This introductory course gives you practical knowledge of the core methods and strategies that shape modern project management. You’ll learn the five phases of the project lifecycle, Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring, and Closing, before taking a deeper look at Initiation and Planning. In these early stages, you’ll practice identifying and selecting projects, creating a project charter, drafting a project scope document, interpreting project diagrams and charts, and applying technical concepts such as float and resource management.
The class also explores what it takes to be an effective Project Manager, including essential skills, delegation techniques, and approaches to managing change. The workshop concludes with an overview of project management tools, associations, and certifications, and includes a slide deck with practical guidance and hands-on exercises. This course is ideal for anyone seeking a clear, accessible introduction, or a helpful refresher, on project management theories, methodologies, and best practices.
What You Will Learn
- Learn about the five phases of project management, focusing on the first two: Initiation and Planning
- Understand important foundational concepts and project management terms
- Learn about selecting projects, defining/planning/scheduling activities, managing resources, and much more
- Become familiar with the various duties and qualities of a Project Manager
Course Outline
Project Fundamentals
What is a Project?
Characteristics of Projects
The Project Triangle
The Project Lifecycle
What is a Gantt Chart?
Project Management Methodologies
Brief Overview of Methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, etc.)
The Initiating Phase
Project Identification
Project Selection
Project Charter
Project Scope
The Planning Phase
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
Task Responsibility
Defining Activities
Sequencing Activities
Network Diagram
Estimating Activity Resources
Resource Management In the Planning Phase
Activity Resources
Resource-Constrained Planning
Resource Requirement Plan
Resource Utilization Plan
Start/Finish Times, Critical Path, and Slack
Establishing Project Start & Completion Times
Critical Path
Total Slack
Free Slack
The Project Manager
Project Manager Responsibilities
Project Manager Skills
Delegation
Managing Change
This course is available for 30 days. You can choose when to start your access period. Once you activate, you will have 30 days to complete it (access the course materials, quizzes, projects and videos). You may request one extension of seven (7) days. Other extension requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Videos are not downloadable.
