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University System of Maryland

Product Management Fundamentals

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

Overview

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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 290 Class Central reviews

4.4 rating at edX based on 60 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.
  • 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.
  • Anonymous
    Title: A Comprehensive Dive into Product Management Fundamentals Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) I recently completed the "Product Management Fundamentals" course, and I can confidently say it was an exceptional experience! As someone looking to deepen my und…
  • 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!
  • 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
  • Yennesis Carolina Collado
    The Product Management Fundamentals course from the University System of Maryland on edX is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to dive into product management. It covers all the essential topics, from customer development to market strategies and the product lifecycle, giving you a solid foundation in the field. The course is easy to follow, and the real-world examples and practical tips make it engaging and relevant. Whether you're just getting started in product management or looking to strengthen your skills, this course offers useful tools and insights that you can immediately apply in your job. Definitely worth checking out!

    Highly recommended!
  • Anonymous
    As a person that has been in the Product Management space for many years, this course really allowed me to fine tune and gain a better technical perspective on areas I have not classically been trained in. Great illustration of concepts and examples to provide a solid understanding of what it takes to be a Product Manager. James Green did a phenomenal job of teaching this course. He had a great ability to teach with a good pace and tie related concepts back into each other. Would definitely recommend this course to anyone looking to get an introduction to Product Management or touch up on their skills.
  • Anonymous
    Product Management Fundamentals exceeded my expectations! The course breaks down complex concepts into clear, actionable insights, making it perfect for beginners and experienced professionals alike. The instructor’s real-world examples, engaging teaching style, and practical frameworks helped me understand everything from market research to agile development. The case studies reinforced learning, ensuring I could apply the knowledge immediately. Whether you're looking to start a career in product management or sharpen your skills, this course is a must! Highly recommended!
  • Anonymous
    I would rate this course highly, as it provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of product management. The course is well-structured, offering clear explanations on key topics such as product lifecycle, strategy, and market analysis. The instructors are knowledgeable, and the use of real-world examples helps to contextualize the lessons. Additionally, the course materials are engaging and encourage practical application. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to break into product management or deepen their understanding of the field.
  • 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.
  • Profile image for Gabby Goeins
    Gabby Goeins
    I've thoroughly enjoyed everything I've been learning so far. The content is both informative and engaging, and the platform is incredibly easy to navigate. I especially appreciate the board discussions, as they provide an excellent opportunity to deepen my understanding and connect the concepts from the lectures to real world applications.
  • Anonymous
    Very nice course, I love that it's very simplified even without prior knowledge you can understand and implement it. On the product chasm you guess did a nice job bit of compiled, joining all the good things together might lead to confusion for the faint hearted.
    I giving it a 5 star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ because it's Worth it
  • Anonymous
    Fantastic course. It helped me dive deep into so many aspects of product management. I was especially benefitted from understanding the marketing dynamics which would help me understand my customers and provide value to them through my product.
  • Anonymous
    very insightful and easy to follow, I got great reminders on the role of product management. I really enjoyed how it explained the product development lifecycle and the role of the product manager in the cycle.
  • Dorcas Caraballo
    I found this course to have been very informative. I will admit I found the marketing segment a tad bit boring but still valuable. I zoomed through the course, and I'm normally a slogger. Thank you.
  • Anonymous
    I enjoyed the course everything was explained in an easy way and it was fairly easy to understand. I was nervous at first but now I feel more confident in knowing more about being a product manager.
  • Anonymous
    It was easy to follow and comprehend. With the basic knowledge of what a Product Manager does, I am confident in moving forward to the next section of the course.
  • Anonymous
    This is the first time I came across what I call a complete package of Product Management, from waterfall to Agile, scrum, Lean, Kanban, and Marketing.
  • Anonymous
    It would have been better if there would have been more tests periodically to test comprehension. I lost focus because of long lectures. One after the other.
  • Anonymous
    This is a great and informative course. I really helped me to understand the PRD, PMP and how to successfully chasm. I highly recommend this course.

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