Predictive Project Planning

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.

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Syllabus

Course Topics

Project Planning Fundamentals

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.

Scope Management

Learn techniques to define, document, and control scope throughout the project lifecycle, understanding how scope changes can impact project success.

Schedule Development

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.

Budgeting and Cost Management

Learn various methods for estimating costs, especially when dealing with uncertainties, and practice techniques for tracking expenditures throughout the project lifecycle.

Resource Planning and Allocation

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.

Quality Planning

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.

Course Level

200

Skills Covered

  • Project Scheduling
  • Budgeting
  • Procurement
  • Quality Control
  • Project Planning
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Milestones (Project Management)
  • Risk Management

Common Prerequisites

All courses listed may not be required. Discuss with your advisor to learn more.

  • Project Management Fundamentals

Disclosure

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.