Project Planning: Putting It All Together

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

Introduction

### Course Review: Project Planning: Putting It All Together #### Overview The course "Project Planning: Putting It All Together" is part of the Google Project Management Certificate program and serves as the third course in the series. It focuses on the critical planning phase of project management, equipping learners with the skills necessary to map out a project effectively. From setting milestones to managing budgets and understanding procurement processes, this course covers it all in a clear and structured manner. #### Course Structure and Content The course syllabus is thoughtfully organized into five key segments, each aimed at building a comprehensive understanding of project planning: 1. **Beginning the Planning Phase**: - This section introduces the structure of the course and emphasizes the importance of planning. You will learn about the key components of planning, the difference between tasks and milestones, and how to set effective milestones for your projects. 2. **Building a Project Plan**: - Here, the necessity of a project plan is explored in-depth. You will discover how to create accurate time estimates and understand the significance of these estimations in project success. Additionally, various tools and best practices for building a comprehensive project plan are discussed, providing actionable insights for learners. 3. **Managing Budgeting and Procurement**: - Budget management is a crucial aspect of project planning. This section teaches you about the essential components of a project budget and the procedures to follow in managing it effectively. It also delves into the procurement process, emphasizing ethical considerations and supporting documentation, which are essential for maintaining transparency and efficiency. 4. **Managing Risks Effectively**: - Risk management can make or break a project. In this segment, you will learn how to identify different types of risks and assess their potential impact. The course also introduces tools for risk management and teaches how to develop a risk management plan to communicate and resolve issues effectively. 5. **Organizing Communication and Documentation**: - Effective communication is vital in any project. This module covers the essentials of a communication plan, the importance of documentation for visibility and accountability, and strategies for organizing project files efficiently. Additionally, it provides guidance on highlighting your transferable skills, setting you up for future job opportunities in project management. #### Review "Project Planning: Putting It All Together" offers an exceptional blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The course is well-paced, making it accessible for beginners who want to dive deep into project management while also providing value for those looking to refine their existing skills. The instructors are knowledgeable and employ real-world examples that help contextualize learning. The interactive nature of the course, with quizzes and assignments, encourages practical application of the concepts learned. One of the standout features of this course is its focus on ethical procurement practices and risk management, which are often overlooked in introductory courses. This thoughtful incorporation underlines the responsibility that project managers have in ensuring project success and integrity. #### Recommendation I highly recommend "Project Planning: Putting It All Together" for anyone interested in honing their project management skills. Whether you are a beginner looking to enter the field or an experienced professional wishing to strengthen your planning phase expertise, this course offers valuable insights and practical tools that are essential in today’s project-driven environments. Furthermore, as part of the Google Project Management Certificate program, completing this course contributes significantly to your career advancement in the field. You will not only gain competent skills in planning but also enhance your resume with a highly regarded credential from Google. Take the plunge, and empower your project management career by enrolling in "Project Planning: Putting It All Together" on Coursera!

Syllabus

Beginning the planning phase

You will learn how the course is structured, the benefits of planning and key components of the planning phase, the difference between tasks and milestones, and how to set milestones.

You will learn why a project plan is necessary and what components it contains, how to create accurate time estimates and why they are important, and which tools and best practices to use to build a project plan.

You will learn what the components of a project budget are, how the budgeting process works, and how to manage a project budget. You will also explore how the procurement process works, what documentation is necessary, and how to obtain support and avoid ethical conflicts during the process.

You will learn what risk management is and how it can help prevent project failure, what tools can help identify and manage risks, how to identify different types of risks and measure their impact on a project, and how to use a risk management plan to communicate and resolve risks.

You will learn the elements of a simple communication plan and how to draft and manage one, why documentation helps create project team visibility and accountability, how to organize documents in one central place, and how to prepare for a job search by documenting experience and highlighting transferable skills.