Project Management Foundations: Leadership, Process, & Risk
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Project Management Foundations: Leadership, Process, & Risk
This course is part of The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management Specialization
Instructor: Wiley Skills Network
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What you'll learn
Analyze how project management drives innovation and delivers value.
Apply leadership principles to foster trust, collaboration, and adaptability.
Differentiate project management from ongoing operations and evaluate process models.
Skills you'll gain
- Stakeholder Analysis
- Agile Methodology
- Stakeholder Management
- Scheduling
- Scope Management
- Leadership and Management
- Project Risk Management
- Business
- Project Management Life Cycle
- Risk Management
- Initiative and Leadership
- Team Building
- Business Risk Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Innovation
- Project Planning
- Project Management
- Leadership
- Risk Management Framework
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
May 2026
8 assignments
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There are 8 modules in this course
This course offers a solid foundation in project management, focusing on essential leadership skills, processes, and risk management techniques. You will learn how to lead teams effectively, define and manage project scope, and mitigate risks across various industries. Whether you're new to the field or looking to sharpen your leadership skills, this course provides key strategies for success.
By covering core leadership concepts, risk management, and essential project management processes, this course ensures you develop a deep understanding of effective project execution. The course equips you with the tools necessary for successful project planning and delivery. What makes this course unique is its practical approach to integrating leadership with process and risk management. It blends theoretical frameworks with actionable insights you can apply immediately. This course is ideal for aspiring project managers and professionals looking to strengthen their leadership skills. It is suitable for individuals seeking a foundational understanding of project management practices. This course is part one of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. While it delivers standalone value and practical skills, learners seeking a more integrated and in-depth progression may benefit from completing the full Specialization. Copyright © 2026, Project Management Academy. All rights reserved.
In this section, we examine how project management drives innovation and delivers value in dynamic global contexts through structured frameworks and practical strategies.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Project Management: A Platform for Innovation - Overview Video•1 minute
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
- Introduction•10 minutes
- Processes Are Not Leadership•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Foundations of Project Management and Innovation•10 minutes
In this section, we explore project leadership, emphasizing trust, collaboration, and adaptability in environments with limited authority. Key concepts include leading without formal power and fostering resilient team cultures.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Project Leadership: People Before Process - Overview Video•1 minute
1 reading•Total 20 minutes
- Project Leadership: People Before Process - The Reading•20 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Understanding Project Leadership and Team Development•10 minutes
In this section, we explore the unique characteristics of projects, differentiate them from ongoing operations, and examine project management process models to understand their temporary, goal-oriented nature.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Foundation Principles of Project Management - Overview Video•1 minute
2 readings•Total 40 minutes
- Introduction•10 minutes
- Project Management Is Industry-Independent—Project Managers Are Not•30 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Foundations of Project Management•10 minutes
In this section, we compare agile and waterfall methods, focusing on feasibility, desirability, and viability to align projects with stakeholder value.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Agile and Waterfall: Choose a Development Process - Overview Video•1 minute
2 readings•Total 35 minutes
- Introduction•5 minutes
- What Is a Product Development Process•30 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Agile and Waterfall Development Choices•10 minutes
In this section, we examine project initiation, focusing on creating a business case, analyzing risks and benefits, and designing a structured process for effective project decision-making.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Project Initiation: Turn a Problem or Opportunity into a Business Case - Overview Video•1 minute
1 reading•Total 30 minutes
- Project Initiation: Turn a Problem or Opportunity into a Business Case - The Reading•30 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Project Initiation Fundamentals•10 minutes
In this section, we examine stakeholder identification, engagement strategies, and roles to mitigate project risks and ensure successful collaboration and communication.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Engage Your Stakeholders and Win Their Cooperation - Overview Video•1 minute
1 reading•Total 30 minutes
- Engage Your Stakeholders and Win Their Cooperation - The Reading•30 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Engaging Stakeholders for Project Success•10 minutes
In this section, we define project rules to align stakeholders, create a project charter with clear objectives, and establish a responsibility matrix for accountability.
What's included
1 video5 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Write the Rules: Manage Expectations and Define Success - Overview Video•1 minute
5 readings•Total 55 minutes
- Introduction•5 minutes
- Stakeholders, Rules, and Project Communication•30 minutes
- Explain the Context and Development Approach•5 minutes
- Planning Without a Product Description•5 minutes
- Go Beyond the Minimum•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Project Management Foundations•10 minutes
In this section, we explore systematic risk management to identify, assess, and mitigate project uncertainties. Key concepts include risk frameworks, response strategies, and continuous monitoring for improved project outcomes.
What's included
1 video4 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Risk Management: Minimize the Threats to Your Project - Overview Video•1 minute
4 readings•Total 46 minutes
- Introduction•30 minutes
- Using Probability Theory in Risk Management•5 minutes
- Develop Response Plans•1 minute
- Identify Which Risks You Can Control•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Risk Management Fundamentals•10 minutes
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