Best MOOCs In Business For May

Initiating and Planning Projects

School: University of California-Irvine

Platform: Coursera

Registration Link: Initiating and Planning Projects

Start Date: May 18, 2015 (4 Weeks Long)

Workload: 2-3 Hours Per Week

Instructor: Margaret Meloni

Credentials: Meloni is the President of Meloni Coaching Solutions, where she provides online and in-person soft skill consulting for project managers on areas like self-assessments, conflict management, and career rehabilitation. Her clients have included: Occidental Petroleum, Northrop Grumman, Toyota Motor Credit, Southern California Edison, and CalStart. She holds an MBA from Long Beach State University and was a contributing author to 101 Great Ways to Enhance Your Career.

Graded: Students will earn a verified certificate for completing this course.

Description: “Jump in and do it.” You’ve probably received such advice when you’re hesitant. When it comes to project management, you’re better off reflecting and planning before you start executing. In this course, Meloni will teach you the key questions you should ask yourself before you draft and implement a plan. In particular, you’ll learn how to pinpoint outcomes and understand who your stakeholders are and what roles they play. At the same time, you’ll closely examine the project requirements (scope) and how to identity potential constraints with your timeline, expertise, and budget early in the process. Even more, you’ll understand the importance of continuous communication of your expectations and timelines, as well as how to adapt as difficulties emerge and variables change.  When the course concludes, you’ll be able to draft scope statements and project plans, as well as appreciate the interpersonal dynamics that can spell success or failure. The course will consist of video lectures, quizzes, activities and readings.

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Additional Background: This is the first part of an “Introduction to Project Management Principles and Practices” specialization available through Coursera. Students will receive a specialization certificate that reflects that they completed three courses (including “Budgeting and Scheduling Projects” and “Managing Project Risks and Changes”) and a capstone project. The total cost of a certification is $196.