Project Management Foundations

The PM role, accountability scope, and how delivery thinking differs from task tracking.

Knowledge Check: What is the difference between a task list and a project?

Define scope, objectives, constraints, and sponsor authority in a document that authorizes delivery.

Knowledge Check: What are the six questions a charter must answer?

Includes: Project Charter Template

Decompose project scope into a work breakdown structure. Define what is in scope and what is not.

Knowledge Check: What is the 100% rule in a WBS?

Includes: WBS Template, Scope Statement Template

Sequence activities, estimate durations, identify the critical path, and build a baseline schedule.

Knowledge Check: What is float, and how does it affect the critical path?

Includes: Project Schedule Template

Estimate costs, track budget against plan, and manage resource allocation across project phases.

Knowledge Check: What does cost variance tell you about a project?

Includes: Budget Tracker Template

Identify risks, score them on probability and impact, assign owners, and build response strategies.

Knowledge Check: What are the four risk response strategies?

Includes: RAID Log Template, Risk Register Template

Map stakeholder interest and influence, build an engagement strategy, and structure communications.

Knowledge Check: What is the power-interest grid used for?

Includes: Stakeholder Register Template

Write executive status reports that drive decisions. Build the reporting cadence stakeholders trust.

Knowledge Check: What information belongs in an executive status summary?

Includes: Status Report Template

Build a change control process that evaluates, authorizes, and tracks scope changes.

Knowledge Check: What three things must a change request assess before approval?

Includes: Change Request Form

Complete administrative and stakeholder closeout, capture lessons learned, and transfer knowledge.

Knowledge Check: What is the purpose of a lessons-learned session?

Includes: Project Closeout Checklist