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University System of Maryland

Determining Ways of Working for Technical Project Management

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

Overview

Skilled project managers are adaptable and versatile. They are experts at working in a variety of ways, so they can adapt their methodology to best suit the situation. This allows them to successfully complete projects on time and on budget and achieve successful results.

Linked to the Technical skill area of the PMI Talent Triangle®, this course focuses on the technical aspects of successfully managing projects. Topics will delve into the core skills of scope, cost, and schedule management and integrating these concepts to develop a master project plan. Participants will also need to demonstrate an understanding of quality, risk, and procurement management and use techniques such as earned value, critical path methodology, and general data gathering and analysis techniques.

This course focuses on the technical skills of successfully managing projects. Topics will include:

  • Estimating

  • Reviewing project management methods

  • Planning for scope, schedule and cost throughout a project

  • Demonstrating some understanding of quality improvement, risk management, and procurement management

  • Applying the concepts of earned value analysis and critical path scheduling technique.

Regardless of the type of project you're working on, staying up to date with proven methods to manage your projects will allow you to get work done as effectively and efficiently as possible. The flexibility demonstrated through implementation of these tools allows project managers to switch between traditional methods when needed or gain new ways of working for different projects.

Making the switch from “traditional” project management to agile is not always straightforward, and it can be particularly challenging for organizations who are accustomed to a predictive environment. However, with the right guidance and support, the transition doesn't have to be overwhelming. This course will help learners gain valuable insight into applying the adaptive techniques (iterative, incremental, or agile) that can make the transition smoother should you choose to do so in your real world projects. Adaptive techniques may feel unfamiliar and cumbersome at first, but with an open mind and some perseverance, the rewards can be great.

By the end of the course, you will be exposed to the tools and techniques to ensure your projects are utilizing the most appropriate methods, tools, and techniques that meet the needs of your project–and meet the expectations of your stakeholders. Learners will discover that project managers can quickly adapt to any new situation they face by focusing on the goals they want to achieve and the value they expect to deliver. They should embrace change and recognize that there will always be new ideas, methods, and technology available for them to adopt.

Additionally, upon successful completion of this course, learners can earn 8 contact hours of project management education which are recognized by the Project Management Institute (PMI). A total of 35 contact hours in project management education are a requirement to those looking to achieve the Project Management Professional (PMP®)certification. Learners will finish this course with increased knowledge of the better practice tips to engage stakeholders and be more than ready to continue their project management and PMP® journey, which we hope completes your certificate with us.

Syllabus

Week 1: Setting the Stage for Project Initiation and Planning. Scope, cost, and schedule are the foundation of success in all types of projects. During the first week of the course, participants will master the fundamentals of managing these three key elements in a complex project environment.

Week 2: Advanced Planning Projects. The second week will focus on additional technical skills to successfully manage projects. Topics will include estimating, project management techniques, and planning for scope, schedule and cost throughout a project.

Week 3: Navigating Project Execution. The third week puts the emphasis on procurement management and ensuring that the needed resources that are not readily available in-house can be acquired and properly managed once there is a contract in place.

Week 4: Project Control Essentials: Steering Your Project to Success.The fourth and final week brings everything together with a deep dive into the project manager’s subject matter expertise: project integration. Integrating all of the moving pieces and keeping two key stakeholders in mind: the sponsor and the team members.

Taught by

Crystal Richards

Reviews

4.5 rating, based on 2 Class Central reviews

4.6 rating at edX based on 11 ratings

Start your review of Determining Ways of Working for Technical Project Management

  • Anonymous
    This is a content packed course. Better if there are some live sessions because new terminologies are released all through of which these have to be operationalized. Group assignments would also be key such that we become the best in Business Acumen otherwise, resources are rich and just the beginning, the reality is that there is need for further studies on business acumen.
  • Anonymous
    Dear Edx - Maryland Univ., this course is intensive and demanding, become PMP it ask for to have dedication and focus on gaining Professional Certificate, but I dont feel alone in this challenge, since videos and final notes at the end of each video provide solid base to continue learning this amazing course, thank you Crystal for developing this course in easy and conveniente way. I've learnt a lof.

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