This course focuses on the first two phases of the project life cycle: initiation and planning. Proper initiation and planning greatly enhance the likelihood of project success and far too often are not given sufficient attention or adequate time in the project life cycle. This course teaches you the key concepts and practical skills necessary to properly initiate and plan a project.

Initiation will focus on the role of a project sponsor, how to develop a good problem statement, developing appropriate goals and objectives, identifying constraints, developing a project charter, and obtaining the authority to proceed. Planning will cover scope, schedule, resource management, risk, quality, communication, cost estimating and budgeting, purchases and acquisitions, and procurement. Planning will also focus on providing practical skills, knowledge, and templates for developing key work products such as: a project management plan, a work breakdown structure, a project schedule, a risk matrix, a communication plan, and a project budget.

This is a core course in the Project Management Certificate program. Successful completion fulfills 15 Professional Development Units toward certification or professional development.

Performance Objectives: Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Understand what is included in project initiation and why each item is important.
• Understand the role of a project sponsor.
• Develop an appropriate scope statement, goals and objectives.
• Write a project charter.
• Develop a project management plan.
• Create a WBS, a project schedule, and a project budget.
• Draft a communication plan.
• Create a risk matrix.

Prerequisite: Project Management Essentials

Intended Audience: Public sector employees who plan and manage projects. This course applies to private, public, government municipal, and federal entities.