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University System of Maryland

Product Management Fundamentals

University System of Maryland and University of Maryland, College Park via edX

Overview

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Product management is one of the fastest growing and most lucrative jobs available today. Companies have awoken to the desperate need for product managers to create products that customers love, that integrate design, functionality, and business solutions. In our course, we define the fundamentals of product management and why this role is so coveted as a launch pad for future CEOs and startup founders.

To be effective, product managers need a clear understanding of their jobs and duties. They also need a clear understanding of the required skills and competencies. An appreciation of these roles, responsibilities, skills, and capabilities is also beneficial for stakeholders and team members who collaborate with product managers.

This course investigates the framework for success in product management by defining the product manager’s position in an organization and the key responsibilities. We will examine the skills and competencies most critical to carrying out those responsibilities. To further improve your understanding of product management, we will discuss how product managers engage with the product team and stakeholders to create and manage successful products.

Product managers must also know how to establish, organize, and lead a team. They must know the typical product development life cycle and be able to select the right development methodology for the product and the target market. To meet these challenges to product team leadership, we will consider the phases of product development and the roles that product managers play in each step. We’ll examine a variety of team structures and product development methodologies, and the importance of establishing a team charter. Lastly, we will also explore the opportunities and challenges of market development and commercialization. We’ll provide an orientation to key marketing concepts critical to developing and commercializing innovative products and services.

Syllabus

Module 1: Roles and Responsibilities of the Product Manager

Module 2: Managing Innovative Product Teams

Module 3: Marketing Challenges and Guiding Principles

Module 4: Customer Development and Crossing the Chasm

Taught by

James Green

Reviews

4.9 rating, based on 270 Class Central reviews

4.4 rating at edX based on 53 ratings

Start your review of Product Management Fundamentals

  • Dive into the magical waters of the new products that change we live. In my way, Product Management Fundamentals validates my beliefs and practices of the past 25Y as a Production Designer-. It is the starting point to deep navigating this passion and making the new right products for the right customers and moving forward with the path of the Master in Professional Studies in Product Management of the University of Maryland.
  • I am taking the whole Product Management Professional Certificate and this is the first course. What I like is the strict structure and organization of this course. The instructor is a great pro. I would like to have PDFs of the slides. I don't know how to get them.

    Thank you very much.
  • This course is peels your eyes to the reality and will indeed make you think thrice before becoming not just a product manager but an entrepreneur. It was an amazing experience!
  • Both Proffesors explain everything clearly.I did this program whole day with my time.becuase of the covid situation and free of university lectures.

    I got a idea about who is a production manager and basicall how we market a business .

    Thank you
    Greetings from Srilanka
    Bishmi Dissanayake
  • Anonymous
    The online product management course offers a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and skills needed to succeed in the field. It covers everything from market research and product lifecycle management to agile methodologies and stakeholder communication. The course is well-structured, with practical examples, interactive assignments, and real-world case studies that help reinforce learning. However, some areas, such as advanced analytics and strategic decision-making, may require additional resources or experience for deeper understanding. Overall, it’s an excellent course for beginners and intermediate learners looking to build a solid foundation in product management and advance their careers.
  • Anonymous
    Short, dense, and concise! A great blend of bird's-eye view with deeper insights and practical advice!

    Both instructors were great, but personally, I enjoyed James Green's style of presentation. 

    Overall, it was a was a great course, and it really helped see my product idea in a new light and revise my approach and business plan. 

    Honestly, I wish I could buy both professors some coffee and pick their brains!

    Lastly, as of this writing, I still haven't paid for the certificate, as I doubt it has any market recognition. But the knowledge shared in this brief course will most certainly let me reconsider the MTech for my future studies or academic endeavors. 

    Thank you.
  • Anonymous
    It was quite a comprehensive introduction into the product management space, well structured to touch on all aspects without overloading you with information. It did a great job highlighting the difference in the roles of a project manager, product manager and a program manager. Lots of pertinent information towards giving you a clear understanding of the mindset of an entrepreneur when it comes to startups in the business world and how to successfully approach that.

    All in all, a great introductory course to improve knowledge about the role of a product manager and the tools to succeed in that role.
  • Anonymous
    The information in the Fundamentals class was great. I enjoyed seeing how the Agile / Scrum / Kanban experience in prior roles is foundational to a good product strategy. My only criticism is that there isn't an editable version of the presentations that I can use to take notes. I found myself constantly starting and stopping the videos to get the information on the screen on paper.
  • Anonymous
    The course was well prepared BUT in my opinion, there should be also some texts prepared if students would like to know more details. I had to find many thinks on the internet which was only very quickly mentioned in the course if in every section will be a video and some article section for more information it would be very helpful.
  • Anonymous
    The course provides lots of real-world applicability. The best part of the course, is that dates are super flexible which accommodates those who work while attending courses. The lessons are broken up into roughly 10 minute segments to make it easy to press on, because you think, "what's 10 more minutes" .
  • Anonymous
    This was a blessing to me, I was able to learn at my own pace and accomplish a challenge I gave myself. the modules were very clear to understand and the test after each, make retaining the material easier.
    Thank you, and I will use the opportunity to keep growing professionally.
  • DUNCAN SINO
    This course is very relevant to any individual or business enterprise that has a product to offer. The design and presentation is just top of the class and easy to master and put into practice. I feel well positioned to head the role of product Management specialist. I strongly encourage everyone to take up this course and will realise how important it is to relook the product life cycle as well as relook at the 4p of marketing
  • Anonymous
    Clear and thorough Information, very relevant to today's world. It is encouraging to have the tools and knowledge from edX and the University of Maryland at hand, that enhance our chances to be successful. Well Done! Thanks
  • Valeria Luce
    The Product Management Fundamentals course was concise and helpful for someone without specific Marketing knowledge to have a clear overview on the role of a PM and the process of managing a Product along its lifecycle.
  • Anonymous
    very insightful and easy to follow, I got great reminders on the role of product management. I really enjoyed how it explained the product development lifecycle and the role of the product manager in the cycle.
  • Anonymous
    Very informative, with breakdowns and great real life scenarios to further explain the material. The PowerPoint’s are detailed as well as the data and graphics to give you a full scope of understanding.
  • Anonymous
    This course is of very good quality, and will give you a very good overview. It would be much appreciated to give a PDF or at least the texte of the presentation. I had to print screen all of them.
  • Anonymous
    It is a good course to learn the basics of what Product Management is. The last chapter provides great value not only to the activities of Product Management, but to the general public.
  • Anonymous
    Thanks for this incredible learning experience in product management. I hope I can continue accessing these resources even after graduation. Definitely need to revisit some of it later!
  • Anonymous
    The course is really easy to understand the basic fundamentals of Product management.
    I was looking forward to enhance my marketing skills and market segmentation with this course.

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