Project Execution and Control

Overview

The focus of this course is on the process of managing projects. After planning is done, we need to know how to successfully execute the plan and deliver within the allocated timeframe and cost. This course will focus on how execution and progress evaluation are performed in a waterfall approach, as well as the agile approach to project management. The goal is to learn the tools and techniques offered by both approaches and empower project managers to use what works for a given project. This course will also help you apply artificial intelligence to support project managers during the project execution and control phases.

Syllabus

Course Orientation and Module 1: Waterfall Approach — Creating a Realistic Project Plan

You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course. In module 1, you will learn about tools for making a realistic project plan.

Module 2: Waterfall Approach — Tracking a Project's Progress

In this module, you will learn about the tools and techniques used in the waterfall approach for monitoring the progress of a project, tools that can be used to help project managers know if a project is following the plan, or not.

Module 3: Waterfall Approach — Finishing Well: Project Closure and Learning

In this module, you will learn about the importance of proper project closure.

Module 4: Scrum — Planning and Executing for Dynamic Projects

In this module, you will focus on the Scrum framework for Agile project management, specifically on how work is executed, how progress is monitored, and how projects end. The lessons begin with a description of the Scrum process after the team has selected the sprint backlog and has started development of the user stories contained in that sprint backlog. You will examine the pros and cons of the Scrum and waterfall approaches and discuss an alternative—the hybrid approach to project management. At the end of the module, you will learn how to apply artificial intelligence—especially chatbots—to support project managers during the project execution and control phases.