Topic outline

  • COURSE INTRODUCTION

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    • Time: 52 hours
    • Free Certificate

    A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (7th Edition) defines a project as "a temporary endeavor that aims to create a unique product, service or result. The temporary nature of the projects indicates a beginning and end to the project work or phase of the product work. Projects can stand alone or be part of a portfolio or program". This is different from operations because operations focus on ongoing and repetitive activities that maintain the day-to-day functioning of an organization. A project, however, is temporary, and it aims to achieve specific goals to bring about change or improvements.

    The discipline of project management has various definitions. Some describe it as a systematic method of planning and guiding a project from start to finish, while others have defined it as a methodical approach to achieving targets and goals while optimizing the use of resources such as people, money, time, and space. Some have referred to project management as the ability to be open and to elicit commitments through effective communication regarding how team members are willing to participate. 

    Project management is therefore accomplished through the appropriate application and integration of systematic and logically grouped project management processes within five process groups: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. Good project managers should be able to understand the Talent Triangle, which consists of ways of working, business acumen, and power skills, according to PMI (Project Management Institute). The Talent Triangle addresses the way a project manager gets the work done; power skills address interpersonal skills, such as communication and leadership, while business acumen means understanding the internal and external influences of their business and industry to make good decisions.  

    Project management procedures are integrated into some aspects of most occupations. Today, in addition to their normal duties, employees are often expected to take on additional assignments to get the job done on time and under budget. While we often think of project management in information technology, software development, and construction fields, project management applies to nearly every industry and every field, so developing project management skills can help you be successful in your chosen career.

    This course will walk you through the nuts and bolts of project management. We will first define project management and address terminology used in project management; then we will address each phase of project management, including how to effectively define a project through a scope statement, how to plan budgets and schedules for a project, how to execute and monitor the project to closing out the project. Are you ready to get started and learn more about project management, its importance, and the skills needed for today's workplace? Let's get started! 

  • Unit 1: Introduction to Project Management

    According to A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, a project is "a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result". The broader definition states that a project is "an endeavor that requires an organized set of work efforts that are planned in a level of detail that is progressively elaborated as more information is discovered". Projects should result in developing a new product or service and improving or modifying existing goods, services, and procedures. The bringing together of skilled resources to create something new or different using effective management processes is the cornerstone of project management. In practice, project management is defined as "the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements". A project manager should be able to identify project requirements, address the various needs, concerns, and expectations of the stakeholders as the project is planned and carried out, and also balance the competing project constraints in terms of project scope, quality, schedule, budget, resources, and risk.

    In this unit, you will be given a foundation in project management through explorations of the discipline's history and a discussion of the contemporary frameworks used by organizations today.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 7 hours.

  • Unit 2: Initiation and Planning Phases

    The initiation phase of a project marks the foundational step where the project’s feasibility and purpose are assessed. During this phase, stakeholders come together to define a problem that needs to be solved, and they develop a business case to justify the need for a project. Once a particular project has been chosen, the project's objectives and scope are addressed in a project charter.  This document outlines the project's goals, identifies key stakeholders, and establishes the high-level requirements and constraints. The project team is formed, and responsibilities are assigned to ensure clear roles. Additionally, securing necessary approvals and funding occurs in this phase, setting the stage for planning and execution. Overall, the initiation phase is essential for aligning stakeholders' expectations and laying a solid groundwork for the project.

    Once the project has obtained approval, the project planning phase is the next step. Think of it as a roadmap for success before the project even begins. During this phase, the necessary elements, such as creating a schedule, a work breakdown structure, and organizing tasks and resources, will occur. At the end of these two phases, a detailed project plan is created so the team can move forward with the project. 

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 13 hours.

  • Unit 3: Executing and Monitoring Phases

    During the executing phase of a project, the plans developed in the earlier phases are put into action. This involves assigning specific tasks to team members and ensuring that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. Project managers facilitate collaboration and communication within the team, monitor progress, and address any issues that arise. Key activities include conducting regular team meetings, implementing quality assurance processes to maintain standards, and engaging stakeholders to keep them informed and involved. The focus during execution is on delivering project deliverables on time and within budget, while effectively utilizing resources. In the monitoring phase, project managers track the project’s progress against the established plan. This involves measuring performance, tracking performance, and providing updates to team members and stakeholders. Monitoring includes assessing any deviations from the plan, identifying risks, and implementing mitigation strategies as necessary. Change control processes are vital during this phase to manage adjustments in scope, schedule, or budget. By continuously evaluating both progress and risks, project managers ensure that the project remains aligned with its goals and objectives, allowing for timely interventions to keep the project on track.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 15 hours.

    • 3.1: Managing Risks

      In every project, risks exist. There are several ways to plan for and manage risks, as you'll learn about as you read the resources in this section.

    • 3.2: Quality Assurance and Procurement Management

      Project quality is a key aspect to delivering what a customer expects. There are a number of methods to track and manage project quality, which we will address in this section.

    • 3.3: Stakeholder Engagement

      Identifying and communicating with stakeholders is one way to ensure effective communication during a project. As you read this section, consider how project managers identify and communicate with stakeholders.

    • 3.4: Change Control

      One thing that is certain with most projects is that changes will occur. Effective management of changes makes an effective project. These resources address some of the methods used to manage change control on a project.

    • 3.5: Project Monitoring and Controlling

      While a project is in process, consistent monitoring and controlling budgets is needed so the project stays on track. Earned value management is one method you'll read about for controlling projects.

    • Unit 3 Discussion and Assessments

      Please review the discussion and assessments. Although these are not required, they are highly encouraged to get the most out of this course.

  • Unit 4: Closing Phase

    The closing phase in project management involves several key elements that formally conclude a project. These include a comprehensive review of the project performance, including information on lessons learned. It also includes the final deliverable handover, where all project deliverables are given to the client and stakeholders. During this phase, project managers also complete documentation such as final budgets, contracts, and reports in order to keep a record of the project. Another important aspect of the closing phase is closing out the team, which may include conducting a review of their contributions and celebration of success. Project managers focus on the closing phase as a way to learn for the future, and ensure all necessary documents are combined in case they are needed later. In this unit, we will address these elements of the closing phase, and how to effectively perform these tasks as a project manager.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 8 hours.

  • Unit 5: People Skills for Successful Project Management

    People skills, often referred to as soft skills, are crucial in project management because they directly influence team dynamics and overall project success. Effective communication is at the heart of these skills; project managers must articulate goals, expectations, and feedback clearly to ensure that all team members are aligned. Active listening helps managers understand team members' concerns and motivations, fostering a collaborative environment where individuals feel valued and engaged. Strong interpersonal skills also enable project managers to navigate conflicts, resolve misunderstandings, and build trust within the team, which is essential for maintaining morale and productivity throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, people skills are vital for stakeholder management and engagement. Project managers often interact with diverse groups, including clients, executives, and team members, each with their own interests and concerns. The ability to empathize, negotiate, and influence is crucial for managing these relationships effectively. By understanding stakeholder perspectives and addressing their needs, project managers can ensure buy-in and support for the project. This relational approach not only aids in securing resources and approvals but also contributes to a positive project culture, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and higher satisfaction among all parties involved. In this unit, we will address the people skills necessary to manage a successful project, including working with people, groups, and communication methods.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 9 hours.

  • Study Guide

    This study guide will help you get ready for the final exam. It discusses the key topics in each unit, walks through the learning outcomes, and lists important vocabulary. It is not meant to replace the course materials!

  • Course Feedback Survey

    Please take a few minutes to give us feedback about this course. We appreciate your feedback, whether you completed the whole course or even just a few resources. Your feedback will help us make our courses better, and we use your feedback each time we make updates to our courses. If you come across any urgent problems, email contact@saylor.org.

  • Certificate Final Exam

    Take this exam if you want to earn a free Course Completion Certificate.

    To receive a free Course Completion Certificate, you will need to earn a grade of 70% or higher on this final exam. Your grade for the exam will be calculated as soon as you complete it. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can take it again as many times as you want, with a 7-day waiting period between each attempt. Once you pass this final exam, you will be awarded a free Course Completion Certificate.

  • Saylor Direct Credit

    Take this exam if you want to earn college credit for this course. This course is eligible for college credit through Saylor Academy's Saylor Direct Credit Program.

    The Saylor Direct Credit Final Exam requires a proctoring fee of $5. To pass this course and earn a Proctor-Verified Course Certificate and official transcript, you will need to earn a grade of 70% or higher on the Saylor Direct Credit Final Exam. Your grade for this exam will be calculated as soon as you complete it. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can take it again a maximum of 3 times, with a 14-day waiting period between each attempt.

    We are partnering with SmarterProctoring to help make the proctoring fee more affordable. We will be recording you, your screen, and the audio in your room during the exam. This is an automated proctoring service, but no decisions are automated; recordings are only viewed by our staff with the purpose of making sure it is you taking the exam and verifying any questions about exam integrity. We understand that there are challenges with learning at home - we won't invalidate your exam just because your child ran into the room!

    Requirements:

    1. Desktop Computer
    2. Chrome (v74+)
    3. Webcam + Microphone
    4. 1mbps+ Internet Connection

    Once you pass this final exam, you will be awarded a Credit-Recommended Course Completion Certificate and can request an official transcript.