, sharing information, and making sure projects stay on track. This course provides the basics in project lifecycle management and risk assessment, which are crucial in a project coordinator role. The course focuses on improving communication with team members and external stakeholders, giving you the skills to keep everyone informed and aligned. Furthermore, creating risk reports, registers, and matrices in the course help you develop the practical skills needed to support a project team effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Coordinator
Risk Analyst
Risk analysts identify potential project risks, assess their impact, and develop strategies to mitigate them, and this course directly covers all these areas. The coursework includes how to perform SWOT analysis, develop risk registers, and create risk matrices, which are all essential tools for a risk analyst. The practical experience in risk assessment and response provided in this course is useful for anyone looking to enter a risk analyst role, showing how risks can be managed throughout a project's lifecycle. The course material will provide you with real examples to discuss in job interviews.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst
Business Analyst
Business analysts enhance processes and systems by working with stakeholders to understand project requirements and needs, and the communication and stakeholder management skills developed in this course are directly applicable to this role. This course also explores the full project lifecycle, including risk and how to respond to risks, which is a helpful component of understanding project limitations and scopes as a business analyst. The hands-on practice gained from the online labs, like developing a team charter, helps you better support project teams and understand the processes required by projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Team Lead
Team leads are responsible for guiding a team through project-based work, which involves the same project lifecycle skills this course teaches. This course may be useful because it emphasizes communicating information clearly to team members. Team leads find value in building a consensus for shared project goals, which is taught throughout the modules. The lab exercises, especially those focused on communication and team charters, will help build the skills necessary to perform this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Team Lead
Project Scheduler
Project schedulers create and maintain project timelines, and the understanding of project lifecycles in this course may be useful. Project schedulers must know the phases of a project and how they are connected, which is extensively covered in the course. This project management course also offers tools for managing tasks and risk analysis, which can help a project scheduler keep projects on time and on budget. This may be useful for project schedulers who are looking to expand their understanding of the project process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Scheduler
Operations Manager
Operations managers oversee the daily activities of an organization. This course may be useful as it presents a detailed look into project lifecycles, which are a key part of operational improvements. Operations managers also use risk management when assessing current and potential processes, and the course’s exploration of risk assessment strategies, such as SWOT analysis and risk registers, will help in this area. The focus of this course on effective communication will also help an operations manager lead teams more effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager
Business Development Manager
Business development managers identify new opportunities and markets for companies. This course may be useful as it covers how to manage projects, including risk analysis. Business development managers often work on projects and need to be able to identify risks, and this course helps to develop these skills. Effective communication and stakeholder management, also covered in the course, are essential for building successful external relationships, which is part of a business development manager's job.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager
Management Consultant
Management consultants advise organizations on how to improve performance through various projects and initiatives. While not the main focus, the project management principles learned in this course may be useful for planning and executing projects effectively for clients. The risk management components of this course will also help management consultants identify issues and develop plans to address these issues. The course's emphasis on stakeholder communication and information sharing also may be useful in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant
Scrum Master
Scrum masters facilitate agile project development, and while this course does not focus specifically on agile methodologies, an understanding of risk management and project lifecycles may be helpful. The course teaches about various approaches to lifecycles, including adaptive lifecycles, which are typically used with scrum. This course also gives practical experience in creating risk reports, registers, and matrices, which may help a scrum master. The communication modules also teach skills necessary for any scrum master.
See salaries and explore the career path for Scrum Master
Construction Manager
Construction managers oversee construction projects, and although this course is not specific to construction, project management fundamentals may be helpful when managing projects. Managing the project lifecycle and identifying risks, which are covered in the course, could help a construction manager keep the project on time and within budget. The course's focus on stakeholder communication and planning may also be helpful in dealing with the various parties involved in construction. Additionally, understanding how to create risk reports and registers is helpful when managing the different risks associated with a construction project.
See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager
Product Owner
Product owners define product vision and strategy, working with stakeholders to define goals. Understanding the project lifecycle and risk management, which is covered by this course, may be useful when defining product features and keeping projects focused. This course emphasizes the importance of stakeholder communication and alignment, which is crucial for product owners. The course will introduce you to tools and techniques that help manage and share information with stakeholders, and you will learn how to develop a team charter, which is useful to product teams.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Owner
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality assurance analysts focus on ensuring products and services meet specific standards. The risk and project lifecycle aspects of this course may be useful for a quality assurance analyst. Risk analysis can be applied to identify quality risks, and the communication modules are helpful in clarifying project goals. While this role is more focused on specific quality protocols, the concepts taught in this course will give a more global view of the project lifecycle. The skills learned in the course may help improve team communication and project alignment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers oversee marketing campaigns and strategies for an organization, and the project management principles in this course may be helpful to organize and execute various projects. While less directly connected, the communication skills taught in this course could be useful for presenting marketing plans and strategies to stakeholders. Risk analysis methods from the course may help marketing managers identify and plan around project risks and challenges. The course teaches how to develop team charters, and this skill is useful for marketing teams.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

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 Lifecycle and Risk Management.
Cover image
Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and...
Save
The PMBOK Guide fundamental resource for project management professionals. It provides a comprehensive overview of project management processes, knowledge areas, and best practices. serves as a useful reference tool throughout the course, especially when learning about project lifecycles and risk management. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions and by industry professionals.
Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and...
Paperback
Check
Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Project Management Drill Book
Save
Provides a practical guide to risk management, covering key concepts, tools, and techniques. It offers valuable insights into risk identification, assessment, and response planning. This book is more valuable as additional reading to provide more depth to the existing course. It is commonly used by industry professionals.
The Project Management Drill Book: A Self-Study...
Paperback
$$$$
Project Management Drill Book: A Self-Study Guide
Kindle Edition
$$$

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Effort
2 to 3 hours per week for 6 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
SkillUp EdTech LLC
Session
December 16, 2024 - June 30, 2025
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Provides hands-on labs that simulate real-world scenarios, such as SWOT analysis, developing a risk register, and creating a risk matrix, which are great for discussing in interviews
Explores both waterfall and adaptive project lifecycles, providing a comprehensive understanding of different project management methodologies
Teaches how to develop executable risk response strategies to avoid or mitigate threats and exploit or enhance opportunities, which are essential skills for effective project management
Includes readings on project management certifications, which may help learners explore options for formalizing their project management knowledge
Requires learners to perform a peer review of an initial risk analysis, which may be challenging for learners who prefer to work independently
Focuses on communication and stakeholder management, which are crucial for project success but may require strong interpersonal skills
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