Project Management Fundamentals from Udemy

Project Management Fundamentals

Practical Project Management worked example using Gantt Charts The Olympics, developing a new disease cure, putting a man on the moon, launching a new product range, or even just planning a birthday party - if you can master Project Management you can lead any project of any size with the same simple process. However, amazingly, most people are never taught it, and those who are will often be shown an overcomplicated and overwhelming version with confusing software and detailed maths. Instead, in this course, you’ll be walked through step by step on how to simply and effectively manage any project, in any industry, with any budget.

The Project Management process taught in this Project Management Fundamentals course is the APM (aka PMP or PMI) method. It’s based on decades of academic research and is widely accepted as the ultimate Project Management solution. The difference with this course is that it’s a live work-along version - so we will plan a real-life project together and show you how simple and effective the tools are. You’ll learn how to make a PERT diagram with Post-it notes, and a Gantt Chart using only Excel. Say goodbye to overcomplicated Prince2 or Agile, and enjoy the simplicity of this 12 Step Process. This course covers detailed tips for excellent planning using Gantt Charts and PERT diagrams, managing a team, avoiding overspend, predicting risks and dealing with multiple stakeholders.

After this course, you will feel calm, collected, well prepared and confident that your project will be a success. You’ll know how to come in on time, on budget, and with a very happy boss. We look at lots of real-life project management examples (some of which will definitely get you laughing) and give you practical tools you can use right away to get better results in your projects. Whether you're managing a small at-home project or an entire global corporate expansion this course will empower you as someone who is always one step ahead.

Chris Croft is an international speaker, and widely published author, who's been teaching Project Management to companies for over 20 years. He's taught all over the world, as well as online, and has an entertaining and practical teaching style. This course is guaranteed to keep you engaged and amused, and teach you life-changing skills for home and work.

The course overview includes:

A step by step “real-time” project planned out before your eyes
Create a Gantt Chart using only Excel, and a PERT diagram using just Post-It notes
Templates and tools to plan your own project simply and effectively
Common mistakes which will instantly set your project up to fail
What makes a great project manager
Be able to manage a successful project even with zero experience in that industry
Predicting which tasks are crucial to your project timing
Measuring whether you're on budget and on time - and how to fix it if you're not
Feel calm and effective in running a project of any size in any industry
This course does not look at Agile or Prince in detail - but something better.
And lots lots more.

By becoming great at Project Management, not only will you pave the way for a future promotion, but you'll also have saved your company thousands.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Feel confident applying project management theory to your real life project
Be able to manage a successful project even with zero experience in that industry
Build a gantt chart using no specialist software (just excel and post-it notes)
Use the pmp or pmi method to do project management

Measuring whether you're on budget and on time - and how to fix it if you're not
Learn how to make a gantt chart and a pert diagram with ease
Feel calm and effective in running a project of any size in any industry

Feel confident applying project management theory to your real life project
Be able to manage a successful project even with zero experience in that industry
Build a gantt chart using no specialist software (just excel and post-it notes)
Use the pmp or pmi method to do project management
Measuring whether you're on budget and on time - and how to fix it if you're not
Learn how to make a gantt chart and a pert diagram with ease
Feel calm and effective in running a project of any size in any industry

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome

12 Step Process

Step 1 - Define the Project

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops project management skills, which are core skills for project leaders

Taught by Chris Croft, who is widely recognized for his work in project management

Uses the industry-standard APM (aka PMP or PMI) method to do Project Management

Emphasizes practical application of project management theory

Provides hands-on labs and interactive materials

Covers common mistakes which can instantly set projects up to fail

Reviews summary

Practical project management for any project

According to learners, this course offers a highly practical and simplified approach to project management, making it accessible for a wide range of individuals. Students appreciate the focus on actionable skills, learning to create Gantt Charts using only Excel and PERT diagrams with simple tools. The instructor's engaging and entertaining style makes learning complex topics enjoyable. The course is particularly beneficial for those seeking a clear, step-by-step process to manage projects of any size, from personal tasks to corporate initiatives. While it intentionally avoids complex methodologies like Agile or Prince2, it provides a solid foundation in the widely accepted APM (PMP/PMI) method, empowering learners with the confidence to succeed.

Provides skills applicable to any project, fostering confidence in managing them.

"I now feel confident managing projects, whether for work or personal life, regardless of industry."

"This course empowered me to tackle my project with a calm and organized approach."

"The tools and strategies are versatile and can be applied to projects of any size."

Chris Croft's teaching style keeps learners engaged and makes the subject enjoyable.

"The instructor's amusing anecdotes and practical examples kept me hooked throughout the course."

"Chris Croft makes learning project management entertaining and easy to grasp."

"His teaching approach is refreshingly direct and full of useful insights."

Breaks down project management into an easy-to-follow 12-step process.

"This course cuts through the complexity, making project management feel much less overwhelming."

"I appreciate how it avoids jargon and focuses on a straightforward, effective method."

"The 12-step process is a game-changer for someone like me who needs a clear roadmap."

Focuses on real-world application with simple, accessible tools.

"I learned to build a Gantt chart in Excel, which is incredibly useful for my work."

"The live work-along format helped me apply the concepts directly to a real project."

"Using Post-it notes for PERT diagrams showed me how simple complex planning can be."

Teaches core PM principles, intentionally excluding Agile or Prince2.

"While excellent for fundamentals, this course isn't for those looking for in-depth Agile or Prince2 training."

"I found the focus on the APM method to be solid, but I would need another course for other methodologies."

"If you're deeply entrenched in Agile, this course might feel too basic in its approach."

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 Fundamentals with these activities:

Review Basic Math and Statistics Concepts

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Strengthens foundational knowledge in math and statistics, which are essential for effective project management, particularly in areas like budgeting and risk analysis.

Browse courses on Statistics

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Review basic arithmetic operations and formulas
Familiarize yourself with statistical concepts like mean, median, and standard deviation
Apply these concepts to project management scenarios

Watch Tutorials on Risk Management and Stakeholder Management

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Provides supplemental guidance on essential project management techniques, enhancing comprehension and practical application.

Browse courses on Risk Management

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Identify reputable online tutorials or courses
Watch and engage with the tutorials
Apply the techniques to your own project planning

Organize Course Notes and Materials

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Improves organization and retention by consolidating course materials, making them readily accessible for future reference and reinforcement of learning.

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Review and organize lecture notes
Compile relevant articles, videos, and other resources
Create a system for easy retrieval and referencing

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Read: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)

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Provides foundational knowledge and best practices in project management, aligning with the course's focus on the PMBOK methodology.

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

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Read and understand the key concepts of project management
Review the different knowledge areas and process groups
Identify the tools and techniques used in project management

Practice Estimating Time and Resources

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Sharpens skills in estimating time and resources required for project tasks, improving accuracy and efficiency in project planning.

Browse courses on Time Estimation

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Identify the tasks and activities involved in the project
Estimate the duration and resources required for each task
Review and refine the estimates

Create a Gantt Chart in Excel or a PERT Diagram with Post-it Notes

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Develops proficiency in creating and using visual tools for project planning and scheduling, enhancing understanding of these concepts.

Browse courses on Gantt Chart

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Gather the necessary data and information
Choose the appropriate tool (Excel or Post-it Notes)
Create the Gantt Chart or PERT Diagram
Review and refine the diagram

Plan and Execute a Personal Project

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Provides practical experience in applying project management principles to a real-world scenario, reinforcing the course's teachings.

Browse courses on Project Planning

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Define the project scope and objectives
Develop a project plan using the 12-step process
Execute the project, monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments
Evaluate the project's success and learn from the experience

Participate in a Peer Review Session for Project Plans

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Fosters collaboration and improves project planning skills by exchanging feedback and insights with peers, leading to more robust project plans.

Browse courses on Peer Review

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Prepare your project plan for review
Attend and participate in the peer review session
Provide constructive feedback to others
Incorporate feedback into your project plan

Career center

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

Project Manager

Project Managers lead the planning, execution, and completion of projects. They are responsible for setting project goals, defining scope, developing schedules, and managing budgets. They also work with stakeholders to ensure that the project is completed on time, on budget, and to the desired quality. This course provides a strong foundation in project management principles and practices, and it can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Construction Manager

Construction Managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of construction projects. They are responsible for managing the project team, coordinating with contractors and subcontractors, and ensuring that the project is completed on time, on budget, and to the desired quality. This course provides a strong foundation in project management principles and practices, and it can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Program Manager

Program Managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of programs. They are responsible for managing the program team, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring that the program is completed on time, on budget, and to the desired quality. This course provides a strong foundation in project management principles and practices, and it can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the planning, development, and launch of new products. They work with stakeholders to define the product vision, develop the product roadmap, and manage the product team. This course provides a strong foundation in project management principles and practices, and it can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with stakeholders to understand their business needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. They may also be responsible for managing projects to implement these solutions. This course provides a strong foundation in project management principles and practices, and it can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics, including project management. They may be called upon to help organizations develop project plans, manage project teams, and implement project management systems. This course provides a strong foundation in project management principles and practices, and it can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems. They may also be responsible for managing projects to implement these systems. This course provides a strong foundation in project management principles and practices, and it can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and test software applications. They may also be responsible for managing projects to implement these applications. This course provides a strong foundation in project management principles and practices, and it can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test software applications to ensure that they meet quality standards. They may also be responsible for managing projects to implement quality assurance processes. This course provides a strong foundation in project management principles and practices, and it can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. They may also be responsible for managing projects to implement data analysis processes. This course provides a strong foundation in project management principles and practices, and it can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for software applications and other technical products. They may also be responsible for managing projects to implement documentation processes. This course provides a strong foundation in project management principles and practices, and it can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Project Coordinator

Project Coordinators assist Project Managers with the planning, execution, and completion of projects. They may be responsible for tasks such as scheduling meetings, tracking project progress, and preparing project reports. This course provides a strong foundation in project management principles and practices, and it can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Coordinator

Office Manager

Office Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an office. They may be responsible for tasks such as managing the budget, ordering supplies, and coordinating with vendors. This course may be useful as it can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role, such as project planning, scheduling, and budgeting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Office Manager

Executive Assistant

Executive Assistants provide administrative and operational support to executives and other senior managers. They may be responsible for tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing travel arrangements, and preparing presentations. This course may be useful as it can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role, such as project planning, scheduling, and budgeting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Executive Assistant

Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistants provide administrative and operational support to a variety of professionals, including managers, executives, and other employees. They may be responsible for tasks such as answering phones, managing email, and preparing documents. This course may be useful as it can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role, such as project planning, scheduling, and budgeting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Administrative Assistant