Project Management Methodologies

The Phases - Description: This day delves into the project management lifecycle, outlining the common phases: Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closure. You will understand what happens in each phase and their relationship to each other. - Specific Resources or Activities: - Read about the project lifecycle phases in a beginner-friendly project management guide (search online for "project lifecycle phases for beginners"). - Create a simple diagram illustrating the phases of a project lifecycle (can be hand-drawn). - Activity: Match common project management tasks to their respective lifecycle phases (e.g., "defining project scope" belongs to the Planning phase). - Expected Outcomes: Understand the five phases of the project lifecycle and their purpose.

Waterfall vs. Agile - Description: This day introduces two primary project management methodologies: Waterfall and Agile. You will understand the core principles, strengths, and weaknesses of each approach. - Specific Resources or Activities: - Read articles comparing Waterfall and Agile methodologies (search online for "Waterfall vs Agile for beginners"). - Watch videos explaining the differences between Waterfall and Agile. - Activity: Consider different types of projects (e.g., building a house, developing software) and discuss which methodology might be better suited for each. - Expected Outcomes: Understand the differences between Waterfall and Agile, and their applicability.

Planning and Execution - Description: This day focuses on the Waterfall methodology, exploring its linear, sequential approach. You will learn about the key stages of Waterfall, including requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and deployment. - Specific Resources or Activities: - Read a detailed explanation of the Waterfall model (search online for "Waterfall model steps"). - Create a simple project plan using the Waterfall approach for a small project like organizing a weekend outing. - Activity: Identify potential risks and challenges in a Waterfall project plan. - Expected Outcomes: Understand the Waterfall methodology's phases in detail, and create a basic Waterfall project plan.

Core Principles and Values - Description: This day shifts to the Agile methodology, exploring its core principles, values (e.g., collaboration, adaptability, responding to change), and how it differs from Waterfall. - Specific Resources or Activities: - Read the Agile Manifesto and the 12 Agile Principles (search online for "Agile Manifesto"). - Watch a video explaining the core values and principles of Agile. - Activity: Discuss how Agile values might apply in real-world scenarios (e.g., a software development project). - Expected Outcomes: Understand the core principles and values of Agile and how they guide project execution.

Scrum Framework and Roles - Description: This day introduces Scrum, a popular Agile framework. You will learn about key Scrum roles (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Development Team), events (Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective), and artifacts (Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment). - Specific Resources or Activities: - Read an article explaining the Scrum framework (search online for "Scrum framework for beginners"). - Watch a video explaining Scrum roles and events. - Activity: Simulate a simplified Scrum Sprint (e.g., assigning tasks, daily stand-up, demo). - Expected Outcomes: Understand the key components of the Scrum framework, and the purpose of roles, events, and artifacts.

Project Management Software & Continuous Learning - Description: This day provides an overview of project management tools and resources for continuous learning. You will explore project management software options (e.g., Trello, Asana, Microsoft Project), and find resources for further exploration. - Specific Resources or Activities: - Explore free or trial versions of project management software. - Read articles and blog posts about project management tools. - Identify learning resources for further study, like online courses, books, and professional organizations (e.g., PMI). - Activity: Summarize what you have learned this week. Set a goal for continued learning and exploration in project management. - Expected Outcomes: Become familiar with project management tools, identify resources for continued learning, and set a personal learning goal.