Course Description and Competencies

What to Expect

In this course, you will work through four modules of material. Each module is broken down into smaller lessons. These lessons will help you learn the foundations of the execution phase of the project lifecycle. You will examine the transition from planning to execution, budgeting, cost control, resource allocation, procurement, quality, and performance.

Throughout the course, you will find readings, videos, and a variety of interactive elements. These include knowledge checks, flashcards, AI simulations, and more. Engaging with these activities reinforces new learning. It also complements the knowledge you bring to this area of study. 

Course Competencies

This course covers the following competencies:

  • The student develops and manages a project execution plan by integrating a detailed schedule, budget, and resource strategy aligned to project goals.
  • The student evaluates project performance by auditing quality, selecting appropriate vendors, and applying basic data insights to improve outcomes.

Assessment

You will demonstrate competency through one performance-based assessment. The assessment provides an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the competencies in this course.

 You must achieve a ranking of Competent on the assessment to pass the course. You may attempt the assessment two times before additional support is necessary. If you require further attempts, please contact your Student Experience Team. 

1 performance assessment
3 Competency Units

Course Outline

ModuleUpon completion of this module, you will be able to:
Executing a Project
  • Explain the key steps involved in transitioning from planning to execution.
  • Identify common pitfalls during the transition and explain how to avoid them.
  • Describe effective leadership behaviors that support a smooth project launch.
  • Describe how project schedules are adjusted during execution, including what tools and techniques are used to track time-related changes.
  • Explain how to manage scope, sequencing, and communication when schedules shift.
Budgeting & Cost Control
  • Describe how project budgets are created from estimates.
  • Differentiate between cost types and estimation techniques, identifying common sources of estimation error and how to address them.
  • Interpret cost performance data using common project metrics.
  • Explain how to identify and respond to cost overruns.
  • Describe how to communicate cost issues to stakeholders.
Resource Allocation & Procurement
  • Describe how to identify and allocate internal resources.
  • Recognize the difference between resource leveling and resource smoothing.
  • Explain strategies to optimize resource usage during execution.
  • Describe the key steps in vendor selection and what goes into a basic procurement plan.
  • Explain how to manage vendor relationships during execution.
Quality & Performance
  • Differentiate between quality assurance and quality control, identifying tools and techniques used to manage quality.
  • Explain how quality processes support stakeholder satisfaction.
  • Identify key project data sources and how to interpret data to support decisions.
  • Describe how to distinguish signal from noise in performance data.
  • Track project performance using key metrics, report results clearly to stakeholders, and connect performance data to project outcomes.

Key Contacts

Certificate Connect
Check out this online community to take advantage of course resources, including videos and tips from your educators. You can ask and answer questions, provide feedback on your progress, and interact with fellow students. You will find this platform in the Student Resources section of the course. Log on and do some exploring!

Technical Support
If you encounter technical issues, be sure to contact the Help Desk. Just submit a Support Request for assistance.

Program Support
Do you have questions about your account? Student Support has answers. They can help with billing, switching courses, and other requests. You can contact them at (888) 320-0540 or support@academy.wgu.edu.

Accommodations

WGU provides compliant and accessible learning experiences. If you require accommodation, please contact us at the start of the course. You can email disability@academy.wgu.edu.

We are committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to WGU's services and materials. We strive to use best practices for accessibility. Our goal is to conform to existing U.S. laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Our learning management system (LMS) platform is Open edX. Open edX’s commitment to accessible content is published in their Website Accessibility Policy.