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If you’re just starting your project management career, or switching into the field, a capstone project is an excellent way to showcase your practical experience to a prospective employer. This Capstone for Project Management course is designed for professionals who have some experience in project management, or have completed introductory training in project management, and are now ready to apply their new skills in a real-world scenario.

During this course, you’ll take on the role of a project manager and gain hands-on experience in managing a project from start to finish.

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If you’re just starting your project management career, or switching into the field, a capstone project is an excellent way to showcase your practical experience to a prospective employer. This Capstone for Project Management course is designed for professionals who have some experience in project management, or have completed introductory training in project management, and are now ready to apply their new skills in a real-world scenario.

During this course, you’ll take on the role of a project manager and gain hands-on experience in managing a project from start to finish.

As you work through the modules, you’ll produce common project deliverables. Using a predictive methodology, you’ll create artifacts such as a work breakdown structure, network diagram, budget, quality and communications management plans, and a risk register. You’ll develop user stories, examples of product and sprint backlogs, and a burndown chart analysis. Plus, you’ll produce a project status report, a change form, and a closeout report.

By the end of the course, you’ll have created numerous artifacts that demonstrate your knowledge of predictive and adaptive methodologies which you can add to your portfolio.

If you’re keen to build practical experience as a project manager that you can talk about in interviews, ENROLL TODAY and get ready to power up your resume with skills employers are looking for.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Build valuable hands-on experience as a project manager you can showcase to an employer in just 3 weeks.
  • Demonstrate end-to-end project knowledge of project manager capabilities.
  • Manage scope and resources, and kick off a project as a project manager.
  • Plan a project using adaptive methodologies such as scrum and sprints.
  • Create predictive method artifacts such as a work breakdown structure, network diagram, quality and communications plans, and a risk register.

Syllabus

Module 1: Scenario Introduction and Project Initiation
Reading: Module 1 Overview and Activity Requirements
Video: Project Scenario Introduction
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Reading: Project Scenario
Reading: Business Case
Reading: Stacey Analysis
Screencast Video: Project Initiation Review
Hands-on Lab: Create a Project Charter and Stakeholder Register
Reading: Module 1 Summary
Reading: Module 1 Glossary of Terms
Quiz
Module 2: Predictive Project Planning
Reading: Module 2 Overview and Activity Requirements
Screencast Video: Review Scope, Time, and Cost Planning Review
Hands-on Lab: WBS, Project Network Diagram and High-level budget
Screencast Video: Review of User Story, Product Backlog, and Sprint Backlog Review
Screencast Video: Review of Quality, Communications, and Risk
Hands-on Lab: Quality, Communications Plans and Risk Register
Reading: Module 2 Summary
Reading: Module 2 Glossary of Terms
Hands-on Lab: Status Report and Change Analysis
Module 3: Adaptive Project Planning and Execution
Reading: Module 3 Overview and Activity Requirements
Hands-on Lab: User Stories,
Graded quiz (7 Questions)
Agile Execution
Reading: Review a Project and Scenario Update
Reading: Lessons Learned Report and Retrospective
Hands-on Lab: Lab Burndown Chart Analysis
Module 4: Adaptive Planning and Execution
Reading: Module 4 Overview and Activity Requirements
Screencast Video: Status Reporting
Screencast Video: Close Out Reporting
Hands-on Lab: Project Close Out Report
Reading: Module 3 Summary
Reading: Module 3 Glossary of Terms
Module 5: Final Submission and Evaluation
Reading: Module 5 Overview and Project Submission Requirements
Reading: Submission Rubric and Grading
Submit Required Deliverables
Reading: Congratulations from the Team
Reading: Introduction to Bonus Module 6
Reading: Introduction to the Project Management
CAPM Preparation Course

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Offers hands-on experience in creating project deliverables, which is essential for building a professional portfolio and demonstrating practical skills to potential employers
Covers both predictive and adaptive methodologies, providing a comprehensive understanding of different project management approaches, which is valuable in diverse work environments
Requires some prior experience or introductory training, suggesting that learners may need to invest time and effort in foundational knowledge before enrolling
Includes a module on CAPM preparation, which is useful for learners aiming to obtain the Certified Associate in Project Management certification
Features hands-on labs to create artifacts such as a work breakdown structure, network diagram, budget, quality and communications management plans, and a risk register
Presented by IBM, a company recognized for its expertise in project management and its contributions to the field of technology and business solutions

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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 Capstone for Project Management with these activities:
Review Project Management Methodologies
Review different project management methodologies to better understand the context and application of the methodologies used in the capstone project.
Show steps
  • Research different project management methodologies.
  • Compare and contrast the methodologies.
  • Identify the strengths and weaknesses of each methodology.
Review 'Agile Project Management with Scrum'
Deepen your understanding of Agile methodologies, particularly Scrum, to enhance your ability to plan and execute projects using adaptive approaches.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Agile Project Management with Scrum'.
  • Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
  • Reflect on how Scrum can be applied to different project scenarios.
Review 'A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)'
Familiarize yourself with the PMBOK Guide to gain a deeper understanding of project management principles and best practices.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the PMBOK Guide.
  • Read the relevant sections of the PMBOK Guide.
  • Take notes on key concepts and terminology.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Simulate a Project Initiation
Practice initiating a project by creating a project charter and stakeholder register for a hypothetical project. This will reinforce the concepts learned in Module 1.
Show steps
  • Define a hypothetical project scenario.
  • Create a project charter based on the scenario.
  • Identify key stakeholders and create a stakeholder register.
Practice Creating Work Breakdown Structures
Reinforce your understanding of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) by creating WBS for various project scenarios. This will improve your ability to define project scope and deliverables.
Show steps
  • Find different project scenarios online or in textbooks.
  • Create a WBS for each scenario.
  • Compare your WBS with sample WBS solutions.
Develop a Project Management Plan
Create a comprehensive project management plan for a project of your choice, incorporating elements from both predictive and adaptive methodologies. This will solidify your understanding of the planning process.
Show steps
  • Select a project to plan.
  • Define the project scope, schedule, and budget.
  • Develop quality, communications, and risk management plans.
  • Integrate predictive and adaptive elements into the plan.
Create a Project Management Portfolio
Compile all the deliverables created during the course and create a professional project management portfolio to showcase your skills to potential employers.
Show steps
  • Gather all project deliverables from the course.
  • Organize the deliverables in a logical and presentable format.
  • Write a brief description of each deliverable and its purpose.
  • Create a professional-looking portfolio document or website.

Career center

Learners who complete Capstone for Project Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Project Manager
A project manager is responsible for the planning, execution, and closure of projects. This Capstone for Project Management course offers practical experience creating core project artifacts like work breakdown structures, network diagrams, and risk registers. This course allows participants to manage a project from start to finish, which helps build a foundation in project management and will prepare them to enter the field with tangible examples of their work. The course teaches both predictive and adaptive methodologies, which are crucial for success as a project manager. This course helps professionals who are new to the field or transitioning into the project management field.
Agile Project Manager
An agile project manager focuses on iterative project management using agile frameworks. This Capstone for Project Management course helps to build a foundation in agile methodologies, particularly its use of user stories, product and sprint backlogs, and burndown charts. The course has content to help build an understanding of both predictive and adaptive approaches to project management, with an emphasis on agile approaches. An agile project manager will find value in the production of typical project artifacts and will help them demonstrate experience to hiring managers.
Technical Project Manager
A technical project manager leads projects that involve technology or engineering. This Capstone for Project Management course helps a technical project manager by giving them a chance to practice project management processes from start to finish. The course focuses on both predictive and adaptive methodologies, including the creation of project artifacts like work breakdown structures, risk registers, and burndown charts. A technical project manager will find value in the practical, hands-on approach to project management.
Program Manager
Program managers oversee multiple related projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. This Capstone for Project Management course is useful for an aspiring program manager, as it provides hands-on experience with project planning, execution, and management, which are important skills for a program manager. The course’s focus on predictive methodologies and the creation of project deliverables, such as work breakdown structures and budgets, are directly applicable to the work a program manager performs. While program managers operate at a higher level than project managers, having a firm grasp of project management fundamentals is key to success.
Scrum Master
A scrum master facilitates the use of the scrum framework within project teams. This Capstone for Project Management course directly addresses the skills needed for this role, particularly through its focus on adaptive methodologies, user stories, and sprint backlogs. A scrum master benefits from the creation of backlogs and burndown charts, which are directly covered in this course. This course gives tangible experience planning a project using scrum and sprints. A scrum master seeking to formalize or demonstrate their knowledge will find this course particularly helpful.
Project Consultant
A project consultant advises organizations on project management best practices. This Capstone for Project Management course gives a project consultant a chance to practice project management, by taking on the role of a project manager. The course emphasizes the creation of common project deliverables like charters, plans, and reports. This course will help a project consultant stay current with industry best practices and help them refine their ability to advise their clients effectively. This course helps build a foundation in both predictive and adaptive methodologies.
Project Coordinator
Project coordinators assist project managers with administrative tasks and project tracking. This course helps a project coordinator understand the project lifecycle, which provides a foundation for their day-to-day work. This Capstone for Project Management course gives hands-on experience in creating many of the documents they will track and manage as project coordinator, like work breakdown structures, network diagrams, and project status reports. Completing this course is useful to a project coordinator who is looking to advance their career in project management.
Project Analyst
A project analyst examines project data to identify trends, risks, and areas for improvement. This Capstone for Project Management course helps a project analyst by giving them direct experience with the project management process. The course teaches creation of critical project artifacts like risk registers and burndown charts, which are directly relevant to the work of a project analyst. This course gives project analysts a chance to see how these documents are created and used and to improve their understanding of the lifecycle of a project.
Team Lead
A team lead manages a small team, often within a larger project. This Capstone for Project Management course introduces predictive and adaptive project management methodologies. As a team lead, having a solid grounding in project management principles, including the creation of project artifacts like work breakdown structures and communications plans, helps them lead their teams more effectively. The course work will offer practical experience for a team lead who is looking to understand the project management process better.
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio managers oversee a collection of projects and programs to align with strategic goals. While this Capstone for Project Management course focuses on the single project level, it provides the foundational knowledge of project management that underpins successful portfolio management. Portfolio managers who wish to have a deeper understanding of project artifacts like work breakdown structures and risk registers will find this course helpful. The course will give them a more rounded perspective on how the projects that make up their portfolio are managed.
Product Owner
A product owner defines the product vision and priorities. This Capstone for Project Management course helps a product owner understand the project management process. The course reviews user stories, product backlogs, and sprint backlogs. The course may help a product owner learn how their product vision is translated into concrete project plans and deliverables. Understanding the use of burndown charts can also inform product strategy and planning.
Operations Manager
An operations manager oversees the day-to-day activities of an organization. This Capstone for Project Management course gives an operations manager a better understanding of how projects are managed, especially project planning. The course goes through the creation of project plans, budgets, and risk registers. Course work may help an operations manager improve their management of projects within their operations and allows them to more effectively collaborate with project managers.
Business Analyst
A business analyst works with stakeholders to understand and document business needs. This Capstone for Project Management course will help a business analyst understand the project management process, especially the planning phase. A business analyst who takes this course will be more effective due to creating project artifacts like user stories and project charters. This course may help a business analyst who is looking to expand their understanding of how projects are managed and to enhance their communication with project teams.
Change Manager
A change manager guides organizations through transitions. This Capstone for Project Management course provides experience in creating change forms and identifying risks. This course may help a change manager by giving them insight into the project management process and the critical documents and processes that drive change within organizations. This course may help show how change management is related to project management, particularly when projects involve significant organizational shifts.
Business Development Manager
A business development manager focuses on growing business opportunities. This Capstone for Project Management course introduces the practical aspects of project planning and execution from a project manager's perspective. The course work may be useful for a business development manager to understand how projects are implemented after a deal is closed. By participating in the creation of project charters and plans, they can gain a better understanding of the project management landscape.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Capstone for Project Management.
The PMBOK Guide is the definitive reference for project management principles and practices. It provides a comprehensive overview of project management processes, knowledge areas, and techniques. is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions and by industry professionals. Reviewing the PMBOK Guide will provide a solid foundation for understanding the concepts and terminology used in the capstone project.

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