Foundations of Project Management (Coursera)

Learners who complete this program should be equipped to apply for introductory-level jobs as project managers. No previous experience is necessary.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

- Define project management and describe what constitutes a project.

- Explore project management roles and responsibilities across a variety of industries.

- Detail the core skills that help a project manager be successful.

- Describe the life cycle of a project and explain the significance of each phase.

- Compare different program management methodologies and approaches and determine which is most effective for a given project.

- Define organizational structure and culture and explain how it impacts project management.

- Define change management and describe the role of the project manager in the process.

What You Will Learn

- Describe project management skills, roles, and responsibilities across a variety of industries

- Explain the project management life cycle and compare different program management methodologies

- Define organizational structure and organizational culture and explain how it impacts project management.

Course 1 of 6 in the Google Project Management Professional Certificate

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Embarking on a career in project management

You will learn how the program is structured, what project management is and what a project manager does, how to apply your skills from previous work experience to project management roles, what types of project management roles you could pursue after completing this certificate, and how to search for those positions.

WEEK 2

Becoming an effective project manager

You will learn how project managers add value to organizations and to their teams, what the role and responsibilities of a project manager entail, and what core skills a project manager needs to be successful.

WEEK 3

The project management life cycle and methodologies

You will learn about the phases of the project life cycle, what tasks they involve, and why it is important to complete them. You will also learn about the different project management methodologies and approaches and which is most effective for a given project.

WEEK 4

Organizational structure and culture

You will learn about common organizational structures and how they impact project management, how organizational culture impacts project management, and how a project manager contributes to the change management process. Optionally, you can start to develop your strategy and professional network to help you prepare for your job search.