Project Management Essentials
This mandatory 3-day fundamental course offers an accessible, hands-on journey through the entire project lifecycle, from initiation to closing, with a special emphasis on initiation and planning. Participants work in project teams to practice project management tools and face realistic challenges encountered on projects. This course provides two diverse case studies, ensuring a relevant learning experience for participants from all backgrounds.
Real-life stories from various industries are used to illustrate key concepts and best practices, and the instructor encourages participants to share their experiences. This approach ensures that discussions are both realistic and relevant.
Project Management Essentials aligns with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and introduces tools and terminology without overwhelming participants with jargon. The course focuses on developing practical skills that can be applied immediately to enhance project success. It is engaging, fast-paced, interactive, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each audience.
By the end of this course, participants will gain practical skills to:
- Use the terminology and processes of modern project management;
- Prepare a complete and accurate project plan for your project;
- Facilitate team discussions to learn from the PM experiences of others;
- Practice PM skills using templates; and
- Value the benefits of a consistent PM methodology.
Project Management Essentials will be offered multiple times in 2026. Participants will receive a course workbook containing copies of presentation slides, case studies, exercises, and suggested solutions.
Register Now for the session that begins on 28 January 2026 (Instructor-led online)
Register Now for the session that begins on 24 February 2026 (Instructor-led online)
Register Now for the session that begins on Mar 23 (HYBRID, instructor-led and self-study)
Register Now for the session that begins on 5 May 2026 (Instructor-led online)
Register Now for the session that begins on May 25 (FRENCH)
Register Now for the session that begins on 16 September 2026 (Instructor-led online)
Register Now for the session that begins on October 19 (HYBRID, instructor-led and self-study)
Introduction and PM Context
- Portfolios, programs, projects
- Project success, project life cycles
- Workshops: Project priorities, project success
Initiating the Project
- Stakeholders and requirements
- Project team, working in a matrix
- Workshops: Project stakeholders, project charter
Planning the Project
- Work breakdown structure
- Project Change Control
- Communications planning
- Estimating
- Project Risk Management
- Critical path scheduling
- Workshops: WBS, critical path scheduling, change control, project communications plan, risk management, project schedule
Project Execution
- Roles and responsibilities
- Scope management
- Conflict management
- Leadership and motivation
- Schedule control
- Cost Control
- Workshops: roles and responsibilities, conflict management, schedule updates, reporting and control
Project Closure
- Closing and lessons learned
Wrap-up
- Workshops: lessons learned
The Project Management Essentials course is appropriate for individuals who are:
- Responsible for managing smaller projects.
- Participants on a project team of any size, especially those who have not yet been exposed to the tools, techniques and terminology of formal project management.
There is no prerequisite for this course. It functions as a stand-alone course.
The following table provides the breakdown of the professional development units (PDUs) for the 3-day version of this course aligned with the PMI Talent Triangle(TM).
| WoW | PS | BA | |
| PMP | 18 | 2 | 1 |
| PgMP | 18 | 2 | 1 |
| PfMP | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| PMI-ACP | 18 | 2 | 1 |
| PMI-SP | 14 | 2 | 1 |
| PMI-RMP | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| PMI-PBA | 18 | 2 | 1 |
The three columns in the above table are Ways of Working, Power Skills & Business Acumen.
Learners may withdraw up to one week before the course start date with no penalty. Withdrawals made less than one week before the start date are eligible for a 50% refund, and learners may transfer to another PM Program course offering at no additional fee within two years. Once a course has begun, no refunds are available.
Program and Course Related Questions
You can find answers to your questions related to your chosen course or program by contacting the Instructor listed within the course or program details page.