Project Management Basics for Beginners

Grow on your schedule with big savings on Coursera Plus. Save 40% for 3 months.

Project Management Basics for Beginners

This course is part of Generative AI for Project Management Specialization

Instructor: Anton Voroniuk

Top Instructor

Included with Learn more

Ask Coursera

8 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

5 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

8 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

5 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Learn SMART goals, Work Breakdown Structures, and project planning. Understand Waterfall and Agile methodologies including Scrum and Kanban.
Discover team formation, adapt leadership styles, and resolve conflicts. Learn motivation strategies and stakeholder engagement techniques.
Identify risks, assess impact, and develop mitigation strategies. Master KPIs, track progress with Gantt charts, and manage scope.

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Project Management Software

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Generative AI for Project Management Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 8 modules in this course

This course gives you a comprehensive introduction to the essential skills and methodologies needed to successfully lead projects from start to finish. We’ll explore the core responsibilities of a project manager and learn how to align project goals with broader business strategies using SMART objectives. We’ll also dive into both traditional Waterfall and Agile methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban, giving you the flexibility to adapt to any project environment. Furthermore, you will master the art of creating Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), scheduling with Gantt charts, and identifying critical paths to ensure timely delivery.

Using these foundational techniques, you will be equipped to manage diverse teams, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. If you’re aspiring to become a project manager or simply want to improve your organizational skills, this course will provide you with practical tools like the Priority Matrix and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track progress and manage risks. If you’re looking to boost your career, you’ll discover leadership styles and conflict resolution strategies that foster high-performing teams. If you’ve ever wanted to turn complex ideas into successful, completed projects, this course will serve as your ultimate guide.

This module provides a foundational overview of project management, detailing the role, responsibilities, and essential competencies required for a project manager to deliver strategic business value.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 assignment

Students will learn how to differentiate projects from routine operations, set SMART goals, identify key stakeholders, and navigate the standard phases of the project life cycle.

What's included

5 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module explores and compares traditional Waterfall and iterative Agile methodologies, including deep dives into the Scrum framework and Kanban practices.

What's included

5 videos1 reading1 assignment

Learners will master the techniques of gathering requirements, creating a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and utilizing scheduling tools like the Critical Path Method and Gantt charts to develop comprehensive project plans.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module focuses on the interpersonal aspects of project management, teaching students how to guide teams through development stages, adapt leadership styles, and effectively motivate members while resolving conflicts.

What's included

3 videos1 reading1 assignment

Students will discover how to design structured communication plans, manage stakeholder expectations, and implement proper issue escalation and problem-solving processes.

What's included

3 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module equips learners with the skills to identify and mitigate potential risks, track project performance using KPIs, and manage scope changes effectively.

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment

The final module outlines the essential procedures for successfully closing a project, including finalizing deliverables, releasing resources, and conducting post-project reviews to document valuable lessons learned.

What's included

1 video1 reading1 assignment

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(5 ratings)

Top Instructor

Anton Voroniuk

SkillsBooster Academy

84 Courses61,170 learners

Offered by

SkillsBooster Academy

Explore more from Leadership and Management

Status: Preview
University of Washington
Project Management Quickstart
Course
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Introduction to Project Management
Course
Status: Preview
STARWEAVER
Introduction to Project Management
Course
Packt
Project Management
Course

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Break down barriers to learning with big savings
Get Coursera Plus
Start with easy savings for hard-working teams
Save 30% today

Frequently asked questions

To access course materials, assignments, and earn a Certificate, you'll need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. Eligible learners may also have the option to start with a Free Trial. Some courses may also offer a Full Course, No Certificate option. This lets you access course materials, submit required assessments, and receive a final grade, but you won't be able to earn or purchase a Certificate.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.