VOOZH about

URL: https://www.coursera.org/learn/managing-technology-projects-for-business-success

⇱ Managing Technology Projects for Business Success | Coursera


Managing Technology Projects for Business Success

Keep adding new skills with 10,000+ programs for $239 (usually $399). Save now.

Managing Technology Projects for Business Success

Included with

Ask Coursera

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

There are 5 modules in this course

The emphasis of this course is on introducing a notion of that there are no Information Technology (IT) projects, only business projects. It offers an exploration of project management within the business environment, equipping learners with both the theoretical foundations and the practical skills necessary for managing successful projects. This course provides learners with a structured and comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of IT Project Management, combining theory with real-world application across five progressive weeks.

This course Learners will develop a solid understanding of the core principles of IT project management, learning how these principles underpin the structure and flow of projects across different industries. Key topics include traditional methodologies such as Waterfall and contemporary approaches like Agile, including an examination of the 12 Agile principles and the role of Scrum in modern project delivery. The course covers the project lifecycle, from initiation through execution to closure. Learners will explore critical stages such as defining scope, identifying stakeholders, managing resources, and reflecting on lessons learned. The importance of project constraints, which often referred to as the ’iron triangle’ of scope, time, and cost, is analysed alongside stakeholder satisfaction, which is increasingly recognised as a fourth essential dimension. The course further develops learners’ ability to evaluate and manage risks, enhance team communication, and apply key planning tools. Practical skills are honed through tasks such as milestone vs. deadline planning and preparing presentations for team or managerial audiences. Emphasis is placed on the application of project management skills in information technology (IT) settings, introducing learners to the unique challenges and perspectives relevant to tech-based projects. During the course, learners will be acquiring the skills to plan, manage, and evaluate projects effectively. They will become capable of making informed decisions, adapting to dynamic challenges, and leading project teams with insight and professionalism. The course fosters critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills which are essential for anyone aspiring to drive successful project outcomes in today’s complex business world. By the end of the course, learners will be able to Demonstrate a critical understanding of Information Technology (IT) project management principles, methodologies, and lifecycle stages. Evaluate project constraints, risks, and success factors to enhance project performance. Apply project planning, execution, and evaluation skills using appropriate tools and techniques. Analyse the roles of stakeholders, governance, and organisational context in project success.

Week 1 focuses on the essential principles of IT project management. It highlights the common reasons for project failures, such as unclear objectives, poor communication, inadequate planning, resistance to change, and scope management issues. Throughout the week, you will engage with key concepts such as the definition of success in IT projects, the impact of emerging technologies on project delivery, and the need for adaptive and informed decision-making in a fast-evolving business landscape. By the end of Week 1, you will have developed a foundational understanding of how project management practices contribute to strategic business outcomes and the unique role that technology plays in shaping project dynamics. You will engage in reflective activities and study journal exercises to analyse personal experiences and understand the iron triangle (scope, time, cost), along with examples of successful projects that broke these constraints.

What's included

4 videos12 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

4 videosTotal 21 minutes
  • Course introduction - Managing technology projects for business success4 minutes
  • Information Technology projects - successful, challenged, or failed6 minutes
  • Examples of projects that succeeded but broke the iron triangle 4 minutes
  • The context of information technology projects – strategy and culture7 minutes
12 readingsTotal 420 minutes
  • Course structure and navigation20 minutes
  • Learn effectively this course15 minutes
  • Week 1 introduction5 minutes
  • Activity - Definitions of the different types of projects30 minutes
  • Model answer - Definitions of the different types of projects10 minutes
  • Activity - Expectations and satisfaction60 minutes
  • Activity - Successful and unsuccessful projects 60 minutes
  • Activity - The iron triangle60 minutes
  • Activity - Factors of success inside and outside the iron triangle 60 minutes
  • Activity - Defining success and failure60 minutes
  • Week 1 summary10 minutes
  • Evaluation of study in Week 130 minutes
2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes
  • Week 1 summative quiz30 minutes
  • Factors affecting a project’s success30 minutes
1 discussion promptTotal 20 minutes
  • There are no IT projects, only business projects20 minutes

Week 2 focuses on the IT project management methodology with a particular emphasis on understanding Agile.   The week begins by discussing the importance of project life cycles and explaining various project management methods such as Waterfall, Agile and Scrum.

What's included

4 videos11 readings2 assignments

4 videosTotal 22 minutes
  • What are lifecycles? Why do they exist?6 minutes
  • The history of large-scale information technology failure5 minutes
  • The Agile Manifesto8 minutes
  • Why do we need Scrum framework (if we have Agile)?3 minutes
11 readingsTotal 395 minutes
  • Week 2 introduction10 minutes
  • Activity - The project lifecycle: a basic four-stage lifecycle model15 minutes
  • Activity - Predictive and adaptive lifecycles60 minutes
  • Activity - What is Waterfall? Evaluating the Waterfall approach60 minutes
  • Activity - Definition of Agile10 minutes
  • Activity - Understanding the 12 Agile principles and implications of implementing the Agile Manifesto120 minutes
  • Model answer - Understanding the 12 Agile principles and implications of implementing the Agile Manifesto10 minutes
  • Activity - Reflective comparison of predictive and adaptive approaches in project management60 minutes
  • Model answer - Reflective comparison of predictive and adaptive approaches in project management10 minutes
  • Week 2 summary10 minutes
  • Evaluation of study in Week 230 minutes
2 assignmentsTotal 75 minutes
  • Week 2 summative quiz30 minutes
  • Why do we need Scrum if the Agile Manifesto already exists?45 minutes

In Week 3, you explore the four essential phases of the IT project lifecycle, i.e. initiation, planning, execution, and closure, to understand how each contributes to a project's success. The week highlights the value of a structured and strategic approach to project management. By the end of the week, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of all four phases and how to apply best practices to deliver successful, value-driven projects.

What's included

1 video11 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 5 minutes
  • Communicating responsibilities in a RACI chart5 minutes
11 readingsTotal 460 minutes
  • Week 3 introduction10 minutes
  • The project initiation phase20 minutes
  • Activity - Applying the Waterfall approach to the initiation phase 90 minutes
  • Activity - Planning phase: Using milestones to help manage your project30 minutes
  • Activity - Project stakeholder management plan40 minutes
  • Activity - Creating a stakeholder communication plan90 minutes
  • Model answer - Creating a stakeholder communication plan10 minutes
  • Activity - What is risk management in projects?40 minutes
  • Activity - Project closure90 minutes
  • Week 3 summary10 minutes
  • Evaluation of study in Week 330 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 20 minutes
  • Week 3 summative quiz20 minutes

In Week 4, the focus expands from hands-on IT project execution to the strategic dimensions of project management within information technology contexts. You will explore how project managers' function is not only as team leaders and delivery overseers but also as key actors within broader organisational systems that shape project outcomes. Another major theme in this week is the distinction between stakeholders and governance. The week concludes with an overview of five key perspectives on information technology, encouraging you to view IT projects through a wider strategic lens.

What's included

3 videos12 readings1 assignment

3 videosTotal 17 minutes
  • How are decisions made? What power does the project manager have?7 minutes
  • The five perspectives on information technology systems4 minutes
  • The cloud in the context of historical approaches to information technology6 minutes
12 readingsTotal 335 minutes
  • Week 4 introduction10 minutes
  • Activity - Skills for success30 minutes
  • Activity - Leadership and management30 minutes
  • Activity - Governance as the human and political elements of an organisation30 minutes
  • Model answer - Governance as the human and political elements of an organisation10 minutes
  • Activity - Why is governance critical to the success of a project?60 minutes
  • Model answer - Why is governance critical to the success of a project?10 minutes
  • Activity - ‘Information technology’ and ‘information systems’45 minutes
  • Activity - What does the cloud mean to information technology managers and project managers?60 minutes
  • Model answer10 minutes
  • Week 4 summary10 minutes
  • Evaluation of study in Week 430 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes
  • Week 4 summative quiz30 minutes

Week 5 focuses on integrating the concepts learned throughout the course by analysing a case study. This final week emphasises the key factors influencing the success of project management, such as strong leadership, clear goals, stakeholder engagement, effective communication, risk management, resource allocation and adaptability. It also includes comprehensive case study examples of IT project failures to illustrate the practical application of these concepts.

What's included

11 readings1 peer review2 discussion prompts

11 readingsTotal 390 minutes
  • Week 5 introduction10 minutes
  • Revision activity - An explanation of the five characteristics of projects40 minutes
  • Ten key project management areas (Optional)30 minutes
  • Activity - Case studies60 minutes
  • Activity 1 - What went wrong?30 minutes
  • Activity - The planning stage: how was planning done in this project?30 minutes
  • Activity - Executing the project: how was execution approached?40 minutes
  • Activity - How were decisions made on the project?60 minutes
  • Activity -Project communications60 minutes
  • Week 5 summary10 minutes
  • Activity: Your goals after this course20 minutes
1 peer reviewTotal 90 minutes
  • Final assignment: summary of a case study analysis 90 minutes
2 discussion promptsTotal 45 minutes
  • Understanding the case study chosen for analysis15 minutes
  • Course summary and evaluation of learning journey30 minutes

Instructor

University of London
1 Course1,273 learners

Why people choose Coursera for their career

👁 Image

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
👁 Image

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
👁 Image

Larry W.

Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
👁 Image

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Frequently asked questions

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Financial aid available,

¹ Some assignments in this course are AI-graded. For these assignments, your data will be used in accordance with Coursera's Privacy Notice.