PROJ 021 - Initiating Projects
Course Description
Project initiation — defining and authorizing a project — is a crucial phase in project management as it sets the foundation for the entire project. It requires skill to initiate projects effectively.
In this engaging 14-hour course, you'll learn how to articulate a business case, gain agreement on a high-level plan and properly initiate your project. Based on the latest version of the Project Management Institute's (PMI's) A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), this course also examines how different organizational structures impact projects and explains the commonly used project development methods, including predictive, iterative, incremental and agile approaches.
You'll learn how to write a project charter, perform a stakeholder analysis and create a project communications plan through hands-on activities. You'll also explore the concepts of management, leadership and different leadership styles.
Register for our online asynchronous format if you need a more flexible, independent approach to learning. Register for our in-person, classroom-based or virtual options if you prefer learning in a social setting. Regardless of format, you'll get access to engaging online content and assessments and tap into the expert guidance of our industry-trained instructor, who will ensure you get the most from this applied learning experience. This course is part of the Project Management Certificate of Completion.
Note: Registration for this course closes two days before the course starts.
This course is ideal if you:
- are preparing for project management roles or enhancing skills to align with PMI’s standards and best practices
- are responsible for starting or managing projects and want to ensure proper alignment of business requirements with project goals
- are pursuing PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® or Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification.
"PMI", "PMBOK", "CAPM", "PMP" are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll be able to:
- describe the strategic context of a project and how to align it with the organization’s strategic goals
- select the solution from a broad range of alternatives that best supports your organization’s strategic goals
- use essential project analysis tools and techniques to support organizational alignment
- analyze various organizational structures and their influence on the project environment
- choose the project development approach that best supports your project type and organizational needs, ranging from predictive to agile
- initiate your project using a project charter, stakeholder engagement plan and communications plan
- apply the principles of servant leadership to support the project environment.
You’ll demonstrate your skill and knowledge acquisition through four assignments. All coursework must be completed as per the course schedule and no later than the course end date.
Earn a SAIT micro-credential
This course qualifies for the SAITMicro badge. Students who successfully complete this course with a final grade of A- (80%) or higher will earn a micro-credential and receive a shareable digital badge. Learn more.
To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.
Funding Opportunities
Learn more about how to pay for or reduce your education/training costs with available awards, bursaries, loan options and grants, including the Canada Alberta Job Grant.
There are no specific admission requirements (academic and/or work experience). Any industry-related experience you already have will be beneficial.
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Delivery formats: For your convenience, we offer delivery of this course in scheduled online asynchronous, virtual, or in-person classroom format. Learn more about our delivery formats.
Course completion: Upon successful completion of this non-credit course, you’ll receive an electronic copy of your official transcript. You’ll also be able to self-print a proof of completion document from your Continuing Education student account. There is also the opportunity to earn a SAITMicro digital badge, if you have met the earning criteria. Complete all courses required for the Project Management Certificate of Completion to receive your SAIT certificate credential.
This course may be used toward educational prerequisites for attaining PMI certifications or toward professional development units (PDUs) to maintain certifications. Additional education, exams and/or work experience requirements may apply.
Popular Related Programs or Courses
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Project Management Certificate of Completion : Required Courses
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SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut'ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh'kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.