Fundamentals of Project Management
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Fundamentals of Project Management
This course is part of Project Management and Planning Specialization
Instructors: Thomas Buchanan
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What you'll learn
Understand key project management concepts and the role of a Project Manager in successful project execution.
Learn how to create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and write an effective Statement of Work (SOW).
Master project scheduling techniques, time estimation, and critical path analysis for efficient task management.
Develop budgeting skills, learn resource allocation, and apply project finance principles for managing contracts and costs.
Skills you'll gain
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
11 assignments
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There are 5 modules in this course
Fundamentals of Project Management offers a comprehensive introduction to the key principles and practices necessary to lead successful projects. You will learn how to navigate each phase of the project lifecycle, from initiation and planning to execution and closure. This course provides hands-on experience with essential tools like Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), scheduling, budgeting, and critical path analysis.
What makes this course unique is its practical focus, exemplified through real-world scenarios like the PickPOCIT case study, where you'll apply your knowledge to simulate the role of a project manager. Whether you're new to project management or seeking to enhance your skills, this course equips you with the strategies and confidence needed to deliver projects on time and within budget. By the end, you'll be prepared to handle complex project challenges and drive successful outcomes in any industry.
In this course, you'll gain a foundational understanding of project management, exploring the concepts, processes, and functions essential for successful project execution. You'll learn what it takes to manage a project from initiation to completion, including key skills needed to be an effective project manager. This course will set clear expectations for student performance, ensuring you are well-prepared to meet the demands of project management in any professional environment.
What's included
1 video3 readings
1 videoβ’Total 3 minutes
- Specialization Introduction Video: Project Management and Planningβ’3 minutes
3 readingsβ’Total 15 minutes
- Course Overviewβ’5 minutes
- Instructor Biography - Thomas H. βBuckβ Buchananβ’5 minutes
- Instructor Biography - Amy Bechnerβ’5 minutes
In this module, you'll gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of project management, including key concepts, processes, and essential skills necessary for successful project execution.
What's included
2 videos3 readings2 assignments
2 videosβ’Total 50 minutes
- Planning & Managing Projects Overview- Part 1β’23 minutes
- Planning & Managing Projects Overview- Part 2β’27 minutes
3 readingsβ’Total 105 minutes
- Reading Referencesβ’30 minutes
- Self-Reflective Reading: Planning and Managing Projects Classβ’30 minutes
- Self-Reflective Reading: Insights from Leadership on Effective Project Managementβ’45 minutes
2 assignmentsβ’Total 75 minutes
- Introduction to Project Managementβ’60 minutes
- Introduction to Project Management: Concepts and Processesβ’15 minutes
In this module, you'll explore the critical role of the Project Manager (PjM) throughout each phase of a project. You'll examine the distinct characteristics, authority, and responsibilities that define a PjM. Additionally, the module will contrast the role of a project manager with that of a functional manager within a matrix organization. Emphasis will be placed on practical application through team-based exercises focused on the PickPOCIT scenario.
What's included
5 videos4 readings3 assignments
5 videosβ’Total 92 minutes
- Project Lifecycleβ’18 minutes
- Project Initiation β’13 minutes
- Overview of Planningβ’24 minutes
- Staffing the organizationβ’25 minutes
- Overview of PickPOCIT Scenarioβ’12 minutes
4 readingsβ’Total 160 minutes
- Reading Referencesβ’30 minutes
- Reading Referencesβ’60 minutes
- Self-Reflective Reading: Building Effective Relationships in Matrix Organizations as a Project Managerβ’30 minutes
- Self-Reflective Reading on the PickPOCIT Contract and Project Management Considerationsβ’40 minutes
3 assignmentsβ’Total 90 minutes
- Project Lifecycle: Initiation, Staffing, Planningβ’60 minutes
- Understanding the Project Life Cycle and Triple Constraintβ’15 minutes
- Staffing the Organization and Overview of Planningβ’15 minutes
In this module, you'll focus on essential project planning techniques, including writing a Statement of Work (SOW) and applying hierarchical decomposition to project tasks. You'll learn to create and utilize various forms of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), identify common pitfalls in WBS development, and apply best practices to prepare a comprehensive WBS for your project.
What's included
2 videos2 readings3 assignments
2 videosβ’Total 24 minutes
- Scope and Objectivesβ’12 minutes
- Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)β’12 minutes
2 readingsβ’Total 230 minutes
- Defining the Project: Project Plan Examplesβ’180 minutes
- Self-Reflective Exercise: Developing a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for the PickPOCIT Projectβ’50 minutes
3 assignmentsβ’Total 90 minutes
- Statement of Work; Work Breakdown Structureβ’60 minutes
- Crafting a Statement of Work (SOW) and Hierarchical Decompositionβ’15 minutes
- Developing and Refining a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)β’15 minutes
In this module, you'll learn how to schedule Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) elements, estimate time and budget, and perform critical path analysis. The module covers the preparation and analysis of project work schedules, budgeting processes, common pitfalls in budget estimation, and appropriate contract structures.
What's included
6 videos3 readings3 assignments1 plugin
6 videosβ’Total 135 minutes
- Scheduleβ’10 minutes
- Planning and Managing Projects IT tool Introductionβ’15 minutes
- Microsoft Project Schedule Demoβ’27 minutes
- MS Project WBS Demoβ’11 minutes
- Estimation, Resources, and Budgetβ’35 minutes
- Finance and Contractsβ’38 minutes
3 readingsβ’Total 90 minutes
- Reading Referencesβ’30 minutes
- Reading Referencesβ’30 minutes
- Self-Reflective Reading: Exploring Project Planning Principlesβ’30 minutes
3 assignmentsβ’Total 90 minutes
- Scheduling; Estimation, Resources, and Budget; Finance and Contracts; Critical Path; Project Management IT Toolsβ’60 minutes
- Project Scheduling and Time Estimationβ’15 minutes
- Budgeting and Contract Managementβ’15 minutes
1 pluginβ’Total 5 minutes
- Critical Path Method (Link to the video: https://youtu.be/ZFncQSp6Z5o?si=va4cThTvz7IlOpl1) β’5 minutes
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Reviewed on Jan 28, 2025
One of the most helpful aspects of the course is the focus on real-world application. The use of case studies and practical examples helps bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Reviewed on Nov 25, 2025
This is a very great course with lots of depth and hands on skills. Kudos to Coursera and Johns Hopkins University for this wonderful course
Reviewed on Apr 9, 2025
Great course. I felt the Microsoft Project information was a little in the weeds. I think that information should be presented in a different course.
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When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
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