Project Management Basics for Beginners
Project Management Basics for Beginners
This course is part of Generative AI for Project Management Specialization
Instructor: Anton Voroniuk
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What you'll learn
Learn SMART goals, Work Breakdown Structures, and project planning. Understand Waterfall and Agile methodologies including Scrum and Kanban.
Discover team formation, adapt leadership styles, and resolve conflicts. Learn motivation strategies and stakeholder engagement techniques.
Identify risks, assess impact, and develop mitigation strategies. Master KPIs, track progress with Gantt charts, and manage scope.
Skills you'll gain
- Team Management
- Project Schedules
- Stakeholder Communications
- Leadership
- Project Planning
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Stakeholder Management
- Work Breakdown Structure
- Project Closure
- Risk Management
- Business Risk Management
- Team Leadership
- Agile Project Management
- Project Management
- Project Risk Management
- Decision Making
- Project Coordination
- Team Building
- Communication
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
April 2026
8 assignments
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There are 8 modules in this course
This course gives you a comprehensive introduction to the essential skills and methodologies needed to successfully lead projects from start to finish. We’ll explore the core responsibilities of a project manager and learn how to align project goals with broader business strategies using SMART objectives. We’ll also dive into both traditional Waterfall and Agile methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban, giving you the flexibility to adapt to any project environment. Furthermore, you will master the art of creating Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), scheduling with Gantt charts, and identifying critical paths to ensure timely delivery.
Using these foundational techniques, you will be equipped to manage diverse teams, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. If you’re aspiring to become a project manager or simply want to improve your organizational skills, this course will provide you with practical tools like the Priority Matrix and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track progress and manage risks. If you’re looking to boost your career, you’ll discover leadership styles and conflict resolution strategies that foster high-performing teams. If you’ve ever wanted to turn complex ideas into successful, completed projects, this course will serve as your ultimate guide.
This module provides a foundational overview of project management, detailing the role, responsibilities, and essential competencies required for a project manager to deliver strategic business value.
What's included
4 videos1 reading1 assignment
4 videos•Total 19 minutes
- Welcome to Project Management•6 minutes
- The Role and Responsibilities of a Project Manager•3 minutes
- The Value of Project Management in Modern Organizations•5 minutes
- Key Competencies for Project Success•5 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- The Anatomy of a Successful Project Manager•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Test Your Knowledge•15 minutes
Students will learn how to differentiate projects from routine operations, set SMART goals, identify key stakeholders, and navigate the standard phases of the project life cycle.
What's included
5 videos1 reading1 assignment
5 videos•Total 24 minutes
- Defining Projects and Setting SMART Goals•5 minutes
- Key Drivers of Project Success•5 minutes
- Identifying Project Stakeholders•3 minutes
- The Project Life Cycle Overview•4 minutes
- Prioritization Techniques for Project Tasks•7 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- The Psychology of Goal Setting•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Test Your Knowledge•15 minutes
This module explores and compares traditional Waterfall and iterative Agile methodologies, including deep dives into the Scrum framework and Kanban practices.
What's included
5 videos1 reading1 assignment
5 videos•Total 21 minutes
- Traditional vs. Agile Approaches•3 minutes
- Deep Dive into Waterfall Methodology•4 minutes
- Understanding Agile Principles•6 minutes
- Introduction to Scrum Framework•5 minutes
- Exploring Kanban Methodology•4 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- The Agile Mindset in Traditional Environments•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Test Your Knowledge•15 minutes
Learners will master the techniques of gathering requirements, creating a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and utilizing scheduling tools like the Critical Path Method and Gantt charts to develop comprehensive project plans.
What's included
4 videos1 reading1 assignment
4 videos•Total 17 minutes
- Gathering Requirements and Creating a WBS•5 minutes
- Developing a Comprehensive Project Plan•4 minutes
- Scheduling and the Critical Path Method•4 minutes
- Utilizing Gantt Charts for Visualization•4 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- The Architecture of the Work Breakdown Structure•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Test Your Knowledge•15 minutes
This module focuses on the interpersonal aspects of project management, teaching students how to guide teams through development stages, adapt leadership styles, and effectively motivate members while resolving conflicts.
What's included
3 videos1 reading1 assignment
3 videos•Total 12 minutes
- Team Formation and Development Stages•5 minutes
- Leadership Styles in Project Management•4 minutes
- Motivation and Conflict Resolution•3 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- Adaptive Leadership in Project Environments•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Test Your Knowledge•15 minutes
Students will discover how to design structured communication plans, manage stakeholder expectations, and implement proper issue escalation and problem-solving processes.
What's included
3 videos1 reading1 assignment
3 videos•Total 11 minutes
- Developing a Project Communication Plan•4 minutes
- Effective Stakeholder Management Strategies•3 minutes
- Issue Escalation and Problem Solving•4 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- Designing Effective Communication Architectures•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Test Your Knowledge•15 minutes
This module equips learners with the skills to identify and mitigate potential risks, track project performance using KPIs, and manage scope changes effectively.
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 assignment
2 videos•Total 8 minutes
- Introduction to Project Risk Management•4 minutes
- Monitoring Progress and Managing Changes•4 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- The Metrics of Project Performance•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Test Your Knowledge•15 minutes
The final module outlines the essential procedures for successfully closing a project, including finalizing deliverables, releasing resources, and conducting post-project reviews to document valuable lessons learned.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
1 video•Total 6 minutes
- Successfully Closing a Project•6 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- The Anatomy of a Successful Project Handoff•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
- Test Your Knowledge•20 minutes
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