This course offers an introduction to the principles and practices of project management within the context of IT projects. Students will learn to define and understand the fundamental aspects of project management, exploring core areas such as scope, time, cost, quality, risk, procurement, human resources, communications, and stakeholder management. The course also delves into various leadership theories, enabling students to build on their own style of leadership. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical exercises, this course prepares students to lead and manage IT projects, ensuring they meet organizational goals while addressing both technical and managerial challenges.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Describe what project management is.
- Discuss the areas of scope, time, cost, quality, risk, purchasing (procurement), human resources, communications, and stakeholder management.
- Describe leadership theories.
Project Management for Information Technology and Management
Illinois Institute of Technology via Coursera
Overview
Syllabus
- Module 1: Introduction to Project Management & Scope
- Welcome to Project Management for Information Technology and Management! This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of project management within the context of IT projects. Students will learn to define and understand the fundamental aspects of project management, exploring core areas such as scope, time, cost, quality, risk, procurement, human resources, communications, and stakeholder management. The course also delves into various leadership theories, enabling students to compare and contrast these approaches and understand their application in managing IT projects effectively. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical exercises, this course prepares students to lead and manage complex IT projects, ensuring they meet organizational goals while addressing both technical and managerial challenges. While this course is not designed as a direct preparation for project management certification exams, it provides an excellent foundation and is an ideal stepping stone for those planning to enroll in a specialized certification prep class. In this module, students will gain a foundational understanding of project management, learning to identify key components such as project scope and the mechanisms for updating it. Through exploring these concepts, they will develop the ability to effectively define and manage a project's boundaries to align with project objectives.
- Module 2: Cost & Procurement
- In this module, students will delve into the financial aspects of project management, learning to estimate, budget, and oversee project costs effectively. Additionally, they will explore the procurement process, gaining insight into how goods and services are acquired to support project success.
- Module 3: Communication
- This module provides an in-depth exploration of the different types of communication. Students will also learn how to effectively plan communication strategies that address diverse audiences and purposes, ensuring clarity, effectiveness, and efficiency in information exchange. By the end of this module, students will have developed a robust understanding of how to design and implement a communication plan that aligns with organizational objectives and enhances stakeholder engagement.
- Module 4: Time & Leading Teams
- This module covers the fundamentals of time management and leadership within project management contexts. Students will learn about project scheduling techniques, including activities, and dependencies, alongside an introduction to basic leadership theories applicable in the workplace. By the end of the module, students will be equipped to effectively manage project timelines and employ leadership strategies to enhance team performance.
- Module 5: Risk
- This module provides a comprehensive exploration of risk management in project settings, starting with a clear definition of what risk entails. Students will learn various strategies to address and mitigate risks, including identification, assessment, and response planning. The module also details the formal risk management processes, guiding participants through the steps of developing and implementing effective risk management plans to ensure project success and organizational resilience.
- Module 6: Quality
- This module provides a focused exploration of quality in project management, highlighting the purpose of quality and detailing effective strategies to achieve it. Students will learn to define quality within the context of project deliverables and understand its critical role in enhancing customer satisfaction and overall project success.
- Module 7: Stakeholders
- Module 7 introduces students to the fundamentals of stakeholder identification and management, covering techniques for stakeholder analysis and the creation of a stakeholder register.
- Module 8: Resource Planning
- This module focuses on the critical role of resource planning in project management, distinguishing between human and non-human resources. Students will learn how effective human resource planning ensures the right personnel are available to meet project needs, enhancing productivity and team dynamics. Additionally, this module will cover the planning of non-human resources, such as materials and technologies, crucial for timely and within-budget project execution. By understanding these aspects, students will be equipped to optimize resource allocation and contribute to project success.
- Summative Course Assessment
- This module contains the summative course assessment that has been designed to evaluate your understanding of the course material and assess your ability to apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout the course.
Taught by
Brian Vanderjack
