Initiating and Planning Projects

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/project-planning

Introduction

### Review of the Course: Initiating and Planning Projects on Coursera **Course Overview** The "Initiating and Planning Projects" course, part of the Introduction to Project Management Principles and Practices Specialization offered by the University of California, Irvine (UCI), is a pivotal learning opportunity for those looking to delve into the foundations of project management. This course serves as a stepping stone toward UCI's Applied Project Management Certificate, encapsulating essential skills and knowledge that are fundamental for successful project execution. In a world where project success heavily relies on meticulous planning, this course equips participants with the expertise to articulate project objectives, assess importance, and identify beneficiaries. ### Syllabus Breakdown The course’s structured curriculum dives into critical aspects of project management, allowing learners to progressively build their skills from the ground up. 1. **Get Started!** - This introductory module sets the tone for the course by providing an overview and gathering initial feedback through a course survey. It invites students to reflect on their expectations and learning goals, fostering an interactive learning environment from the outset. 2. **What is a Project?** - Students will gain insights into the essential characteristics of projects, focusing on key constraints and defining the project manager's responsibilities. This module also explores various project organizational structures, which helps learners understand how different companies approach project management. 3. **Get to Know Your Stakeholders** - This module emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement, teaching students how to identify project stakeholders, assess their information needs, and devise strategies for managing their interests throughout the project life cycle. This aspect is crucial, as stakeholders significantly impact project outcomes. 4. **Scope Matters** - Here, learners will explore the role of the project charter and how it anchors project planning. The module addresses key components of a project plan, discusses crafting a clear scope statement, and introduces the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Understanding these concepts is vital for preventing scope creep and ensuring that project deliverables are met. 5. **Authority vs. Influence** - This module tackles the dynamics of authority versus influence within project management, shedding light on common conflicts that arise. Recognizing and managing these tensions can lead to more effective team dynamics and project success. 6. **Wrap Up** - Concluding the course, learners will engage with an expert panel to gain insights from industry professionals. A final exam assesses understanding, and a post-course survey gathers feedback on the course experience. ### Personal Insights The course's comprehensive nature and practical approach to project management make it an excellent choice for both beginners and those seeking to solidify their foundational skills. The interplay of theoretical knowledge and real-world applications encourages active participation among students. Moreover, the presence of guest speakers and an industry panel enriches the learning experience, providing real-time insights into the challenges and successes encountered in actual projects. ### Recommendation I highly recommend the "Initiating and Planning Projects" course for anyone interested in honing their project management skills, whether you are new to the field or seeking to transition into a project management role. The course’s structure is user-friendly, combining engaging content with practical exercises that encourage critical thinking and application. Completing this course not only prepares you for more advanced studies, such as the Applied Project Management Certificate but also equips you with essential skills that are crucial for succeeding in any professional environment that values effective project execution. **Get started on your project management journey today!**

Syllabus

Get Started!

Get started in this module by reviewing the course overview and participating in the course survey.

In this module, we will identify the key characteristics of a project, identify primary project constraints, define the role and responsibilities of the project manager, and identify Project Organizational Structures.

In this module, we will understand the definition of a project stakeholder, identify who they are, identify their information needs, and define responsibility for managing stakeholders and controlling their engagement.

In this module, we will define the purpose of using a project charter, summarize the key elements of a project plan, and discuss the scope statement and the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).

In this module, we will describe the difference between authority and influence and identify common sources of conflict within a project environment.

Wrap up this course by meeting our industry expert panelists, taking the final exam, and participating in our post course survey.