What will I actually learn in this project management course?

You'll learn how projects are started, planned, delivered, and closed, and how a project manager helps keep that work aligned with business goals. It starts with core ideas like the project life cycle and the role of the project manager, then builds into process groups, development approaches, and the value of a PMO. You'll apply the ideas through scenario-based activities and a final charter activity.

Do I need any project management background before starting this course?

No, you don't need prior project management experience to start. The course begins with what projects are, what project managers do, and how projects move from idea to execution before getting into more detailed planning and governance topics. Some general comfort with business or team-based work can help, but it doesn't assume you already know PMP terms or project methods.

Is this course beginner-friendly for project management?

Yes, this is beginner-friendly if you want a broad introduction to project management rather than training on a specific tool. The lessons explain core concepts clearly before moving into process groups, project documents, and common delivery approaches like predictive and adaptive. It may feel less suitable if you're looking for advanced certification drills or deep training in one methodology.

How long does it take to complete this course?

Expect about 17 hours of work in total, which many learners could spread across roughly two weeks at around 8 to 10 hours a week. The workload is broken into short lessons, readings, quizzes, and guided activities, so it feels more steady than intense. The course includes lessons, readings, practice exercises, quizzes, and a final project activity.

Are there hands-on exercises or projects in this course?

Yes, but the hands-on work is guided rather than tool-heavy. You'll work through scenario-based quizzes and practice activities, such as comparing development approaches, analyzing project situations, and drafting a project charter for a smartwatch project. That makes it a good fit if you want to apply each concept as you learn it without needing specialized software.

What skills and topics are covered in this course?

You'll cover how projects move from idea to delivery, including the role of the project manager, project documents, and measures of project success. The course also explains process groups, PMOs, governance, and how teams work with predictive, adaptive, and hybrid approaches. Together, those topics help you understand how projects are organized, guided, and connected to business goals.

What can I actually do after finishing this course?

After finishing, you should be able to explain core project management concepts and follow how a project moves from initiation through closure. You should also be able to analyze a basic project scenario by identifying objectives, scope, milestones, stakeholders, risks, and a suitable delivery approach. A practical example is creating a simple project charter that brings those pieces together.

Is this course more focused on theory or hands-on learning?

It's more concept-first than project-heavy. Most of the learning comes from lessons and readings on principles, process groups, governance, and delivery approaches, with guided quizzes and scenario exercises to reinforce the ideas.

Why would I choose this course over other project management courses?

This course is a strong choice if you want a broad view of project management instead of a narrow focus on one tool or one method. It connects the project manager's role, process groups, PMOs, governance, and delivery approaches, then reinforces that with guided scenarios and a project charter exercise. Choose it if you want clear project management language, practical planning context, and content that also supports early PMP exam preparation.

Project Management Fundamentals

Project Management Fundamentals

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructor: Microsoft

88,237 already enrolled

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

578 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

95%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

578 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

95%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Gain an understanding of the basic concepts and principles of project management.
Identify and analyze various approaches to project planning for effective execution.
Discuss the value and benefits that a Project Management Office (PMO) can provide to an organization.

Skills you'll gain

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Assessments

20 assignments

Taught in English

91% of learners achieved a positive career outcome

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There are 4 modules in this course

The Project Management Fundamentals course provides a comprehensive overview of essential concepts and skills behind project management, leading you through the role of a project manager. There is a focus on the processes and methodologies used to ensure effective project management as well as different approaches to ensure smooth planning and execution to realize business goals.

After completing this course, you’ll be able to: • Describe the basic concepts and principles of project management • Identify and analyze the different approaches taken to project planning • Discuss the value and benefits that a project management office (PMO) can bring to an organization This is a great way to prepare for the industry-recognized PMI® Authorized PMP® Exam, a global standard in project management certification.

Module details

In this module, you will review the pivotal role of a project manager, exploring the responsibilities and skills required to navigate the complexities of project execution. You will then review the foundational principles that guide project management practices, providing you with a solid understanding of the core concepts that drive successful project outcomes.

What's included

11 videos9 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt

11 videosTotal 62 minutes

Course introduction: Project Management Fundamentals4 minutes
A day in the life: The evolving role of the project manager4 minutes
Welcome to Generative AI for everyone6 minutes
Understanding the Capabilities of Generative AI for Business Functions9 minutes
Generative AI - Under the hood8 minutes
The potential pitfalls and shortcomings of GEN AI6 minutes
What is the role of a project manager? 4 minutes
Project manager leadership skills and competencies5 minutes
Project management principles and values5 minutes
Portfolios, programs, and projects 4 minutes
Module summary: Introduction to project management and the PMP7 minutes

9 readingsTotal 85 minutes

Course syllabus: Project Management Fundamentals10 minutes
How to be successful in this course10 minutes
Generative AI Terminology10 minutes
Generative AI in Business10 minutes
External factors in project creation10 minutes
Career progression for project managers10 minutes
The 12 project management principles and performance domains10 minutes
Portfolio, program, and project comparison10 minutes
Additional resources: Introduction to project management and the PMP5 minutes

5 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Module quiz: Introduction to project management and the PMP30 minutes
General knowledge quiz15 minutes
Knowledge check: The role of a project manager15 minutes
Practice stop: Portfolios, programs, and projects15 minutes
Knowledge check: Project management principles15 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Discussion prompt: What do you hope to learn?10 minutes

In this module, you will develop the skills to identify and describe the five project management process groups. You will learn how the 49 processes integrate with process groups and be introduced to the concept of analyzing problems so that you can suggest good solutions and contribute to making smart decisions.

What's included

13 videos9 readings9 assignments

13 videosTotal 85 minutes

Process-based approach to project management4 minutes
The tailoring process7 minutes
Benefits management5 minutes
Benefits management plan5 minutes
Subsidiary management plans6 minutes
Project success measures6 minutes
What is the project environment?7 minutes
Governance7 minutes
Organizational structures6 minutes
Development approaches7 minutes
Lifecycle and phase definitions8 minutes
Iterative and incremental development approaches6 minutes
Module summary: Project management process groups9 minutes

9 readingsTotal 85 minutes

Process-based approach to project management10 minutes
Project and business documents10 minutes
Project success and benefits realization10 minutes
Organizational structure types10 minutes
Project management office10 minutes
Considerations for selecting a development approach10 minutes
Iterative and incremental development approaches with example case studies10 minutes
Practice stop: Development approach characteristics10 minutes
Additional resources: Project management process groups5 minutes

9 assignmentsTotal 180 minutes

Module quiz: Project management process groups30 minutes
Practice stop: Processes and process groups15 minutes
Activity: Applying the tailoring process15 minutes
Knowledge check: Project processes and process groups15 minutes
Activity: Plan assessment30 minutes
Knowledge check: Project management plan15 minutes
Knowledge check: The project environment15 minutes
Activity: Identifying development approaches30 minutes
Knowledge check: Development approaches15 minutes

As you work your way through this module, you will focus on the people involved in a business project and learn how to identify their interests, expectations and how much they can influence the project.

What's included

8 videos6 readings4 assignments

8 videosTotal 47 minutes

The sponsor role6 minutes
Introduction to models, methods, and artifacts7 minutes
Change models6 minutes
Commonly used artifacts4 minutes
What is product management?6 minutes
Product life cycle intersecting with project management6 minutes
Product management job roles 7 minutes
Module summary: Project delivery components5 minutes

6 readingsTotal 55 minutes

Situational leadership models10 minutes
Communication models10 minutes
Motivation models10 minutes
Common methods10 minutes
Detailing on commonly used artifacts10 minutes
Additional resources: Project delivery components5 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 105 minutes

Module quiz: Project delivery components30 minutes
Activity: Adapting to change30 minutes
Knowledge check: Models, methods, and artifacts15 minutes
Activity: Project management versus product management30 minutes

In this module, you will put your skills into practice. You will reflect on the key learning points that you reviewed during the course and complete the final assessment and hands-on activity.