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Johns Hopkins University
Fundamentals of Project Management
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Johns Hopkins University

Fundamentals of Project Management

This course is part of Project Management and Planning Specialization

Thomas Buchanan
Amy Bechner

Instructors: Thomas Buchanan

Instructors

Instructor ratings

We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.

4.8 (12 ratings)
Thomas Buchanan
Thomas Buchanan
Johns Hopkins University
3 Courses•5,363 learners
Amy Bechner
Amy Bechner
Johns Hopkins University
3 Courses•5,363 learners

4,565 already enrolled

Included with Coursera Plus

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5 modules
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(50 reviews)

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

Recommended experience

Intermediate level

A basic understanding of management principles and familiarity with organizational structures and team collaboration is recommended.

20 hours to complete
3 weeks at 6 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

5 modules
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(50 reviews)

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

Recommended experience

Intermediate level

A basic understanding of management principles and familiarity with organizational structures and team collaboration is recommended.

20 hours to complete
3 weeks at 6 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
  • About
  • Outcomes
  • Modules
  • Recommendations
  • Testimonials
  • Reviews

What you'll learn

  • Understand key project management concepts and the role of a Project Manager in successful project execution.

  • Learn how to create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and write an effective Statement of Work (SOW).

  • Master project scheduling techniques, time estimation, and critical path analysis for efficient task management.

  • Develop budgeting skills, learn resource allocation, and apply project finance principles for managing contracts and costs.

Skills you'll gain

  • Work Breakdown Structure
  • Project Management Software
  • Project Coordination
  • Project Estimation
  • Budgeting
  • Team Management
  • Project Management Life Cycle
  • Project Schedules
  • Project Management
  • Scheduling
  • Project Planning

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

11 assignments

Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Project Management and Planning Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 5 modules in this course

Fundamentals of Project Management offers a comprehensive introduction to the key principles and practices necessary to lead successful projects. You will learn how to navigate each phase of the project lifecycle, from initiation and planning to execution and closure. This course provides hands-on experience with essential tools like Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), scheduling, budgeting, and critical path analysis.

What makes this course unique is its practical focus, exemplified through real-world scenarios like the PickPOCIT case study, where you'll apply your knowledge to simulate the role of a project manager. Whether you're new to project management or seeking to enhance your skills, this course equips you with the strategies and confidence needed to deliver projects on time and within budget. By the end, you'll be prepared to handle complex project challenges and drive successful outcomes in any industry.

In this course, you'll gain a foundational understanding of project management, exploring the concepts, processes, and functions essential for successful project execution. You'll learn what it takes to manage a project from initiation to completion, including key skills needed to be an effective project manager. This course will set clear expectations for student performance, ensuring you are well-prepared to meet the demands of project management in any professional environment.

What's included

1 video3 readings

1 video•Total 2 minutes
  • Specialization Introduction Video: Project Management and Planning•2 minutes•Preview module
3 readings•Total 15 minutes
  • Course Overview•5 minutes
  • Instructor Biography - Thomas H. “Buck” Buchanan•5 minutes
  • Instructor Biography - Amy Bechner•5 minutes

In this module, you'll gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of project management, including key concepts, processes, and essential skills necessary for successful project execution.

What's included

2 videos3 readings2 assignments

2 videos•Total 50 minutes
  • Planning & Managing Projects Overview- Part 1•22 minutes•Preview module
  • Planning & Managing Projects Overview- Part 2•27 minutes
3 readings•Total 105 minutes
  • Reading References•30 minutes
  • Self-Reflective Reading: Planning and Managing Projects Class•30 minutes
  • Self-Reflective Reading: Insights from Leadership on Effective Project Management•45 minutes
2 assignments•Total 75 minutes
  • Introduction to Project Management•60 minutes
  • Introduction to Project Management: Concepts and Processes•15 minutes

In this module, you'll explore the critical role of the Project Manager (PjM) throughout each phase of a project. You'll examine the distinct characteristics, authority, and responsibilities that define a PjM. Additionally, the module will contrast the role of a project manager with that of a functional manager within a matrix organization. Emphasis will be placed on practical application through team-based exercises focused on the PickPOCIT scenario.

What's included

5 videos4 readings3 assignments

5 videos•Total 91 minutes
  • Project Lifecycle•17 minutes•Preview module
  • Project Initiation •13 minutes
  • Overview of Planning•23 minutes
  • Staffing the organization•25 minutes
  • Overview of PickPOCIT Scenario•11 minutes
4 readings•Total 160 minutes
  • Reading References•30 minutes
  • Reading References•60 minutes
  • Self-Reflective Reading: Building Effective Relationships in Matrix Organizations as a Project Manager•30 minutes
  • Self-Reflective Reading on the PickPOCIT Contract and Project Management Considerations•40 minutes
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
  • Project Lifecycle: Initiation, Staffing, Planning•60 minutes
  • Understanding the Project Life Cycle and Triple Constraint•15 minutes
  • Staffing the Organization and Overview of Planning•15 minutes

In this module, you'll focus on essential project planning techniques, including writing a Statement of Work (SOW) and applying hierarchical decomposition to project tasks. You'll learn to create and utilize various forms of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), identify common pitfalls in WBS development, and apply best practices to prepare a comprehensive WBS for your project.

What's included

2 videos2 readings3 assignments

2 videos•Total 24 minutes
  • Scope and Objectives•11 minutes•Preview module
  • Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)•12 minutes
2 readings•Total 230 minutes
  • Defining the Project: Project Plan Examples•180 minutes
  • Self-Reflective Exercise: Developing a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for the PickPOCIT Project•50 minutes
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
  • Statement of Work; Work Breakdown Structure•60 minutes
  • Crafting a Statement of Work (SOW) and Hierarchical Decomposition•15 minutes
  • Developing and Refining a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)•15 minutes

In this module, you'll learn how to schedule Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) elements, estimate time and budget, and perform critical path analysis. The module covers the preparation and analysis of project work schedules, budgeting processes, common pitfalls in budget estimation, and appropriate contract structures.

What's included

6 videos3 readings3 assignments1 plugin

6 videos•Total 135 minutes
  • Schedule•10 minutes•Preview module
  • Planning and Managing Projects IT tool Introduction•15 minutes
  • Microsoft Project Schedule Demo•26 minutes
  • MS Project WBS Demo•10 minutes
  • Estimation, Resources, and Budget•34 minutes
  • Finance and Contracts•37 minutes
3 readings•Total 90 minutes
  • Reading References•30 minutes
  • Reading References•30 minutes
  • Self-Reflective Reading: Exploring Project Planning Principles•30 minutes
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
  • Scheduling; Estimation, Resources, and Budget; Finance and Contracts; Critical Path; Project Management IT Tools•60 minutes
  • Project Scheduling and Time Estimation•15 minutes
  • Budgeting and Contract Management•15 minutes
1 plugin•Total 5 minutes
  • Critical Path Method•5 minutes

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Instructors

Instructor ratings

Instructor ratings

We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.

4.8 (12 ratings)
Thomas Buchanan
Thomas Buchanan
Johns Hopkins University
3 Courses•5,363 learners
Amy Bechner
Amy Bechner
Johns Hopkins University
3 Courses•5,363 learners

Offered by

Johns Hopkins University

Offered by

Johns Hopkins University

The mission of The Johns Hopkins University is to educate its students and cultivate their capacity for life-long learning, to foster independent and original research, and to bring the benefits of discovery to the world.

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4.7

50 reviews

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D
DP
5

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2025

Great course. I felt the Microsoft Project information was a little in the weeds. I think that information should be presented in a different course.

L
LM
4

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2025

good content and visuals. however, sometimes the lectures could be more dynamic.

A
AB
5

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2025

One of the most helpful aspects of the course is the focus on real-world application. The use of case studies and practical examples helps bridge the gap between theory and practice.

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