Most projects fail at the planning stage. This course teaches you to create plans that keep projects on track from day one. Define project scopes that adapt to change, develop timelines with Gantt charts and critical path analyses, and create budgets that succeed under pressure. Using project-based coursework, you’ll learn to develop plans that are both ambitious and achievable, mastering the skills to optimize resources and deliver results that matter.



Explore the components of the project planning phase and their critical role in achieving project objectives. Students will learn how effective planning sets the foundation for project success and helps prevent common pitfalls.
Learn techniques to define, document, and control scope throughout the project lifecycle, understanding how scope changes can impact project success.
Gain skills in creating realistic and achievable project schedules. Learn to use tools like Gantt charts and critical path analysis to visualize timelines, manage dependencies, and optimize project durations.
Learn various methods for estimating costs, especially when dealing with uncertainties, and practice techniques for tracking expenditures throughout the project lifecycle.
Learn strategies for evaluating resource needs and optimizing resource allocation. Students will practice addressing common challenges in resource management, such as preventing bottlenecks and dealing with resource constraints.
Explore how to seamlessly integrate quality considerations into project plans. Students will learn about quality control and quality assurance processes, ensuring plans are designed to produce high-quality outcomes.
This course is delivered online through an institution of the Lower Cost Models Consortium (LCMC) that is different than your degree-granting institution that awards the academic credit for the course.