Program Manager Essentials
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Program Manager Essentials
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What you'll learn
Understand the key differences between program and project management and their impact on success.
Learn the fundamentals of benefits management and how to align it with organizational goals.
Master risk management, stakeholder engagement, and procurement strategies with practical templates.
Gain essential career progression insights and the skills needed to excel as a program manager.
Details to know
6 assignments
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
There are 6 modules in this course
Updated in May 2025.
This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. In this comprehensive course, you will gain a solid foundation in program management and learn how it contributes to driving organizational success. The course will help you understand the key differences between program and project management, the roles of program managers, and how to apply effective program management strategies in real-world scenarios. The journey starts with a deep dive into program management, distinguishing it from project management, and introducing the Program Management Office (PMO). You will explore practical insights through case studies and real-world examples like the Tesla Cybertruck, helping you connect theoretical knowledge with practical application. Furthermore, the course prepares you for PgMP certification with free sample questions and certification guidance. As you progress, youβll delve into benefits management, including identification, valuation, and cost-benefit analysis, essential skills for aligning programs with organizational goals. You will also explore program management fundamentals, including planning, scheduling, risk management, procurement, and stakeholder management, all reinforced with practical templates. This course is ideal for professionals looking to develop their program management skills and certifications. Itβs suitable for both beginners and experienced managers who want to enhance their ability to manage complex programs effectively. No prior program management experience is required, although a background in project management or leadership is beneficial.
In this module, we will explore the fundamentals of program management, introducing its purpose and significance within an organization. You'll gain insights into the essential roles and responsibilities of a program manager and understand how it contributes to the overall success of a business.
What's included
1 video1 reading
1 videoβ’Total 1 minute
- Introduction to Program Managementβ’1 minute
1 readingβ’Total 10 minutes
- Full Course Resourcesβ’10 minutes
In this module, we will dive into the critical distinctions between program managers and project managers, focusing on their roles, success metrics, and control mechanisms. We'll also explore the role of the Program Management Office (PMO) and examine a renowned program to see these concepts applied in the real world. Additionally, you'll gain valuable insights into the PgMP certification process and receive access to free practice questions for your preparation.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment
5 videosβ’Total 34 minutes
- Comparing Program Manager and Project Manager: Success, Controlβ’2 minutes
- Comparing Program Manager and Project Manager: Measurement, Scopeβ’2 minutes
- Understanding Program Management Office (PMO)β’10 minutes
- Example of a Renowned Programβ’11 minutes
- Get Certified in PgMP plus a Link to FREE Example Questionsβ’8 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 15 minutes
- Intro to Program Management with PgMP Question Practice - Assessmentβ’15 minutes
In this module, we will focus on the importance of benefits management in program management and how it aligns with organizational goals. You'll learn to identify, evaluate, and plan for program benefits, including methods to quantify intangible benefits. Through practical examples, such as cost-benefit analysis using the Tesla Cybertruck, we will demonstrate how these concepts apply in real-world scenarios.
What's included
8 videos1 assignment
8 videosβ’Total 51 minutes
- Benefits Overviewβ’5 minutes
- Benefits Explained: Identificationβ’4 minutes
- Benefits Explained: Valuationβ’1 minute
- Benefits Explained: Planning and Realizationβ’5 minutes
- Introduction to Cost Benefit Analysisβ’9 minutes
- Quantifying Intangible Assets or Benefitsβ’6 minutes
- Example of Cost Benefit Analysis: Tesla Cybertruckβ’15 minutes
- Explaining Benefit Cost Ratio with Exampleβ’7 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 15 minutes
- Exploring Benefits Management - Assessmentβ’15 minutes
In this module, we will cover the essential components of program management, including planning, scheduling, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. You'll gain practical experience using templates to streamline tasks like communication, budgeting, procurement, and business case creation. With hands-on demonstrations and a focus on MS Project and other tools, this module will equip you with the skills needed to manage a program effectively from start to finish.
What's included
12 videos1 assignment
12 videosβ’Total 76 minutes
- Responsibilities In Depthβ’0 minutes
- Effective Planning and Schedulingβ’3 minutes
- Demo: MS Project Walkthroughβ’29 minutes
- Explaining Communication and Reporting with Templatesβ’3 minutes
- A Deeper Look at Risk Management with Templatesβ’6 minutes
- RAID (Risk, Assumptions, Issues, Dependencies) Reportingβ’3 minutes
- Managing Stakeholdersβ’4 minutes
- Procurement Managementβ’3 minutes
- Managing Resourcesβ’2 minutes
- Managing Budget with Templatesβ’6 minutes
- Structure of Business Caseβ’7 minutes
- Templates for Business Caseβ’10 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 15 minutes
- Fundamentals of Program Management with Templates - Assessmentβ’15 minutes
In this module, we will focus on the key skills that contribute to success in program management, both technical (hard) and interpersonal (soft). Additionally, you'll gain insights into career progression strategies, from earning certifications to pursuing leadership roles within the program management field.
What's included
2 videos1 assignment
2 videosβ’Total 4 minutes
- Hard and Soft Skills of Successful Program Managerβ’2 minutes
- Career Progressionβ’2 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 15 minutes
- Career Progression - Assessmentβ’15 minutes
In this module, we will wrap up the course with final thoughts and provide actionable next steps to help you further develop your program management skills. You'll leave with a clear path forward for continuing your learning and applying the concepts you've gained to your career.
What's included
1 video2 assignments
1 video
- Thank You!β’0 minutes
2 assignmentsβ’Total 75 minutes
- Full Course Assessmentβ’60 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessmentβ’15 minutes
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.
If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. Youβll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.
Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. Youβll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.
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