Product Management: An Introduction

Perfect for: Professionals exploring a transition into product management or seeking to understand PM fundamentals

Key outcome: Comprehensive understanding of product management foundations and career paths

Prerequisites: None - designed for complete beginners

What Sets This Course Apart

This foundational course combines theoretical knowledge with practical insights from industry experts, offering a comprehensive introduction to product management. As the first course in IBM's Product Management Professional Certificate, it provides a solid foundation through real-world scenarios and hands-on labs.

Course Journey

1. Product Manager's Role (Module 1)

• Essential PM skills and responsibilities
• Building the product manager persona
• Required business acumen and knowledge areas

2. Product Management Fundamentals (Module 2)

• Day-in-the-life of a product manager
• Four phases of product lifecycle
• Seven-step product management process
• Stakeholder collaboration essentials

3. Value Creation & Critical Thinking (Module 3)

• Product management fundamentals
• ProdBOK® framework introduction
• Portfolio and project management connection
• Predictive vs. adaptive lifecycles

4. Career Opportunities (Module 4)

• Current job market analysis
• AIPMM certification paths
• Resume building strategies
• Required background experience

5. Practical Application (Module 5)

• Real-world scenario analysis
• Product development team assessment
• Comprehensive knowledge evaluation

Learning Experience

• Format:

  • 38 instructional videos
  • 5 reading materials
  • 11 hands-on assignments
  • 4 discussion prompts
  • Interactive plugins for engagement

• Key Tools & Frameworks:

  • Product lifecycle management
  • SWOT analysis
  • ProdBOK® (Product Management Body of Knowledge)
  • Persona development

• Practical Elements:

  • Simulated real-world scenarios
  • Industry expert interviews
  • Team collaboration exercises

Is This Course Right For You?

✅ Consider this course if:

• You're curious about product management as a career
• You need to understand PM fundamentals
• You want to learn from IBM's industry experts
• You prefer structured, comprehensive learning

⚠️ This might not be for you if:

• You're already working as a product manager
• You're seeking advanced PM techniques
• You need extensive hands-on product development experience
• You're looking for deep technical skills

Time & Commitment

• Total duration: 13 hours of content
• Pacing: Fully flexible, learn at your own speed
• Structure: 5 comprehensive modules
• Access: Unlimited course materials access

Investment & Returns

• Cost structure:

  • Included with Coursera Plus subscription
  • 7-day free trial available
  • Financial aid available for eligible students

• Career impact:

  • LinkedIn-shareable certificate
  • Foundation for AIPMM certification
  • Clear career path understanding
  • Resume-building guidance

Skills You'll Gain

• Product lifecycle management
• Value proposition development
• Strategic thinking and analysis
• Stakeholder management fundamentals
• Product management best practices