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Fataneh Taghaboni-Dutta, Ph.D., PMP, CSM, CSPO

The focus of this course is on the process of managing projects. After planning is done, we need to know how to successfully execute the plan and deliver within the allocated timeframe and cost. This course will focus on how execution and progress evaluation is performed in a waterfall approach, as well as the agile approach to project management. The goal is to learn the tools and techniques offered by both of these approaches and empower the project managers to utilize what works for a given project.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation
You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the waterfall and agile approaches to project management, which are standard in the industry
Develops a strong foundation for understanding project management processes

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Reviews summary

Practical project execution: waterfall and agile

According to learners, Project Execution and Control provides a solid foundation in project management, ideal for beginners and junior professionals. Its comprehensive coverage of both Waterfall and Agile methods is frequently praised for being clear and practical, offering invaluable real-world tools. The project closure module is highlighted for its insights. While some older feedback mentioned outdated content, recent reviews confirm significant updates, particularly making the Agile section feel very current. A few intermediate learners found the depth too general, indicating its primary strength lies in introducing concepts rather than advanced deep dives.
Serves as an excellent foundational course for newcomers to project management.
"This course provided a really solid foundation for project execution."
"I'm new to PM, and this course was an excellent starting point."
"As someone transitioning into a PM role, this course was invaluable."
Delivers immediately applicable tools and strategies for real-world scenarios.
"I found the practical examples and the tools discussed highly relevant to my current role as a junior project manager."
"The emphasis on practical application and real-world scenarios made the learning stick."
"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
Effectively covers both Waterfall and Agile approaches, providing a comprehensive view.
"The way it covered both Waterfall and Agile methodologies was incredibly helpful."
"The dual focus on Waterfall and Agile was perfect. I feel much more confident in my ability to manage projects effectively now."
"The clear explanations of both Waterfall and Agile approaches helped me bridge gaps in my understanding."
Recent updates have addressed prior concerns about outdated material, especially in Agile.
"I also appreciate the updated content on Agile, it feels very current."
"While the concepts are timeless, seeing more modern tools or case studies would enhance the experience."
"The course felt outdated in its approach to project execution, particularly for agile methods... A significant overhaul seems necessary."
Reviewers suggest more interactive exercises and practical case studies would enhance learning.
"I think it could benefit from more hands-on exercises or a mini-project to solidify understanding."
"I would have preferred more interactive elements or case studies to apply the learning directly."
"I wish there were more practical exercises or templates provided."
Strong for foundational learning, but may lack advanced strategies for seasoned professionals.
"I found the explanations sometimes too high-level, lacking the deep dive I was expecting."
"I felt like the content was very basic and didn't offer much beyond what you could find in a standard project management textbook."
"It's a good general overview, but don't expect deep dives into advanced topics."

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 Execution and Control with these activities:
Review Agile Scrum Fundamentals
Review the foundational concepts of Agile and Scrum to enhance your understanding before starting the course.
Browse courses on Agile Scrum
Show steps
  • Identify the core principles of Agile Scrum.
  • Understand the roles and responsibilities within a Scrum team.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Scrum framework including sprints, backlogs, and burndown charts.
Assist with Project Management Events
Volunteer at project management conferences or meetups to network and learn from industry professionals.
Show steps
  • Identify project management events in your area.
  • Contact the event organizers and offer your assistance.
  • Participate in the event, engage with attendees, and expand your network.
Estimate User Story Points
Practice estimating user story points to build proficiency and ensure accurate project planning.
Browse courses on Agile Estimation
Show steps
  • Use a technique such as planning poker or dot voting.
  • Consider the complexity, effort, and risk associated with each user story.
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Lead a Peer Discussion on Project Execution Challenges
Facilitate a group discussion with peers to share experiences and knowledge on common project execution challenges.
Show steps
  • Identify common project execution challenges and prepare discussion questions.
  • Lead the discussion, encourage participation, and facilitate knowledge exchange.
Develop a Waterfall Project Plan Template
Create a customizable project plan template tailored to the waterfall approach to improve planning efficiency.
Show steps
  • Identify essential project planning elements such as scope, timeline, and budget.
  • Use project management software or online tools to create a digital template.
  • Ensure the template is user-friendly and easy to adapt to different projects.
Attend a Scrum Simulation Workshop
Engage in a hands-on simulation of a Scrum project to experience the process and enhance your practical skills.
Show steps
  • Participate as a team member in a simulated Scrum project.
  • Practice the Scrum ceremonies and tools, such as sprint planning and retrospectives.
  • Learn from experienced Scrum practitioners and receive feedback on your performance.
Design a Waterfall Project Closure Report
Create a comprehensive project closure report to document the project's achievements, lessons learned, and recommendations for future projects.
Show steps
  • Gather data and information on project outcomes and deliverables.
  • Analyze the project's success or challenges and identify areas for improvement.
  • Develop recommendations based on the project's lessons learned.
Participate in a Project Management Case Study Competition
Apply your project management knowledge and skills by participating in a case study competition to demonstrate your abilities.
Show steps
  • Research and identify project management case study competitions.
  • Form a team or work individually to develop a solution to the case study.
  • Present your solution to a panel of judges and receive feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Project Execution and Control will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and controlling projects. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, develop project plans, and track progress. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Project Manager, including project planning and execution, progress evaluation, and project closure.
Program Manager
Program Managers are responsible for managing multiple projects that are related to each other. They work with project managers to ensure that projects are aligned with the overall program goals. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Program Manager, including project planning and execution, progress evaluation, and project closure.
Scrum Master
Scrum Masters are responsible for facilitating Scrum teams. They work with the team to define sprints, track progress, and remove obstacles. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Scrum Master, including project planning and execution, progress evaluation, and project closure.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the lifecycle of a product, from inception to launch and beyond. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to ensure that a product meets the needs of customers. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Product Manager, including project planning and execution, progress evaluation, and project closure.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts help organizations analyze data to improve decision-making. They work with data to identify trends, patterns, and insights. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Data Analyst, including project planning and execution, progress evaluation, and project closure.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, develop software solutions, and test software. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Software Engineer, including project planning and execution, progress evaluation, and project closure.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts help organizations ensure the quality of their products and services. They work with stakeholders to identify and mitigate risks, and to improve quality. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Quality Assurance Analyst, including project planning and execution, progress evaluation, and project closure.
Information Technology Manager
Information Technology Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing IT systems. They work with stakeholders to identify IT needs, develop IT solutions, and manage IT budgets. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Information Technology Manager, including project planning and execution, progress evaluation, and project closure.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing operations. They work with stakeholders to identify operational needs, develop operational solutions, and manage operational budgets. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Operations Manager, including project planning and execution, progress evaluation, and project closure.
Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing supply chains. They work with stakeholders to identify supply chain needs, develop supply chain solutions, and manage supply chain budgets. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Supply Chain Manager, including project planning and execution, progress evaluation, and project closure.
Logistics Manager
Logistics Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing logistics operations. They work with stakeholders to identify logistics needs, develop logistics solutions, and manage logistics budgets. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Logistics Manager, including project planning and execution, progress evaluation, and project closure.
Transportation Manager
Transportation Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing transportation operations. They work with stakeholders to identify transportation needs, develop transportation solutions, and manage transportation budgets. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Transportation Manager, including project planning and execution, progress evaluation, and project closure.
Agile Coach
Agile Coaches help organizations adopt agile practices. They work with teams to improve their agility, productivity, and quality. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Agile Coach, including project planning and execution, progress evaluation, and project closure.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help organizations improve their business processes. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, analyze data, and develop solutions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Business Analyst, including project planning and execution, progress evaluation, and project closure.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts help organizations design and implement new systems. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, analyze data, and develop solutions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Systems Analyst, including project planning and execution, progress evaluation, and project closure.

Reading list

We've selected ten 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 Execution and Control.
The PMBOK® Guide is the foundational reference for project management professionals. It provides a comprehensive overview of the project management process, including planning, execution, and control. valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about project management.
Provides a detailed guide to project execution. It covers the entire project lifecycle, from planning and initiation to closing and evaluation. This book valuable resource for project managers who want to improve their project execution skills.
Provides a comprehensive guide to project control. It covers the entire project lifecycle, from planning and initiation to closing and evaluation. This book valuable resource for project managers who want to improve their project control skills.
Provides a practical guide to Scrum and XP, two of the most popular agile project management frameworks. It covers the basics of Scrum and XP principles and practices, and provides guidance on how to use these methods to improve project outcomes.
Provides a practical guide to user stories. It covers the basics of user story writing, estimation, and management, and provides guidance on how to use user stories to improve project outcomes.
Provides a comprehensive guide to DevOps. It covers the basics of DevOps principles and practices, and provides guidance on how to implement DevOps in your organization.
Provides a fictionalized account of a DevOps transformation. It follows the story of a fictional IT manager who must lead his team through a major DevOps transformation.
Provides a comprehensive guide to project management. It covers the basics of project management principles and practices, and provides guidance on how to manage any type of project.

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