SYLLABUS

Course Title: Fundamentals of Project Management

Course Duration: 6 Weeks (3-4 hours per week)

Prerequisites: None. Ideal for beginners or those looking to formalize their understanding of project management.

Course Overview:

This course introduces students to the core principles and practices of project management. It covers the key processes and techniques that form the foundation of managing projects successfully, from initiation to closure. By the end of the course, students will understand the basics of planning, executing, and controlling projects while learning how to apply project management principles to real-world scenarios.

Module 1: Introduction to Project Management

• Lesson 1.1: What is Project Management?

  • Definition and key concepts of project management

  • The importance of project management in organizations

  • Understanding the role of a Project Manager

• Lesson 1.2: Project Management Life Cycle

  • The 5 Phases of Project Management: Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing

  • Overview of the Project Life Cycle and its application in different industries

• Lesson 1.3: Key Project Management Terms and Concepts

  • Project, program, and portfolio management

  • The Triple Constraint: Scope, Time, Cost

  • Stakeholders, deliverables, milestones, and baselines

Module 2: Project Initiation and Planning

• Lesson 2.1: Defining the Project

  • Understanding project goals, objectives, and outcomes

  • Creating a Project Charter and defining project scope

  • Identifying project stakeholders and their roles

• Lesson 2.2: Setting Clear Project Goals and Deliverables

  • SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)

  • Creating a project statement of work (SOW)

  • Identifying and documenting deliverables

• Lesson 2.3: Developing a Project Plan

  • Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): Breaking down tasks into manageable components

  • Scheduling tasks and setting timelines using Gantt charts or simple tools

  • Identifying resource needs and estimating costs

Module 3: Managing Project Scope and Time

• Lesson 3.1: Managing Project Scope

  • Defining and controlling the project scope to avoid scope creep

  • Creating a Scope Management Plan

  • Techniques for managing scope changes

• Lesson 3.2: Time Management and Scheduling

  • The importance of a clear project schedule

  • Key scheduling techniques: Critical Path Method (CPM), Gantt charts, and Milestone charts

  • Estimating task durations and managing deadlines

• Lesson 3.3: Resource and Budget Management

  • Identifying resource requirements and managing resource allocation

  • Budget planning: Creating and managing a project budget

  • Cost estimation techniques: Top-down vs. Bottom-up

Module 4: Executing and Monitoring Projects

• Lesson 4.1: Project Execution and Team Management

  • Leading and motivating the project team

  • Assigning tasks and managing team performance

  • Communicating effectively with stakeholders

• Lesson 4.2: Monitoring Project Progress

  • Tracking project performance: Earned Value Management (EVM) and key performance indicators (KPIs)

  • Managing risks, issues, and changes during execution

  • Tools for tracking project progress (e.g., status reports, dashboards)

• Lesson 4.3: Quality Management and Control

  • Defining quality standards and measures for project success

  • Using quality assurance and quality control methods to meet project goals

  • Managing project deliverables and ensuring quality standards

Module 5: Project Risk Management

• Lesson 5.1: Introduction to Risk Management

  • Identifying and assessing potential project risks

  • Risk categories: Technical, operational, financial, external

  • Risk response strategies: Avoid, mitigate, accept, or transfer

• Lesson 5.2: Creating a Risk Management Plan

  • Documenting risks in a Risk Register

  • Performing risk analysis (qualitative vs. quantitative risk analysis)

  • Prioritizing risks and planning responses

• Lesson 5.3: Controlling and Monitoring Risks

  • Techniques for monitoring and tracking risks throughout the project

  • Developing risk mitigation plans

  • Managing risk response during the project life cycle

Module 6: Project Closure and Review

• Lesson 6.1: Closing the Project

  • Formalizing project completion and handover

  • Closing contracts, securing final approvals, and delivering project results

  • Documenting lessons learned and conducting a post-project review

• Lesson 6.2: Conducting Post-Project Evaluation

  • Evaluating project performance against original objectives

  • Analyzing project success and areas for improvement

  • Writing a final project report

• Lesson 6.3: Continuing Your Project Management Journey

  • Building a career in project management: Key skills and certifications (e.g., CAPM, PMP)

  • Networking and staying current in the field of project management

  • Next steps in professional development and continued learning

Final Project and Certification

• Final Project:

  • Develop a simple project plan from initiation to closure using the principles learned throughout the course.

  • Submit a project plan, risk management plan, and timeline, and present the project to peers or instructors for feedback.

• Certification of Completion:

  • Receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course and final project.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of project management and its key processes.

• Define project goals, scope, and deliverables, and develop a clear project plan.

• Manage project schedules, resources, and budgets effectively.

• Identify and manage risks, issues, and scope changes during project execution.

• Communicate with stakeholders, lead teams, and ensure quality standards.

• Close projects successfully, evaluate outcomes, and apply lessons learned to future projects.

This Fundamentals of Project Management course provides students with a practical and comprehensive understanding of how to manage projects effectively. Whether you're a professional looking to refine your skills or someone who wants to enter the field, this course will lay the foundation for your success in project management.