Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/project-practicum-with-multiple-projects
## Course Review: Project Practicum with Multiple Projects on Coursera ### Overview The "Project Practicum with Multiple Projects" course is a comprehensive and advanced program designed for project managers looking to refine their skills in managing several projects concurrently. Project management is inherently challenging, but juggling multiple projects introduces unique complexities that can overwhelm even the most seasoned professionals. This course aims to address those challenges through a structured, hands-on approach combining video lectures, discussions, and collaborative exercises. ### Syllabus Breakdown The course is structured into several key modules, each addressing a pivotal area of project management: 1. **Portfolio, Program, and Project Management**: This module provides a foundational understanding of how these three areas interconnect. Learning the differences and similarities boosts your capability to navigate complex project environments effectively. 2. **Master WBS Creation and Resource Planning**: A pivotal aspect of project management, this module focuses on developing a master Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) suitable for multiple projects. It trains you on resource allocation strategies while emphasizing stakeholder identification—critical in ensuring that everyone involved is aligned with project goals. 3. **Stakeholder and Communication Management, Leadership**: Communication can make or break project success. This module guides you through managing stakeholder relationships and crafting effective communication strategies across your projects. Moreover, it emphasizes the evolution into a strategic program manager, highlighting essential leadership skills for project success. 4. **Resource Utilization Planning and Master Schedule Development**: Managing multiple projects often means sharing resources. This module teaches you to optimize resource availability and master scheduling techniques, enabling you to manage timelines effectively across various initiatives. 5. **Risk Management; The Impact of Multi-Tasking; Buffers**: Risk is an unavoidable factor in project management. This module helps you create a master risk register across multiple projects. You’ll explore the Theory of Constraints and learn valuable critical chain management techniques—critical for navigating the uncertainties inherent in multi-project environments. 6. **Scrum of Scrums; Final Projects**: In this practical module, you’ll engage in group projects while practicing the "Scrum of Scrums" framework, an innovative agile project management technique. You’ll also gain insight into the nuances of closing projects, including whether to leverage release retrospectives or lessons learned. ### Review and Recommendations The "Project Practicum with Multiple Projects" course is an excellent choice for project managers seeking to advance their expertise in complex project environments. Its well-structured curriculum builds on foundational knowledge, making it suitable for those who have previously engaged in project management training. **Strengths**: - **Hands-On Learning**: The course emphasizes practical applications through group exercises, fostering teamwork and simulating real-world project scenarios. - **Comprehensive Curriculum**: With modules that cover a wide range of relevant topics—from risk management to stakeholder communication—the course ensures you are well-prepared for various challenges in project management. - **Focus on Current Methodologies**: By incorporating agile practices like "Scrum of Scrums," the course aligns with modern project management trends, equipping you with the tools needed for today’s fast-paced environments. **Considerations**: - **Expectations on Previous Knowledge**: As this is an advanced course, participants may need a solid background in project management principles for maximum benefit. - **Engagement in Group Work**: The success of group projects heavily depends on the active participation of all members, which may be challenging in a virtual learning environment. ### Conclusion If you are a project manager ready to tackle the complexities of managing multiple projects, "Project Practicum with Multiple Projects" on Coursera is highly recommended. The course offers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel, making it a worthwhile investment in your professional development. By completing this course, you will emerge equipped with the expertise needed to lead multiple initiatives effectively, confidently steering your projects towards successful outcomes.
Portfolio, Program, and Project Management
This module discusses project management, program management, and portfolio management in the context of multiple projects.
Master WBS Creation and Resource PlanningThis module introduces a master Work Breakdown Structure for multiple projects. It introduces the resource planning that is involved in multiple projects, as well as stakeholder identification.
Stakeholder and Communication Management, LeadershipThis module focuses on communication management for multiple projects. As well, it develops the concept of the strategic program manager and the skills required for leadership.
Resource Utilization Planning and Master Schedule DevelopmentThis module covers resource utilization planning for multiple projects as well as master schedule development for multiple projects. Shared resources are a recurring topic throughout the module. Students learn how create a master schedule optimized for resource availability.
Risk Management; The Impact of Multi-Tasking; BuffersThis module enables the learner to create a master risk register in order to manage risk on multiple projects. The theory of constraints is introduced and techniques for management of critical chains are developed.
Scrum of Scrums; Final ProjectsIn this module, students complete work on their final group projects and learn "Scrum of Scrums" agile project management. Students learn how to decide whether to use a release retrospective or lessons learned in the closing phase of a project.
Managing multiple projects presents different and additional challenges when compared with the management of a single project. This advanced hands-on course builds on the project managers’ previously acquired knowledge and skills in the areas of scope, time, cost, risk, human resources, leadership, and teambuilding through a combination of videos, discussions, and team-based learning exercises. This capstone course lets you put into practice the project process groups and knowledge areas that a
This is the first time you get to apply everything that you are learning and see how others are implementing it as well. Shelly, the instructor, did a great job and was always quick to respond.
Excellent opportunity to feel the real work as PM in delivering different artifacts and applying the tools and techniques learned through the program journey.
Rigorous course that matches you against your classmates from all around the world to complete assignments in a real world project environment.