Usually an introductory course, project management looks at the basic tools and techniques needed to manage different stages of the project life cycle, from initiation to conclusion. Students first learn how to conduct a needs assessment and a preliminary financial outlook as part of project initiation. From there, they move on to the planning stage where the scope is determined. This includes estimations, schedule planning, cost planning, risk planning and communication, and quality planning. They then learn how to close a project. This includes administrative and contractual closing, as well as how to apply the lessons learned on the current project to future ones. The course also addresses topics such as the ability to work on the project within organizational and cost limitations, setting goals that directly affect stakeholder needs and working effectively with the project management team.
A risk management course teaches students to analyze and assess market threats and opportunities in relation to the financials of a project. Students learn how to evaluate and respond to risk at both project and task levels. They also learn how to take a proactive approach to market trends throughout the project---from planning and risk identification to contingency plans and risk evaluation. This includes learning how to control multiple risk threats through strategy implementation and overcoming the psychological barriers the fear of risk creates in shareholders and team members.
Project managers are often faced with all kinds of constraints, including time limits, building materials, human capital and budget costs. A scheduling and cost control course teaches students how to manage these constraints effectively by learning to build solid frameworks for the scheduling and control of project activities. Students learn how to estimate, forecast, budget, monitor, control, analyze and report costs as well as interpret data concerning cost value. Topics include conducting a needs assessment, breakdown structure, risk and contingency, resource leveling and identifying sources of change.
A project leadership course teaches students the managerial and communication skills needed to manage a team and carry a project to fruition. After completing a self-assessment to determine the type of leadership style he naturally has, the student learns leadership competencies such as setting direction, aligning people, motivating and leading his team, building relationships, effective negotiation, communicating and leading change. The student then applies these competencies to his own style in order to build a leadership vision of his own that strengthens his existing competencies. The student also learns how business and personal ethics influence his own style and personality.
Once the courses are complete, a student can earn certification by taking the Project Management Institute's PMP Exam, which consists of 200 questions on project management processes and knowledge areas. Exam preparation classes are usually available as a refresher course for students.