Software Product Management Specialization

Perfect for: Software developers and team leads wanting to master Agile product management

Key outcome: Practical experience leading Agile software teams and managing client relationships

Prerequisites: Basic understanding of software development concepts recommended

What Sets This Course Apart

This specialization uniquely combines Agile methodology mastery with hands-on client interaction experience. Through realistic scenarios and simulated software production environments, you'll develop practical management skills while building a portfolio of real-world project experiences.

Course Journey

1. Introduction to Software Product Management (4 hours)

• Fundamentals of software product management
• Core Agile principles and their application
• Product manager role and responsibilities

2. Software Processes and Agile Practices (8 hours)

• Different process models for software development
• Agile methodology implementation
• Process model selection and adaptation

3. Client Needs and Software Requirements (12 hours)

• Requirements gathering and documentation
• Low-fidelity prototyping
• Client interaction strategies
• Adapting to changing requirements

4. Agile Planning for Software Products (12 hours)

• Development planning techniques
• User story mapping
• Risk assessment and management
• Velocity-driven planning

5. Reviews & Metrics for Software Improvements (8 hours)

• Progress measurement and visualization
• Agile review practices
• Project retrospectives
• Quality metrics and improvement

Learning Experience

• Format: Interactive lectures, practical exercises, and simulated projects
• Tools: Industry-standard Agile management tools
• Projects: Build a comprehensive management portfolio including:
• Client requirement documents
• Project planning artifacts
• Risk assessment reports
• Sprint planning documentation
• Support:
• Expert instructor guidance
• Peer learning community
• Real-world scenario practice

Is This Course Right For You?

✅ Consider this course if:

• You want to transition from development to product management
• You need practical experience with Agile methodologies
• You seek to improve client interaction skills
• You want to lead software development teams effectively

⚠️ This might not be for you if:

• You have no background in software development
• You're looking for coding-focused curriculum
• You need extensive design or UX training
• You require in-person team management practice

Time & Commitment

• Weekly commitment: 10 hours recommended
• Flexibility: Self-paced learning structure
• Total duration: Typically completed in 1 month
• Course access: Unlimited access to materials

Investment & Returns

• Cost structure:
• Included with Coursera Plus subscription
• 7-day free trial available
• Financial aid options for eligible students
• Career impact:
• University of Alberta certification
• Practical project portfolio
• Agile management expertise
• Client interaction experience

Skills You'll Master

• Agile software development practices
• User story creation and management
• Software requirements gathering
• Use case development
• Lean software development principles
• Scrum methodology
• Software metrics and measurement
• Project planning and execution