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University System of Maryland

Product Management Fundamentals

University System of Maryland and University of Maryland, College Park via edX

Overview

Product management is one of the fastest growing and most lucrative jobs available today. Companies have awoken to the desperate need for product managers to create products that customers love, that integrate design, functionality, and business solutions. In our course, we define the fundamentals of product management and why this role is so coveted as a launch pad for future CEOs and startup founders.

To be effective, product managers need a clear understanding of their jobs and duties. They also need a clear understanding of the required skills and competencies. An appreciation of these roles, responsibilities, skills, and capabilities is also beneficial for stakeholders and team members who collaborate with product managers.

This course investigates the framework for success in product management by defining the product manager’s position in an organization and the key responsibilities. We will examine the skills and competencies most critical to carrying out those responsibilities. To further improve your understanding of product management, we will discuss how product managers engage with the product team and stakeholders to create and manage successful products.

Product managers must also know how to establish, organize, and lead a team. They must know the typical product development life cycle and be able to select the right development methodology for the product and the target market. To meet these challenges to product team leadership, we will consider the phases of product development and the roles that product managers play in each step. We’ll examine a variety of team structures and product development methodologies, and the importance of establishing a team charter. Lastly, we will also explore the opportunities and challenges of market development and commercialization. We’ll provide an orientation to key marketing concepts critical to developing and commercializing innovative products and services.

Syllabus

Module 1: Roles and Responsibilities of the Product Manager

Module 2: Managing Innovative Product Teams

Module 3: Marketing Challenges and Guiding Principles

Module 4: Customer Development and Crossing the Chasm

Taught by

James Green

Reviews

4.9 rating, based on 244 Class Central reviews

4.4 rating at edX based on 25 ratings

Start your review of Product Management Fundamentals

  • Dive into the magical waters of the new products that change we live. In my way, Product Management Fundamentals validates my beliefs and practices of the past 25Y as a Production Designer-. It is the starting point to deep navigating this passion and making the new right products for the right customers and moving forward with the path of the Master in Professional Studies in Product Management of the University of Maryland.
  • This course is peels your eyes to the reality and will indeed make you think thrice before becoming not just a product manager but an entrepreneur. It was an amazing experience!
  • I am taking the whole Product Management Professional Certificate and this is the first course. What I like is the strict structure and organization of this course. The instructor is a great pro. I would like to have PDFs of the slides. I don't know how to get them.

    Thank you very much.
  • Both Proffesors explain everything clearly.I did this program whole day with my time.becuase of the covid situation and free of university lectures.

    I got a idea about who is a production manager and basicall how we market a business .

    Thank you
    Greetings from Srilanka
    Bishmi Dissanayake
  • Anonymous
    I had a fantastic experience with this course! Each module was expertly explained, and I particularly valued the real-world examples that complemented the teachings. While the content provided a solid understanding of a product manager's role and the distinctions from product designers (PDs) and project managers, I'd suggest checking the audio/recording quality, as there were instances where the volume was too low or not in tune. Nevertheless, the course significantly contributed to enhancing my comprehension of the product management landscape.
  • Anonymous
    I am very happy to have studied the Product Management Fundamentals. The course gave me an overall understanding of fundamentals to tackle the management of product from inception to mass product sale. I have learnt the strategy from dealing with Engineering team, testing the product, to testing and entering market types, with customer feedback at every stage. Market Developpement by securing head pin and beachhead as central customer base is paramount to a successful product mass sale.
    I feel prepared to go the next step.

  • I would like to thank everyone who gave every minute of their time to create this interesting content, thanks
  • Anonymous
    It was quite a comprehensive introduction into the product management space, well structured to touch on all aspects without overloading you with information. It did a great job highlighting the difference in the roles of a project manager, product manager and a program manager. Lots of pertinent information towards giving you a clear understanding of the mindset of an entrepreneur when it comes to startups in the business world and how to successfully approach that.

    All in all, a great introductory course to improve knowledge about the role of a product manager and the tools to succeed in that role.
  • Anonymous
    Great course material and lectures. The content in relevant and business examples allow you to gain a broader understanding of each of the fundamentals.

    I would highly recommend this course to everyone, as there are components that would enhance a recent graduate looking to explore this area and also for experienced executives who are working to create solutions and build business strategy.
  • Anonymous
    This course on Fundamentals of Product Management from edX was exhilarating and very educative. The teaching method was simple and easy to understand. The principle were explicitly explained and real life examples given where necessary. I am motivated to go to the next course which is product market fit.
  • Stephen Helgeson
    I recently felt the need to re-ground myself in the foundations of product management. I've been doing it a while, and a lot has changed (especially the shift to Lean methodologies). This course was really quite solid. It definitely re-grounded m…
  • Anonymous
    I can confidently say that this course on product management is exceptional. It offers a wealth of valuable insights, providing a deep dive into the intricacies of the product management role. The learning experience is rich, and I've gained a substantial amount of knowledge.
  • DUNCAN SINO
    This course is very relevant to any individual or business enterprise that has a product to offer. The design and presentation is just top of the class and easy to master and put into practice. I feel well positioned to head the role of product Management specialist. I strongly encourage everyone to take up this course and will realise how important it is to relook the product life cycle as well as relook at the 4p of marketing
  • Anonymous
    Good class, but some of the videos seems to be extremely short and basic. Module 4 was mostly targeting start-up instead of existing market. Great if starting a startup, but imagining vast majority will be working for established large or mid-size companies.
  • Anonymous
    I am very happy to have studied the Product Management Fundamentals. The course gave me an overall understanding of fundamentals to tackle the management of product from inception to mass product sales.
  • Anonymous
    "Fundamental! The course provided a solid foundation, making complex concepts easy to understand. James Green's commitment to quality instruction shines through. Excited for the next course!"
  • Profile image for Saloni Mate Bhagwat
    Saloni Mate Bhagwat
    A very good course to cover the fundamentals. It gave a holistic view of what product management entails and how to navigate
    the various challenges of design, marketing and customer understanding
  • Anonymous
    Great course. I learned a lot from it. I am a business student who has taken a lot of business courses. However, the few short lessons in this course have enriched my understanding of business.
  • Anonymous
    Very insightful with examples that help understand the theory.
    In-detail discussion in a very structured format delivered in not too long video format -
    Perfect for flexible learning.
  • Anonymous
    This course was really great on relaying concepts in areas where it needed to be summarized. It is the perfect amount of information, without overloading you with concepts.

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