Module 1: Embarking on a Career in Project Management

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Learning Objectives

Define project management and describe what constitutes a project.
Explore project management roles and responsibilities across a variety of industries.
Detail the core skills that help a project manager be successful.
Describe a project's life cycle and explain each phase's significance.
Compare different program management methodologies and approaches and determine which is most effective for a given project.
Define organizational structure and culture and explain how it impacts project management.
Define change management and describe the role of the project manager in the process.

- A unique endeavor and usually includes a set of unique deliverables.
- A temporary pursuit; it has a defined beginning and end.

- Project management is the process of planning, organizing, and managing resources to achieve a specific goal.
- It is essential for organizations to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

- Project management helps organizations to:
  1. Achieve their strategic goals.
  2. Improve efficiency and productivity.
  3. Reduce costs.
  4. Increase customer satisfaction.

- Separate projects into tasks and make a plan for each task.
  1. Organize.
  2. Budget
  3. Maintain strong communication.

Gathering requirements: Understanding project goals, deliverables, and stakeholder expectations.
Creating project plans: Defining timelines, milestones, tasks, and resource allocation.
Developing communication plans: Establishing communication channels and protocols for stakeholders.
Risk management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks that could impact the project.

Managing tasks

Assigning tasks: Delegating tasks to team members based on their skills and expertise.
Monitoring progress: Tracking task completion and addressing any roadblocks or delays.
Managing resources: Ensuring efficient utilization of resources like budget, equipment, and personnel.
Quality control: Implementing quality assurance measures to ensure project deliverables meet standards.

Budgeting

Developing budgets: Estimating project costs and securing funding.
Monitoring expenses: Tracking project expenditures and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
Reporting: Providing regular updates on project finances to stakeholders.

Controlling costs and other factors

Facilitating communication: Keeping stakeholders informed about project progress and decisions.
Managing stakeholder expectations: Addressing concerns and ensuring alignment with project goals.
Leading and motivating teams: Fostering collaboration and a positive work environment.

Program managers: Manage a group of projects that are related or similar to one another and handle the coordination of these projects. They facilitate effective communication between individual project managers and provide support where necessary. They also help create and manage long-term goals for their organization.
Portfolio managers: Responsible for managing a group of related programs within the same organization. They coordinate various programs in order to ensure they are on track and that the organization is meeting its strategic initiatives. Portfolio managers look at all projects and programs within the organization and prioritize work as necessary.