Platform Product Essentials from Coursera

Delivering a platform solution for your business in a “clicks not code environment” seems easy. However the drag and drop interface of the technology isn’t the hard part. This is a course that will help you focus on the real difficulty in platform implementation, the structure of your business and its people. We will explore the benefits of low-code application development vs no-code development and how these tools are surpassing traditional development as the gold standard for custom applications. Our classes will showcase the low-code app development on the google platform and show you how to leverage LC/NC apis to leverage the functionality of tools like Zapier to connect your platform applications. All with little to no coding knowledge.

This fun and engaging course will take a foundational look at the necessary elements to successfully transform your business with the right platform. Starting with establishing a foundational understanding of LCNC tools and taking a look at the landscape of platforms in the market. Participants will get a taste of how citizen developers and professional developers can collaborate to build productive low-code applications. We will then introduce the four pillars model as a tool that will provide clarity for all of the critical elements that are involved in your implementation. We will also highlight some real world use cases where LC/NC applications have been built successfully and where application development has failed.

Historically, traditional implementation models utilize project management techniques to deliver solutions. Throw your PMBOK (project management body of knowledge) out the window. We are no longer running a project. Our platform is now a product and you are on the road to your digital transformation.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1 - A Brief History

Week 2 - Lining Up Your Business

Week 3 - Putting Your Team to Work

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores low-code/no-code (LC/NC) application development, which is becoming increasingly important for businesses looking to digitally transform and innovate quickly

Examines the benefits of low-code application development versus no-code development, which can help businesses choose the right approach for their needs

Showcases low-code app development on the Google platform, which is a popular choice for businesses due to its scalability and integration capabilities

Introduces the four pillars model, which provides clarity for critical elements involved in platform implementation, offering a structured approach to digital transformation

Requires little to no coding knowledge, which makes it accessible to citizen developers and business users who want to participate in application development

Advises against using traditional project management techniques, which may be a significant shift for professionals accustomed to PMBOK methodologies

Reviews summary

Strategic implementation of lcnc platforms

According to learners, this course offers a valuable strategic perspective on implementing low-code/no-code (LCNC) platforms, focusing on business and organizational aspects rather than just technology. Many students found the concept of treating a platform as a 'product, not a project' to be highly insightful and a key takeaway. The introduced 'four pillars model' is frequently cited as a clear and useful framework for navigating complex implementations. Reviewers generally agree the course content is well-explained and relevant for professionals transitioning into or leading LCNC initiatives from a business or strategic viewpoint. However, a common point of feedback is the lack of practical, hands-on guidance on specific LCNC tools, leading some who expected technical 'how-to' to find it too theoretical or basic for technical roles. It's best suited for those focused on the strategic and managerial challenges of LCNC adoption.

Good for strategic roles

"This course is highly relevant for anyone in a strategic or product management role in tech."

"Great for understanding the business and organizational challenges of LCNC."

"The focus on people and process over technology was exactly what I needed."

Provides clear framework

"The 'Four Pillars' model is a practical framework I can immediately apply."

"I particularly liked the introduction of the 4 pillars model which serves as a solid framework for implementation."

"The four pillars model provided an excellent, structured approach to thinking about the process."

Valuable strategic reframe

"The re-framing of platform implementation from a project to a product mindset was brilliant."

"Excellent framing the platform as a product vs a project. This is a game changer in thinking."

"I really appreciate framing digital transformation efforts through platforms as Products and not projects."

May lack depth for some

"For someone technically inclined, this course might feel a bit too basic."

"If you are already working deeply with LCNC tools, this is mostly a high-level review."

"I hoped for more depth on using specific LCNC platforms mentioned."

Too theoretical, lacks hands-on

"I was expecting more hands-on content or practical examples of tools."

"It's a bit high level and conceptual, could benefit from more tangible examples."

"Less theory, more practical application and tools would improve this greatly."

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 Platform Product Essentials with these activities:

Review Basic Project Management Principles

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Reinforce your understanding of traditional project management methodologies to better appreciate the shift towards product-centric platform development.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Review the PMBOK guide or similar project management resources.
Summarize key project management processes and knowledge areas.
Reflect on the limitations of project management in platform development.

Follow Zapier Tutorials

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Learn how to integrate different applications using Zapier to enhance your platform's functionality.

Browse courses on Zapier

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Explore the Zapier website and documentation.
Choose a tutorial that demonstrates a relevant integration.
Follow the tutorial step-by-step to create a Zap.
Test the Zap to ensure it is working correctly.

Read 'The Lean Startup' by Eric Ries

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Understand the principles of Lean Startup to apply them to platform product development.

View The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use... on Amazon

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Read 'The Lean Startup' by Eric Ries.
Identify key concepts like MVP, validated learning, and pivot.
Consider how these concepts apply to platform implementation.

Four other activities

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Identify a Potential Platform Use Case

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Apply the four pillars model to a real-world scenario to solidify your understanding of platform implementation.

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Choose a business problem or opportunity suitable for a platform solution.
Define the problem, target users, and desired outcomes.
Outline the four pillars (Business, Team, Tool, Support) for this use case.
Identify potential challenges and solutions for each pillar.

Read 'No-Code Revolution' by Allen Helton

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Gain a broader understanding of the no-code movement and its potential impact on software development.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read 'No-Code Revolution' by Allen Helton.
Identify key trends and opportunities in the no-code space.
Consider how no-code tools can be used to solve business problems.

Document a Successful LC/NC Use Case

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Deepen your understanding of successful low-code/no-code implementations by researching and documenting a real-world example.

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Research a successful low-code/no-code platform implementation.
Document the business problem, solution, and key outcomes.
Analyze the factors that contributed to the success of the implementation.
Present your findings in a written report or presentation.

Develop a Platform Selection Matrix

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Create a tool to evaluate different low-code/no-code platforms based on your specific business needs.

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Identify key criteria for evaluating low-code/no-code platforms.
Create a matrix with platforms as rows and criteria as columns.
Research and populate the matrix with relevant data.
Analyze the matrix to identify the best platform for your needs.

Career center

Learners who complete Platform Product Essentials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Platform Strategist

A platform strategist is responsible for developing and executing the strategic vision for a technology platform. This course will help a platform strategist understand what is needed to make a platform successful. The course's material on platform implementation, team alignment and process changes are exactly what a platform strategist needs. This course will enable a platform strategist to speak the language of platform development. Platform strategists are highly encouraged to take this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Platform Strategist

Product Manager

A product manager shepherds the development and launch of products, ensuring they meet user needs and business goals. This course, focusing on platform product essentials, can set the stage for a successful journey as a product manager, especially in the context of low code and no code platforms. Understanding the four pillars model, as presented in the course, guides platform implementation and aligns with the product management mindset. Anyone who desires to manage the development of a complex product, such as a platform, should take this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Digital Transformation Manager

A digital transformation manager guides an organization through the process of adopting new digital technologies. This course introduces a structured way of thinking about digital transformation. Understanding how to manage the human element of change is critical, a topic discussed in the course. This role requires understanding of the low code/no code marketplace. This course's exploration of platform implementation aligns perfectly with the challenges encountered by digital transformation managers. A digital transformation manager will find this course very valuable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Transformation Manager

Enterprise Architect

Enterprise architects align technology with business goals within an organization, ensuring that systems work in a cohesive way. This course focuses on the importance of platform implementation, which is a key part of the decisions an enterprise architect makes. The four pillars model of implementation, which is part of the course, will be helpful to an enterprise architect. An enterprise architect should strongly consider this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Enterprise Architect

Business Analyst

Business analysts examine an organization's processes and systems to identify areas for improvement and efficiency. As a business analyst, one must be able to understand how technological solutions can meet business needs. This course explores platform implementation, particularly low-code and no-code development, which are critical skills for business analysts needing to recommend optimized systems. The course's focus on platform implementation and the four pillars model is particularly relevant to a business analyst. This is a great course for a business analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Technology Consultant

Technology consultants advise organizations on how to best use technology to achieve their objectives. This course will help one make recommendations on no code/low code implementations. The course's emphasis on understanding the landscape of available platforms and the benefits of these tools is particularly relevant for someone who acts as a technology consultant. A technology consultant will benefit from understanding the four pillar model of implementation. This course is recommended for any technology consultant.

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Application Developer

Application developers build and maintain software applications, often writing code to spec. This course can help an application developer understand how to work in a low-code/no-code environment. The course explores how citizen developers and professional developers can team up. This course is a good way for an application developer to develop a more complete and versatile skillset. An application developer should take this course.

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Solution Architect

Solution architects design and oversee the implementation of technological solutions to business problems. This course will help someone in this role think about platform implementation. The course's focus on low code and no code tools as well as how they relate to traditional development is especially useful. A solution architect will benefit from the course's review of the platforms that are on the market. A solution architect should consider this course.

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Systems Analyst

Systems analysts research and recommend changes to an organization's information systems. This course will be useful to a systems analyst looking to implement low-code/no-code systems. Understanding the market of platforms, the material covered in the course, will be valuable in choosing the best platform for the organization. This course will allow a systems analyst to make a more informed decision. A systems analyst should consider taking this course.

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Innovation Manager

An innovation manager fosters a culture of creativity and identifies new opportunities for growth within an organization. This role requires a thorough understanding of new technologies and their potential applications, which this course provides. Understanding low-code/no-code development, which this course covers, can help an innovation manager champion new technology adoption. An innovation manager may find this course useful.

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Operations Manager

Operations managers oversee the day-to-day activities of an organization, ensuring efficiency and productivity. Understanding the importance of platform implementation is a critical element of an operations manager's role. This course will help an operations manager understand the importance of moving from a project based to a platform based model. An operations manager will find relevant information in this course. An operations manager may find this course useful.

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Business Process Manager

Business process managers analyze and improve business processes, focusing on efficiency and effectiveness. This course deals with implementations of platforms, which are a key part of optimizing business process. This course, by providing frameworks such as the four pillars model of implementation, can help a business process manager think about the process of change. This course would be useful for a business process manager.

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Technology Project Coordinator

The technology project coordinator assists project managers in organizing and tracking IT projects. This course would help someone in this role understand the importance of platforms and their implementation. This course will help a technology project coordinator learn to see a platform as a product rather than a project. This new perspective would be helpful in any technology role. A technology project coordinator will find this course helpful.

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Chief Technology Officer

A chief technology officer leads an organization's technology strategy and operations. This course provides an important framework from which a chief technology officer can develop the technology strategy for the organization. Understanding the landscape of platforms, which this course covers, is critical for a chief technology officer. A chief technology officer may find this course very helpful in developing tech strategy.

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Project Manager

A project manager plans, executes, and closes projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. Though the course suggests throwing the project management body of knowledge out the window, the foundational elements of project management still apply. A project manager can use the ideas of this course to reframe their role to that of a product manager. Project managers may find this course helpful in reframing their role.

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Platform Product Essentials

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Strategic implementation of lcnc platforms

Activities

Career center

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