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Project Initiation and Planning

Approx. 22 hours to complete

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Course Summary

Learn how to effectively initiate and plan projects with this comprehensive Project Initiation and Planning course. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to successfully manage projects from start to finish.

Key Learning Points

Understand the key elements of project initiation and planning
Learn how to effectively manage project risks
Develop a project plan that aligns with stakeholders’ expectations

Learning Outcomes

Develop a comprehensive project plan
Identify and mitigate project risks
Effectively manage stakeholders

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic understanding of project management principles
Access to project planning software (recommended)

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner/Intermediate

Course Format

Self-paced
Online
Video lectures
Assignments
Quizzes

Similar Courses

Project Management Professional (PMP)®
Agile Project Management

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Dr. Harold Kerzner
Dr. Rita Mulcahy

Related Books

Description

In today’s competitive environment learning to effectively manage projects is a critical skill. This course will focus on initiating and planning projects. The course will cover the more traditional linear process, like waterfall approach, as well as the dynamic and iterative approach of agile and hybrid models, so the learners can decide when one approach is more suitable for any of their projects to maximize the chances of a successful outcome!

Outline

Course Orientation
Welcome to Project Initiation and Planning
Learn on Your Terms
Syllabus
About the Discussion Forums
Glossary
Learn More About Flexible Learning Paths
Updating Your Profile
Orientation Quiz

Module 1: Waterfall Approach - The Basics
Module 1 Overview
Introduction
What is a Project?
Waterfall Approach to Project Management
Initiating a Project
Meet Our Expert - Harshad Desai, Senior Manager at a Technology Company
Insight From an Expert on Waterfall Approach
Stakeholder Management
Meet Our Expert - Garrett Whitsitt, Managing Consultant at Point b
Insight From an Expert on Managing Stakeholders
Project Scope
Scope Example
Project Priorities
Insight From an Expert on Project Priorities
Work Breakdown Structure
Insight From an Expert on the Importance of Planning
How to Use Sticky Notes to Create a Work Breakdown Structure
Introduction to ProjectLibre - How to Install for Mac
Introduction to ProjectLibre - How to Install for PC
Creating a Work Breakdown Structure Using ProjectLibre
Organizational and Team Structure
Meet Our Experts - Sean Bauer, Senior Director and Andrew Howard, Senior Manager at Walgreens
Insight From an Expert on Structuring the Project Team
Module 1 Takeaways
Module 1 Overview
Module 1 Readings
ProjectLibre and Excel Files Used in Examples
What is a Project? Practice Quiz
Waterfall Approach to Project Management Practice Quiz
Initiating a Project Practice Quiz
Stakeholder Management Practice Quiz
Project Scope Practice Quiz
Scope Example Practice Quiz
Project Priorities Practice Quiz
Work Breakdown Structure Practice Quiz
Organizational and Team Structure Practice Quiz
Module 1 Graded Quiz

Module 2: Waterfall Approach - Get the Project Going
Module 2 Overview
Project Kick-Off
Kick-Off Meeting
Communication Planning
Responsibility Matrix
Risk Planning
Risk Response
Insight From an Expert on Risk Planning
Mission Creep
Task Dependencies
Illustration of Precedence Relationship Types in ProjectLibre
Estimating Time
Estimating Cost
Insight From an Expert on Time and Cost Estimation
Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM)
Creating a Network Diagram in Excel
Creating a Precedence Diagram Using ProjectLibre
Module 2 Takeaways
Module 2 Overview
Module 2 Readings
Project Kick-Off Practice Quiz
Communication Planning Practice Quiz
Responsibility Matrix Practice Quiz
Risk Planning Practice Quiz
Risk Response Practice Quiz
Mission Creep Practice Quiz
Task Dependencies Practice Quiz
Estimating Time Practice Quiz
Estimating Cost Practice Quiz
Precedence Diagramming Method Practice Quiz
Module 2 Graded Quiz

Module 3: Waterfall Approach - Create a Plan for Action
Module 3 Overview
Gantt Chart
Using Excel to Create a Gantt Chart (Stacked Bar Method)
Using Excel to Create a Gantt Chart (Calendar Method)
ProjectLibre Basic Operations
Critical Path Method (CPM) - Forward Pass
Critical Path Method (CPM) - Backward Pass
Critical Path Method (CPM) - Float
CPM - An Illustrated Example in Excel
CPM - An Illustrated Example in ProjectLibre
PERT - Program Evaluation and Review Technique
PERT - Example
PERT - Calculating Expected Time and Standard Deviation
PERT - Project Completion Time Analysis
Module 3 Takeaways
Module 3 Overview
Module 3 Readings
Gantt Chart Practice Quiz
Critical Path Method - Forward Pass Practice Quiz
Critical Path Method - Backward Pass Practice Quiz
Critical Path Method - Float Practice Quiz
PERT Practice Quiz
PERT Example Practice Quiz
Module 3 Graded Quiz

Module 4: Agile - Initiating and Planning for Dynamic Projects
Module 4 Overview
Agile Project Management
Agile and Lean
Agile Methodologies - Kanban Framework
Agile Methodologies - Scrum Framework
Introduction to Google Jamboard (a Virtual Collaboration Tool)
Virtual Team Collaboration Using Jamboard
Scrum - Initiating a Project
Insight From an Expert on the Role of the Product Owner
Scrum - Sprint Planning
Story Point Meeting
Insight From an Expert on Story Points
Project Manager vs Scrum Master
Insight From an Expert on Servant Leadership
Module 4 Takeaways
Gies Online Programs
Module 4 Overview
Module 4 Readings
Congratulations!
Get Your Course Certificate
Agile Project Management Practice Quiz
Agile and Lean Practice Quiz
Agile Methodologies - Kanban Framework Practice Quiz
Agile Methodologies - Scrum Practice Quiz
Scrum - Initiating a Project Practice Quiz
Scrum-Sprint Planning Practice Quiz
Project Manager vs Scrum Master Practice Quiz
Module 4 Graded Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

The Project Initiation and Planning course has received positive reviews from learners. Many users found the course to be engaging and informative, with practical examples that helped them apply the concepts to real-life scenarios.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course is highly practical and provides learners with useful tools and techniques to apply in real-world projects.

Pros from User Reviews

The course provides a clear and structured approach to project initiation and planning.
The instructors are knowledgeable and provide real-life examples to illustrate the concepts.
The course is well-organized and easy to follow.
The course provides useful templates and tools to use in project planning.

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course to be too basic and not suitable for experienced project managers.
The course does not cover some advanced topics in project initiation and planning.
Some users found the course to be too theoretical and lacking in practical examples.
The course can be repetitive at times.
Some users found the assessments to be too easy and not challenging enough.

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