Project Management Life Cycle from edX

Learn about project management from a multidisciplinary perspective, as we cover fundamental tools and techniques for managing a broad range of projects.

You will learn about the project management life cycle from initiation to closing. We will address the behavioral and quantitative facets of project management, as well as the use of methods, tools and techniques for the initiation, planning, execution and closing of projects. The course will be divided by the project life cycle phases.

First, we will cover project initiation. We will review projects in organizations, project selection models, the project manager role and project organization structures to better understand how a project is initiated. You will also learn how to create a key project management deliverable, the project charter.

Second, we will cover the project-planning phase. You will learn how to build a comprehensive project management plan covering the key aspects of risk, quality, scope, schedule, cost, time, resource and communications.

Third, we will cover the project execution phase. We will explore the monitoring and control of a project including earned value analysis and project reporting. Case studies and examples will be used to help you understand the correct actions for a project manager to take to keep a project in control.

Finally, we will cover the project closing phase, where we explore the tasks to complete an effective project closure.

This course is part of the RIT Project Management MicroMasters Program that is designed to teach the skills and behaviors necessary to be successful in a project management career. In order to qualify for the MicroMasters Credential, you will need to earn a verified certificate in each of the three courses.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The roles and responsibilities of a project manager
Project initiation and planning

Project execution
Project closing project management tools and techniques

The roles and responsibilities of a project manager
Project initiation and planning
Project execution
Project closing project management tools and techniques

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

This course may be beneficial for people already working in project management who would like to advance their skills or those looking to transition into this field

Introduces industry standard methods, tools, and techniques for managing various projects

Covers both behavioral and quantitative facets of project management

Students develop foundational skills in each phase of the project life cycle, from initiation to closing

Provided by RIT, whose MicroMasters credential signifies competence in project management

Students in various industries, including those in IT and business, can benefit from this 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 Life Cycle with these activities:

Review prior projects

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Review existing projects to enhance understanding of project management principles and best practices.

Browse courses on Project Initiation

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Gather project documentation, including project charters, plans, and reports.
Analyze project deliverables to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

Review Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of project management principles and best practices by reviewing the industry-leading PMBOK Guide.

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

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Obtain a copy of the latest PMBOK Guide.
Review the key concepts and processes outlined in the PMBOK Guide.

Create Gantt charts and project timelines

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Develop proficiency in creating visual representations of project plans to enhance project visualization and planning skills.

Browse courses on Project Planning

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Use online tools or software to create Gantt charts and project timelines.
Experiment with different time scales and activity durations to optimize project plans.

Two other activities

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Follow project management case studies

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Learn from real-world project management experiences by reviewing case studies to gain insights into project success factors and common challenges.

Browse courses on Project Management Methodologies

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Identify project management case studies relevant to the course topics.
Analyze the case studies to understand the project context, challenges, and outcomes.

Develop a project management plan

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Apply theoretical knowledge to create a comprehensive project management plan, integrating various aspects of project planning and management.

Browse courses on Project Management Plan

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Define the project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
Develop a detailed project schedule and budget.

Career center

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

Project Manager

The Project Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, executing, and leading projects. They are the point of contact for all stakeholders and the backbone of the team. This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role. Some of the topics covered include: project initiation, planning, execution, and closing; project management tools and techniques; and the roles and responsibilities of a project manager. The course is part of a MicroMasters Program that will teach the skills and behaviors necessary to be successful in a project management career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Program Manager

The Program Manager is responsible for the overall success of a program, which may include multiple projects. Their responsibilities are similar to that of a Project Manager, but with a broader scope. This course provides a solid foundation for success in this role. Some topics covered include: project initiation, planning, execution, and closing; project management tools and techniques; and the roles and responsibilities of a project manager. The course is part of a MicroMasters Program that will teach the skills and behaviors necessary to be successful in a project management career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Project Analyst

The Project Analyst is responsible for analyzing and evaluating projects. They use their knowledge of project management to identify and solve problems and opportunities. This course provides a solid foundation for success in this role. Some of the topics covered include: project initiation, planning, execution, and closing; project management tools and techniques; and the roles and responsibilities of a project manager. The course is part of a MicroMasters Program that will teach the skills and behaviors necessary to be successful in a project management career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Analyst

Project Coordinator

The Project Coordinator supports the Project Manager in the planning, organizing, executing, and leading of projects. This role is often responsible for the day-to-day management of the project. This course may be helpful for those looking to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Coordinator

Product Manager

The Product Manager is responsible for the planning, organizing, executing, and leading of the development of a product. Their responsibilities may include managing the budget, schedule, and quality of the product. This course may be helpful for those looking to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Construction Manager

The Construction Manager is responsible for the planning, organizing, executing, and leading of construction projects. Their responsibilities include managing the budget, schedule, and quality of the project. This course may be helpful for those looking to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Marketing Manager

The Marketing Manager is responsible for the planning, organizing, executing, and leading of marketing campaigns. Their responsibilities may include managing the budget, schedule, and quality of the campaign. This course may be helpful for those looking to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Event Planner

The Event Planner is responsible for the planning, organizing, executing, and leading of events. Their responsibilities may include managing the budget, schedule, and quality of the event. This course may be helpful for those looking to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Event Planner

Supply Chain Manager

The Supply Chain Manager is responsible for the planning, organizing, executing, and leading of supply chain operations. Their responsibilities may include managing the budget, schedule, and quality of supply chain operations. This course may be helpful for those looking to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager

Sustainability Manager

The Sustainability Manager is responsibilities for the planning, organizing, executing, and leading of sustainability operations. Their responsibilities may include managing the budget, schedule, and quality of sustainability operations. This course may be helpful for those looking to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Financial Manager

The Financial Manager is responsible for the planning, organizing, executing, and leading of financial operations. Their responsibilities may include managing the budget, schedule, and quality of financial operations. This course may be helpful for those looking to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Manager

Sales Manager

The Sales Manager is responsible for the planning, organizing, executing, and leading of sales teams. Their responsibilities may include managing the budget, schedule, and quality of the sales team. This course may be helpful for those looking to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Human Resources Manager

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for the planning, organizing, executing, and leading of human resources operations. Their responsibilities may include managing the budget, schedule, and quality of human resources operations. This course may be helpful for those looking to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Operations Manager

The Operations Manager is responsible for the planning, organizing, executing, and leading of operations. Their responsibilities may include managing the budget, schedule, and quality of operations. This course may be helpful for those looking to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Information Technology Manager

The Information Technology Manager is responsible for the planning, organizing, executing, and leading of information technology operations. Their responsibilities may include managing the budget, schedule, and quality of information technology operations. This course may be helpful for those looking to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Manager