Foundations of Project Management (Coursera)

Offered by Google,
Foundations of Project Management (Coursera)

This course is the first in a series of six to equip you with the skills you need to apply to introductory-level roles in project management. Project managers play a key role in leading, planning and implementing critical projects to help their organizations succeed. In this course, you’ll discover foundational project management terminology and gain a deeper understanding of the role and responsibilities of a project manager. We’ll also introduce you to the kinds of jobs you might pursue after completing this program. Throughout the program, you’ll learn from current Google project managers, who can provide you with a multi-dimensional educational experience that will help you build your skills for on-the-job application.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Learners who complete this program should be equipped to apply for introductory-level jobs as project managers. No previous experience is necessary.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • 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 the life cycle of a project and explain the significance of each phase.
  • 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.

What You Will Learn

  • Describe project management skills, roles, and responsibilities across a variety of industries
  • Explain the project management life cycle and compare different program management methodologies
  • Define organizational structure and organizational culture and explain how it impacts project management.

Course 1 of 6 in the Google Project Management Professional Certificate

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Embarking on a career in project management
You will learn how the program is structured, what project management is and what a project manager does, how to apply your skills from previous work experience to project management roles, what types of project management roles you could pursue after completing this certificate, and how to search for those positions.

WEEK 2
Becoming an effective project manager
You will learn how project managers add value to organizations and to their teams, what the role and responsibilities of a project manager entail, and what core skills a project manager needs to be successful.

WEEK 3
The project management life cycle and methodologies
You will learn about the phases of the project life cycle, what tasks they involve, and why it is important to complete them. You will also learn about the different project management methodologies and approaches and which is most effective for a given project.

WEEK 4
Organizational structure and culture
You will learn about common organizational structures and how they impact project management, how organizational culture impacts project management, and how a project manager contributes to the change management process. Optionally, you can start to develop your strategy and professional network to help you prepare for your job search.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Iniciando e planejando projetos (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, Irvine

Iniciando e planejando projetos (Coursera)

Os cursos de Introdução aos Princípios de Gerenciamento de Projetos e Especialização em Práticas são um precursor recomendado para o Certificado de Gerenciamento de Projetos Aplicado da UCI. Os projetos bem-sucedidos requerem um planejamento inicial cuidadoso. Neste curso, você aprenderá as principais funções e responsabilidades do gerente de projeto e da equipe do projeto.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Planificación y gestión estratégica para Pymes (Coursera) Coursera
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Planificación y gestión estratégica para Pymes (Coursera)

Este curso fue diseñado para apoyar a empresarios de distintas regiones y países, a que logren desarrollar e implementar estrategias adecuadas que les permitan alcanzar sus objetivos y cumplir su misión. El curso permite profundizar sobre el proceso de formulación de una estrategia, entregando conceptos y algunas herramientas para crear y capturar valor con una estrategia empresarial exitosa

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Innovating with the Business Model Canvas (Coursera) Coursera
University of Virginia

Innovating with the Business Model Canvas (Coursera)

Have you ever gotten really excited about reading or writing a business plan? You might have started out excited, but I’m going to bet you didn’t stay that way. Let’s be honest- business plans are boring and mostly ignored. In this course, you’ll learn key tools from the worlds of design thinking and Lean Startup to approach the Canvas with thoughtfulness, focus, and above all a test-driven approach to business model innovation.

Oct 26th 2026
2 Weeks
GetVirtual: How to Launch Your Online Business (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, Santa Cruz

GetVirtual: How to Launch Your Online Business (Coursera)

The GetVirtual (GV) online training series teaches future entrepreneurs how to launch their first online business by providing step-by-step guidance for launching a website, building a logo and understanding the basics of online social media marketing. Course participants will gain access to GV's project management templates designed to support basic business transactions from initial client intake to invoicing.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
Design Thinking para Inovação (Coursera) Coursera
University of Virginia

Design Thinking para Inovação (Coursera)

Hoje em dia, a inovação é um negócio de todos. Se você for um gerente em uma corporação global, um empreendedor iniciando em uma função governamental ou um professor em uma escola primária, espera-se que todos sejam enxutos – para fazer melhor com menos. É por isso que todos nós precisamos de design thinking (pensamento criativo).

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Gestión Empresarial Exitosa para Pymes (Coursera) Coursera
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Gestión Empresarial Exitosa para Pymes (Coursera)

Este curso tiene como objetivo fortalecer las capacidades de gestión de pequeños y medianos empresarios, y personas interesadas en emprender. El Programa Pyme de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile te invita a profundizar sobre lo que se requiere para ser un empresario exitoso y a aprender buenas prácticas en dirección de empresas que permitan crear valor al cliente, a través del marketing y herramientas comerciales.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Hospitality Luxury Brand Management (Coursera) Coursera
Starweaver

Hospitality Luxury Brand Management (Coursera)

Explore the world of luxury hospitality branding and learn how to manage, maintain, and innovate within this exclusive industry. This course identifies the unique challenges, trends, and opportunities of luxury brand management in the 21st century. In this course, you will develop expertise in luxury hospitality brand management through a comprehensive journey from foundational principles to cutting-edge innovations. You'll explore market dynamics, customer experiences, and the role of digital transformation. Discover how to redefine luxury for the modern era and excel in managing luxury brands.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
How to Get Into Cloud Computing (Coursera) Coursera
University of Leeds

How to Get Into Cloud Computing (Coursera)

Cloud computing gives businesses more flexibility, allowing them to quickly scale resources up to meet business demands without having to invest in physical infrastructure. This allows businesses to accelerate innovation, streamline operations and reduce costs. It is no surprise that cloud computing professionals are in great demand and the sector is expected to grow.

Oct 26th 2026
2 Weeks
Structure: Building the Frame for Business Growth (Coursera) Coursera
Michigan State University

Structure: Building the Frame for Business Growth (Coursera)

Just like when building a house the foundation for your business provides the framework for success. A business built on weak structure will struggle to succeed. We'll address some of the most pressing issues that you as a business owner must face while constructing the proper framework for your business.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
HI-FIVE: Health Informatics For Innovation, Value & Enrichment (Clinical Perspective) (Coursera) Coursera
Columbia University

HI-FIVE: Health Informatics For Innovation, Value & Enrichment (Clinical Perspective) (Coursera)

HI-FIVE (Health Informatics For Innovation, Value & Enrichment) Training is a 12-hour online course designed by Columbia University in 2016, with sponsorship from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). The training is role-based and uses case scenarios. Also, it has additional, optional modules on other topics of interest or relevance. Although we suggest to complete the course within a month's timeframe, the course is self-paced and so you can start and finish the course at anytime during a month's time period. No additional hardware or software are required for this course.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
Beyond Silicon Valley: Growing Entrepreneurship in Transitioning Economies (Coursera) Coursera
Case Western Reserve University

Beyond Silicon Valley: Growing Entrepreneurship in Transitioning Economies (Coursera)

The path for entrepreneurs to grow their companies outside of well-developed entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley is challenging. Most markets around the world do not look like Silicon Valley, and they never will. But there are other models to support new businesses. In transitioning markets (where entrepreneurs do not have much access to private sector financing), government officials, donors, and business leaders are experimenting with creative approaches to support the growth of entrepreneurs. Northeast Ohio, whose largest city is Cleveland, is one such community. During our time together in this course, we will be exploring some of these innovative approaches.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Leadership Principles for Software Engineers (Coursera) Coursera
Advancing Women in Tech

Leadership Principles for Software Engineers (Coursera)

Learn real-world software engineering management skills to succeed and impress in your first (or next) management role at elite engineering organizations. NANCY WANG, Director of Engineering and General Manager of AWS Data Protection Services and Founder, Advancing Women in Tech (AWIT), shares with you the engineering skills cultivated at AMAZON (the #2-ranked company in the Fortune 500), with supplemental practices from GOOGLE and MICROSOFT. Develop the skills and mental models that the world's best engineering managers apply to attract and retain world-class engineering talent.

Oct 25th 2026
3 Weeks