Foundations of IT Project Management

Overview

Updated in May 2025. This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Gain the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage IT projects from start to finish. This comprehensive course explores the fundamental principles of project management, tailored specifically for IT initiatives. By the end, you'll be adept at handling project scope, schedules, resources, and risks while ensuring alignment with corporate policies and security requirements. Starting with the essentials, you'll learn what defines a project and how IT projects fit into larger programs and portfolios. From there, the course dives into IT-specific concepts, including infrastructure, cloud models, and enterprise software, providing a solid foundation for managing technology-driven projects. Next, you'll delve into security considerations critical for IT projects, such as physical, operational, and data security. You'll also explore compliance and privacy issues, ESG factors, and corporate IT policies. Finally, the course concludes with an in-depth exploration of project management methodologies like Agile, Waterfall, and DevOps, and frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, and SAFe. This course is ideal for IT professionals, project managers, and anyone looking to specialize in IT project management. With no prior knowledge of project management required, this beginner-to-intermediate course is your gateway to mastering IT project management fundamentals.

Syllabus

What Is a Project?

In this module, we will explore the foundational concept of a project, including its unique characteristics, purpose, and boundaries. We will also examine how projects fit into broader organizational frameworks such as programs and portfolios, setting the stage for effective IT project management.

IT Project Management Concepts

In this module, we will delve into essential IT concepts that influence project management. We will cover infrastructure basics, cloud service models, and key software tools that enhance project planning, execution, and monitoring.

Project Management Security Concepts

In this module, we will focus on security concepts critical to IT project management. Topics will include physical, operational, and digital security; corporate IT policies; and legal compliance, ensuring that projects adhere to robust security standards while addressing ESG considerations.

IT Projects Frameworks and Methodologies

In this module, we will examine popular IT project management frameworks and methodologies. From traditional approaches like Waterfall to modern frameworks like Agile and DevOps, we will explore their principles, applications, and impacts on IT projects.

Project Factors

In this module, we will analyze the key factors that influence IT projects. We will delve into constraints, resources, risks, and change control processes, providing the tools needed to navigate and optimize project management challenges.