Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning from Coursera

The goal of the course is to give you the tools to initiate a project plan, manage both stakeholders and relationships, organize their team, develop a project charter, and build a business case for a project.

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

- Perform a project assessment using information from previous projects and lessons learned

- Identify key deliverables based on business requirements while managing customer expectations

- Perform a stakeholder analysis and create a management plan

- Analyze and develop a project organization

- Create a project charter

- Explain the business case for a project and calculate Net Present Value

- Inform stakeholders of the charter and ensure all parties know the deliverables and expectations

As part of the course, you will prepare organization charts, create a Stakeholder Register, and write a Project Charter based on an engineering project in a provided Case Study. The Stakeholder Register will outline the key parties to the project, their concerns and how you will manage their expectations. Your Project Charter will provide the key guidance your team needs to understand the scope, requirements and purpose for the project.

All of this will position you for initiating and planning your first project and/or understanding how you can maximize your contributions on your next project team.

Rice Center for Engineering Leadership is a Registered Education Provider through the Project Management Institute (PMI)®. Learners who complete this course on the Certificate track will be awarded 12 hours of Profession Development Units. These are recognized by PMI for continuing education or can be applied toward the 35 hours of education required for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification.

PMI and PMP are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction

During this module you will meet the instructors, review course outline, and discuss grading and the course requirements. In addition, we will review a pre-selected case that will be used throughout the Specialization and discuss grading.

Project Management Overview

What is a project, project management, project manager, and where do you start?

Project Organizations

You have become the manager of a project, now you have to organize your team.

Project Communications and Stakeholder Management

Who do you need to consider while organizing your project and how will they communicate?

Project Integration Management

Case Study and Deliverables

You will review the case study, apply lessons learned about project management and submit a project plan. After you submit the plan, you will peer review the plans of three classmates.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Project management professionals seeking a foundational understanding of project initiation and planning

Students wanting to complement their project management studies with a focus on the initial stages of a project

Learners seeking a comprehensive guide to project initiation and planning

Suitable for beginners seeking an overview of project initiation and planning

Covers essential concepts for project initiators and planners

Reviews summary

Engineering project management: a great addition

According to students, Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning is a great addition for engineering professionals. It is a beneficial and worthwhile investment for skills necessary to manage projects.

Worthwhile investment for your career.

"Great addition to any engineering career."

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 Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning with these activities:

Review business communication fundamentals

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Brushing up on the basics of business communication will help you hit the ground running in this course where effective communication is critical.

Browse courses on Business Communication

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Access your course materials and review the resources provided on business communication.
Take notes on key concepts, such as active listening, clear writing, and persuasive speaking.
Practice writing emails, memos, and other common business documents.

Participate in a peer-led project planning workshop

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Collaborating with peers on a mini project will allow you to apply the principles of project planning in a practical and collaborative setting.

Browse courses on Project Planning

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Form a small group with your classmates.
Select a project idea and define the scope and goals.
Develop a project plan, including timelines, resources, and responsibilities.
Present your project plan to the group for feedback.
Reflect on the experience and identify areas for improvement.

Develop a stakeholder management plan

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Creating a stakeholder management plan will provide you with hands-on experience in a crucial aspect of project management covered in this course.

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Identify the key stakeholders in your project.
Analyze their interests, needs, and potential impact on the project.
Develop strategies for engaging and managing each stakeholder.
Create a stakeholder management plan that outlines your strategies and communication approach.

Four other activities

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Develop a project charter for a real-world project

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Creating a comprehensive project charter will allow you to apply the principles and structure covered in this course to a practical project scenario.

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Identify a real-world project or case study.
Define the project scope, goals, and objectives.
Identify the project stakeholders and their roles.
Develop a project timeline and budget.
Create a communication plan to keep stakeholders informed.

Explore online resources on Net Present Value (NPV)

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Supplementing your understanding of NPV through online resources will enhance your ability to make informed decisions related to project investments.

Browse courses on Net Present Value

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Search for reputable websites and videos that explain the concept of Net Present Value.
Take notes on the key steps and formulas involved in calculating NPV.
Practice calculating NPV using online calculators or spreadsheets.

Participate in a project management simulation or competition

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Putting your project management knowledge to the test in a simulated or competitive environment will solidify your understanding and enhance your problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Research and identify project management simulations or competitions that are relevant to your interests.
Form a team or participate individually.
Develop a winning strategy and execute your project plan.
Reflect on your experience and learn from your successes and challenges.

Volunteer on a project that aligns with the course material

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Applying your knowledge and skills in a hands-on volunteering role will deepen your understanding and make a positive impact on your community.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Research and identify volunteer opportunities in your area that align with the concepts covered in this course.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer positions.
Participate in project activities and contribute to the success of the project.
Reflect on your experience and identify transferable skills and knowledge.

Career center

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

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for leading and directing projects from inception to completion. The course on Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning will provide you with the essential knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to initiate a project plan, manage stakeholders and relationships, organize your team, develop a project charter, and build a business case for a project.This course will also introduce you to the concepts of project integration management and communications management, which are critical for the success of any project. Completing this course is an excellent step toward advancing your career as a Project Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Project Control Engineer

Project Control Engineers are responsible for monitoring and controlling project progress. The course on Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning will provide you with a solid understanding of the project control process and the tools and techniques used to manage project progress. This course will also introduce you to the concepts of project management and cost management, which are important for Project Control Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Control Engineer

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and integrating complex systems. The course on Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning will provide you with a solid understanding of the systems engineering process and the tools and techniques used to manage systems. This course will also introduce you to the concepts of project management and quality management, which are important for Systems Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Resource Manager

Resource Managers are responsible for planning and managing the resources needed to complete projects. The course on Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning will provide you with a solid understanding of the resource management process and the tools and techniques used to manage resources. This course will also introduce you to the concepts of project management and scheduling, which are important for Resource Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Resource Manager

Safety Manager

Safety Managers are responsible for ensuring that workplaces are safe and healthy for employees. The course on Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning will provide you with a solid understanding of the safety management process and the tools and techniques used to manage safety. This course will also introduce you to the concepts of risk management and quality management, which are important for Safety Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Safety Manager

Project Engineer

Project Engineers are responsible for the technical aspects of projects, including design, development, and implementation. The course on Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning will provide you with a solid understanding of the project management process and the tools and techniques used to manage projects. This course will also introduce you to the concepts of quality management and safety management, which are important for Project Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Engineer

Project Scheduler

Project Schedulers are responsible for developing and maintaining project schedules. The course on Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning will provide you with a solid understanding of the project scheduling process and the tools and techniques used to manage schedules. This course will also introduce you to the concepts of project management and resource management, which are important for Project Schedulers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Scheduler

Cost Engineer

Cost Engineers are responsible for planning and controlling project costs. The course on Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning will provide you with a solid understanding of the project cost management process and the tools and techniques used to manage project costs. This course will also introduce you to the concepts of project management and scheduling, which are important for Cost Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cost Engineer

Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance Managers are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet quality standards. The course on Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning will provide you with a solid understanding of the quality management process and the tools and techniques used to manage quality. This course will also introduce you to the concepts of risk management and safety management, which are important for Quality Assurance Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Manager

Project Coordinator

Project Coordinators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of projects, including scheduling, budgeting, and communication. The course on Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning will provide you with the essential skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to manage project timelines, budgets, and resources, and how to communicate effectively with stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Coordinator

Risk Manager

Risk Managers are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks. The course on Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning will provide you with a foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to identify and assess risks, develop risk mitigation plans, and monitor risks throughout the project lifecycle. This course may also provide an introduction to project management, which is helpful for Risk Managers.

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Configuration Manager

Configuration Managers are responsible for managing the configuration of products and services. The course on Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning will provide you with a foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to develop and manage configuration baselines, track changes to configurations, and ensure that products and services meet customer requirements. This course may also provide an introduction to project management, which is helpful for Configuration Managers.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for creating and maintaining technical documentation. The course on Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning will provide you with a foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to write clear and concise technical documents, including project plans, user manuals, and marketing materials. This course may also provide an introduction to project management, which is helpful for Technical Writers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. The course on Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning will provide you with a foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to gather and analyze data, develop business requirements, and create business cases. This course may also provide an introduction to project management, which is helpful for Business Analysts.

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Program Manager

Program Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and managing programs, which are large groups of related projects. The course on Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning will provide you with a foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to manage multiple projects simultaneously, coordinate resources, and track progress toward program goals. This course may also provide an introduction to risk management, which is essential for Program Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager