Project Lifecycle, Information Sharing, and Risk Management (Coursera)

This course introduces you to different phases in the project lifecycle, and explains the difference in the phases based on the selected project methodology. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore best practices for information sharing with project teams and external stakeholders while equipping yourself with effective information sharing techniques.
The course delves into the risk management lifecycle, from planning and identifying risks through to evaluation. You will also learn different strategies to respond to risks. You will learn about various tools, such as risk reports, risk registers, and the risk matrix, and the opportunity to apply your skills to create these artifacts for given project scenarios.
This course is set up to help you succeed as a project manager. It is well-suited for those looking to step up their careers or new graduates seeking to establish their project management careers.
This course is part of a series of courses that will help you prepare for certifications offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) including Certified Associate of Project Management (PMI-CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMI-PMP).
This course can be applied to multiple Specializations or Professional Certificates programs. Completing this course will count towards your learning in any of the following programs:

• SkillUp EdTech Modern Project Management Specialization
• IBM Project Manager Professional Certificate
• IBM IT Project Manager Professional Certificate.

What You Will Learn

• Describe different project lifecycles including waterfall and adaptive lifecycles.
• Demonstrate information sharing techniques to improve communication effectiveness with team members and external stakeholders.
• Perform an end-to-end risk analysis including SWOT analysis, risk register, and risk matrix.
• Create executable risk response strategies to avoid or mitigate threats and exploit or enhance opportunities.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
The Project Management Lifecycle
Welcome to Module 1, where we will introduce you to the major topics in the project management lifecycle. In this module, you will learn about available certification opportunities, explore the significance of the project management lifecycle, and discuss the common lifecycles used. You will also learn about the importance and components of various documents and processes project managers use and the responsibilities in each phase of the project lifecycle.

WEEK 2
Information Sharing: Communications
Welcome to Module 2 Information Sharing: Communications, where we will cover various topics to help you understand the importance of effective communication in project management. In this module, you will learn about various technology factors that can impact effective communications and the different communication methods project managers use. You will learn a three-step approach to managing communications and various communication management planning techniques and activities essential to project success. You will also learn the importance of active listening, effective conflict management, and communication monitoring responsibilities.

WEEK 3
Information Sharing: Stakeholder Management
Welcome to Module 3, where we dive into the information sharing: stakeholder management process. This module provides an in-depth understanding of stakeholder management and the importance of managing stakeholders throughout the project. In this module, you will explore the purpose of creating a stakeholder register and stakeholder engagement plan. You will look at project managers' tools and steps to identify stakeholders and gain their commitment and support. You will learn the importance of managing stakeholders throughout the project and why stakeholder commitment levels may become reduced, and the benefits of setting ground rules and norms. A team charter is also an essential aspect of stakeholder management, and we will discuss its contents and significance in this module.

WEEK 4
Introduction to Project Risk Management
Welcome to Module 4, where we focus on project risk management, covering the need for effective risk management and the roles and responsibilities involved. In this module, you will discover how to define risk and uncertainty in projects, including how to differentiate between opportunities and threats. You will learn how to model risk metalanguage to document risks, distinguish between cause, event, and impact, the importance of SWOT analysis, and risk management plans. You will also learn about challenges in implementing a risk program, qualitative risk analysis, and risk exposure and score concepts.

WEEK 5
Respond and Monitor Risk
Welcome to Module 5, which focuses on risk response planning and management. In this course, you will learn various types of responses to threats and opportunities, as well as the importance of identifying risk triggers, developing a solid risk report, and using common risk management tools. You will also learn the value of using a risk matrix to share risks with stakeholders, implementing timely risk responses, conducting risk audits, and how to ensure timely risk reassessments and critical success factors to keep in mind during the process.

WEEK 6
Final Project and Quiz
In this module, you will complete a final exam that tests your knowledge of the course’s content. The exam will include questions on topics including but not limited to project lifecycles, communication effectiveness with internal and external stakeholders, and risk management concepts.
You will also have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in project management, information sharing, and risk management through a peer-graded final project.