Project Management Fundamentals
This course introduces supervisors, administrators, and accidental project managers to the core concepts of project management. Over the span of this one-day workshop adapted into a self-paced format, you will learn the language, tools, and frameworks needed to successfully plan, execute, and close projects — all while managing your regular responsibilities. No prior project management experience is required.
What you'll learn
- Describe what is meant by a project and how it differs from regular work
- Explain what project management means and identify its five process groups
- Identify the key players in a project and their responsibilities
- Identify the phases of a project's life cycle and the milestones within each phase
- Sell project ideas to management using priority matrices and persuasive techniques
- Create a project vision statement and set SPIRIT goals
- Use planning tools such as the Target Chart and Priority Matrix
- Contribute to creating a Statement of Work (SOW)
Preview a lesson
Using a Target Chart Once you've defined your project vision and goals, you need a practical tool to track progress and keep your team aligned. The **Target Chart** is exactly that — a visual reference that identifies your biggest priorities and shows how you plan to achieve them. How a Target Chart Works A Target Chart is organized into columns that guide you from objectives to actions: 1. **Objective** – What are you trying to achieve? List the key outcomes that, if accomplished, will mean your project was successful. For example, in a new sales system project: *"Increase sales," "Improve customer service," "Enable future expansion."* 2. **Indicator** – How will you know if you've been successful? This is where vague objectives get sharpened. For *"Improve customer service,"* an indicator might be: *"Customer satisfaction scores increase by 15% within 90 days of launch."* 3. **Priority (1–10)** – Assign each objective a priority score. A score of 1 means it's minimally important to success; 10 means it's absolutely critical. This helps you allocate time and resources wisely. 4. **Current Level / Target Level** – For each objective, note where you are now and where you want to be. This gap becomes your roadmap. Using the Chart Effectively After you've set priorities, **review your objectives**. If an objective scores very low in priority
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Curriculum
Defining Projects and Project Management
3 lessons- textWhat Is a Project?
- textKey Players in a Project
- quizModule 1 Quiz
The Role of a Project Manager
3 lessons- textSetting Your Sights as a Project Manager
- textPlanning Before You Begin
- quizModule 2 Quiz
The Project Life Cycle
3 lessons- textThe Four Phases of a Project
- textWhy Projects Succeed and Fail
- quizModule 3 Quiz
Selling and Prioritizing Your Project
3 lessons- textMaking the Case for Your Project
- textUsing Priority Tools
- quizModule 4 Quiz
Creating a Vision and Setting Goals
3 lessons- textBuilding Your Project Vision
- textSetting SPIRIT Goals
- quizModule 5 Quiz
Project Planning Tools
3 lessons- textUsing a Target ChartPreview
- textPreparing and Presenting Your Project
- quizModule 6 Quiz
The Statement of Work
3 lessons- textUnderstanding the Statement of Work
- textCreating Your SOW and Project Plan
- quizModule 7 Quiz