Course Description

Welcome to "Technical Project Management: Mastering Core Skills for Success," an exceptional course designed to equip you with the essential technical skills required to excel as a project manager in today's dynamic business environment. This comprehensive program, offered by UMD and USMx, delves into the core competencies of project management, focusing on the technical aspects that are crucial for delivering projects on time, within budget, and with outstanding results.

What students will learn

• Define and apply the triple constraints of a project in both traditional and adaptive environments.
• Identify and manage additional project constraints such as risk, quality, and resources.
• Implement procurement techniques that enhance project resilience through effective risk response.
• Develop a comprehensive project plan that integrates all project efforts and ensures high-quality deliverables for stakeholders.
• Master core skills in scope, cost, and schedule management.
• Apply advanced techniques such as earned value analysis and critical path scheduling.
• Demonstrate understanding of quality improvement, risk management, and procurement management.
• Adapt project management methodologies to suit various project types and environments.

Prerequisites

This introductory-level course has no specific prerequisites, making it accessible to anyone interested in project management. However, a basic understanding of business concepts and a willingness to learn new techniques will be beneficial.

Course Content

• Estimating techniques for project planning
• Review of various project management methods
• Planning for scope, schedule, and cost throughout a project lifecycle
• Quality improvement strategies in project management
• Risk management principles and practices
• Procurement management essentials
• Application of earned value analysis
• Critical path scheduling technique
• Adaptive project management approaches (iterative, incremental, or agile)
• Integration of project elements for comprehensive management

Who this course is for

• Aspiring project managers looking to build a strong foundation in technical skills
• Experienced project managers seeking to update their knowledge and stay current with industry best practices
• Professionals from various fields who want to enhance their project management capabilities
• Individuals preparing for the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification

Real-world Application

The skills acquired in this course are directly applicable to real-world project management scenarios. Learners will be able to:

• Adapt their project management approach to suit different types of projects and organizations
• Improve project outcomes by effectively managing scope, cost, and schedule
• Mitigate risks and ensure quality deliverables through advanced techniques
• Navigate the transition from traditional to agile project management methodologies
• Enhance stakeholder engagement and communication throughout the project lifecycle
• Contribute to organizational success by delivering projects that meet or exceed expectations
• Prepare for the PMP® certification, a highly valued credential in the project management field

Syllabus

• Week 1: Setting the Stage for Project Initiation and Planning

  Focus on mastering the fundamentals of scope, cost, and schedule management in complex project environments

• Week 2: Advanced Planning Projects

  Emphasis on estimating, project management techniques, and planning for scope, schedule, and cost throughout a project

• Week 3: Navigating Project Execution

  Concentration on procurement management and managing external resources through contracts

• Week 4: Project Control Essentials: Steering Your Project to Success

  Integration of all project elements, with a focus on project manager's expertise in keeping sponsors and team members aligned