Initiating and Planning Projects Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This course provides a practical foundation in project initiation and planning, guiding learners through the essential steps to launch and prepare successful projects. With a total time commitment of approximately 7 hours, the course combines foundational concepts with hands-on planning exercises. Learners will progress through structured modules covering project management fundamentals, stakeholder identification, scope definition, planning techniques, and risk and communication strategies, culminating in a final project that applies all learned concepts.
Module 1: Introduction to Project Management
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Overview of project management principles
- Understanding the project life cycle
- Roles and responsibilities of the project manager
Module 2: Project Initiation
Estimated time: 2 hours
- Identifying and analyzing stakeholders
- Defining project objectives and scope
- Developing a project charter
Module 3: Project Planning
Estimated time: 2 hours
- Creating a work breakdown structure (WBS)
- Estimating resources and durations
- Developing a project schedule
Module 4: Risk Management and Communication
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Identifying potential project risks
- Developing risk mitigation strategies
- Planning effective communication with stakeholders
Module 5: Final Assessment
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Applying learned concepts to a case study
- Developing a comprehensive project plan
Module 6: Final Project
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Deliverable 1: Stakeholder analysis and project charter
- Deliverable 2: Work breakdown structure and project schedule
- Deliverable 3: Risk and communication management plan
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of business processes
- Familiarity with common workplace terminology
- No prior project management experience required
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Identify project stakeholders and understand their roles and expectations
- Define the role and responsibilities of the project manager
- Summarize the key elements of a comprehensive project plan
- Anticipate common sources of conflict within a project environment
- Develop strategies to address project risks and communication challenges