Principles of Project Planning Online Course
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This course introduces students to the core principles of project planning and shows them how to apply these practices to real project environments. The focus is on building real capability. By the end of the course, students should not only understand the principles behind modern planning software but also be able to apply those principles confidently in workplace settings. The course is designed to meet an industry need: many practitioners can operate scheduling software but struggle to build schedules that reflect real project conditions. This programme closes that gap by combining conceptual understanding with hands-on practice. There are no formal entry requirements. Students do not need prior scheduling or project controls experience, but should be comfortable with computers and new technical concepts. Students with a technical or project-related background may progress more quickly, while those without may need extra time for practice and resubmissions. This course focuses on project planning as a discipline, not on software training. Just as an engineer learns engineering principles before using tools like AutoCAD, a project planner must master the logic and reasoning behind schedules before using software such as Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project. Understanding and applying these principles is what makes someone a planner—software alone does not. The course uses a blend of structured reading, video lessons, quiz’s, and hands-on tasks. Students are expected to apply concepts directly to realistic project scenarios. Support is provided through email assistance, where students can submit questions and receive direct responses from tutors. Students also receive personalized feedback on assignments and assessments, with mentors providing guidance based on the individual’s understanding and performance. By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Explain the role of project planning within project management.
2. Develop a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for a range of project types.
3. Define and classify project activities using recognised industry standards.
4. Build logical relationships between activities using appropriate sequencing techniques.
5. Estimate realistic activity durations by incorporating resource considerations.
6. Develop a coherent project schedule aligned to PMBOK schedule management processes.
7. Analyse project schedule performance using variance and reporting techniques.
8. Demonstrate competence through both theoretical and practical evaluations.
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Quick Info: Your Account Settings -
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Module 1 - Introduction
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Module 1 Video 1
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Module 1 Lesson 1 -
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Module 1 Quiz 1 -
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Module 1 Lesson 2
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Module 1 quiz 2
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Module 1 Class Video 2
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Module 1 Lesson 3
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Module 1 Quiz 3
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Module 1 Lesson 4
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Module 1 Quiz 4
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Module 1 Class Video 3
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Module 1 Lesson 5
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Module 1 Quiz 5
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Module 1 Video 4
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Lesson 6 - The History of Project Scheduling
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Module 1 Summary
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Module 1 Survey
However, to ensure structured progress and successful completion, you must submit module assignments by specified deadlines. These deadlines provide guidance, encourage consistent progress, and ensure timely feedback and assessment.
This approach combines flexibility with structure — giving you independence in learning while maintaining clear milestones toward completion.
Software can’t replace understanding. Without core planning principles, you can’t judge whether a schedule is realistic or aligned with project goals.
By mastering these principles, you’ll be able to use any scheduling software effectively—knowing how to structure plans, what to ask, and how to verify results.
• Explain Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) for different project types.
• Define and classify activities using recognized standards.
• Sequence activities with professional scheduling logic.
• Estimate realistic duration with resource and constraint considerations.
• Build schedules aligned with PMBOK® processes.
• Analyse schedule performance with variance and reporting techniques.
• Apply both theory and practice to demonstrate competence.
By the end, you won’t just know how to create a schedule – you’ll understand why it’s structured that way, how to evaluate its quality, and how to use it as a professional project control tool.
Every assignment is carefully graded by an assessor, who provides comprehensive feedback on each attempt—whether it’s your first, second, or third. This feedback is designed to guide your learning, highlight strengths, and show you exactly where to improve.
This structured approach ensures you have the support and clarity needed to strengthen your understanding and demonstrate competence. The goal of this course is mastery of principles—not unnecessary pressure. We want you to succeed, and we’ll give you the tools and feedback to get there.
THE PRINCIPLES OF PROJECT PLANNING
KEY INFORMATION SUMMARY
Know more than just the software. Develop a thorough understanding of the principles that popular planning software are based on, as well as the ability to execute it practically.
The course runs over 6-12months (depending on student comprehension and understanding), with a final examination scheduled at the end of the course
This course is fully online.Each module contains instructional videos and self study reading material. Quiz’s reinforce lessons learned. At the end of each module, a practical assignment allows for the application of the principles covered in the module.
Because project planning concepts are easy to understand, but difficult to apply, students are supported through each level to not only grasp the material but also practice applying it effectively. Feedback provided is specific to each student’s assignments and execution, helping them improve where it matters most.
In order to successfully complete the course, students will need to accumulate enough points through regular module assignments. A final examination will also be completed comprising of both theoretical and practical sections. Both the assignments and the examination will count towards the student's final mark.Successful students will receive a certificate of achievement.
Expected effort is 6-12 hours per week, depending on level of knowledge/experience.
There are no formal entry requirements. Students do not need prior scheduling or project controls experience, but should be comfortable with computers and new technical concepts
The course is open to students from a wide range of backgrounds, including:
- Junior or aspiring project planners
- Practicing planners wanting to strengthen their core principles
- Project managers, quantity surveyors or engineers transitioning toward planning
- Professionals from unrelated fields who want to enter the project planning discipline