Deeply Practical Project Management (earn 16 PDUs) (Udemy.com)
How to apply the PMI project management processes in the most deeply practical way, with a complete 44M example.
Created by: William Stewart PhD
Last updated June 2026
Our take
Based on the ratings of 22,200 students, a sample of their written reviews and the syllabus, as the course stood in June 2026. No course pays to be reviewed.
William Stewart's course walks through the whole project life-cycle, from initiation and planning to execution, monitoring and closing, in 226 lectures and about 8.8 hours. It leans on one fully worked example project with a charter, plan, Gantt schedule and risk register, plus templates you can reuse. He has managed projects for more than 30 years and holds the PMP, and the syllabus follows the PMI framework closely. It is pitched at new and experienced project managers alike, and at anyone who wants the how, not just the vocabulary.
Reviewers mostly talk about structure. They describe lessons broken into small pieces, clear explanations and graphics that help, and they single out the quizzes as the thing that makes the material stick. One reviewer who already holds the PMP called it a good refresher with some new ideas and practical cases. Complaints are mild. One five-star reviewer calls it a review of basic, common sense fundamentals, which is fair warning for veterans. Another would like a visual map of where each lesson sits in the course.
The rating is 4.6 from 22,200 reviews, and about 77,700 students have enrolled. Around 20,200 of those ratings are four or five stars. It was last updated in June 2026, so it is current. There are 24 quizzes but no practice exams, so exam candidates will want a separate question bank. The 16 PDUs and the IFPPM certificate are a bonus, though that certificate is not a PMI credential. We would recommend it for practical grounding, not as a stand-alone PMP cram.
Pros
- Quizzes after the sections help the material stick, according to several reviewers
- Worked example project with charter, risk register and Gantt, plus reusable templates
- Lessons are cut into short pieces that reviewers found easy to digest
- Updated June 2026 and earns 16 PDUs for people who already hold a PMI certification
Cons
- No practice exams, so PMP candidates still need a separate question bank
- One reviewer calls it basic common sense fundamentals, so veterans may find little new
- The IFPPM certificate comes from the instructor's own institute, not from PMI
Great course that was presented well. The quizzes that were provided throughout the course really help solidify the information!
Listed for all levels. Best for new or practicing PMs; experienced ones get a refresher and templates.
Featured in our guide: The 9 Best Project Management Courses on Udemy in 2026
What you will learn
- "Finally an online course that teaches the 'how' of project management from an experienced veteran." – Karin Brame
- Get one comprehensive course that covers the entire PM process, with a professional $44M example.
- Earn a Practical Project Manager (PPM) certification from the IFPPM.
- Get the practical background needed to pass the PMI PMP exam, and earn 16 Professional Development Units (PDU’s).
- Learn how to get stakeholder and senior management support at the beginning of your project, and maintain it throughout.
- Learn the most important project manager skills, including communication, team management, negotiation, and leadership.
- Learn how to plan your project most efficiently and effectively, so everyone has realistic expectations before you start.
- Learn how to avoid the top three causes of project failure, and manage the top three drivers of project success.
- Learn how to initiate your project so all stakeholders are supportive and planning will be maximally productive.
- Learn the three most common ways to build a business case that demonstrates your project is worth pursuing.
- Learn the key techniques to gathering good project requirements, with best practices for documentation, review, and approval.
- Get real-life examples and advice for building your work breakdown structure (WBS), and when to break it down further.
- Learn why your precedence diagram is the key to good project management, even more important than the Gantt schedule.
- Learn five techniques for estimating, how to estimate within +/- 10%, and how to handle estimating error.
- Watch an animated example of how to calculate the critical path, and learn why schedule is actually more important than budget.
- Learn how to decide whether to build or buy, the best type of contract structure, and the best way to make the award.
- Learn how to prepare a good project plan, brief management, communicate options, stay truthful, and protect your career.
- Learn the essentials of building the best project team, and how to delegate, motivate, and resolve personnel conflicts.
- Learn how to manage scope so you can find the things inevitably missed, while avoiding scope creep.
- Learn how to use the critical path to focus on the most important items, reallocate resources, and make the PM’s job easy.
- Learn how to track the budget and manage its key drivers to obtain the best cost performance possible.
- Learn how to identify the risks up front, mitigate them early, and manage your project to stay within the risk budget.
- Learn the most effective things you can do to manage quality and ensure the customer is happy with the project result.
- Learn how to use earned value management (EVM) to objectively estimate future cost and schedule performance.
- Learn how to ask the stakeholders for help when your project is in trouble in the most productive and constructive way.
- Learn how to use scenarios to sign off requirements and make sure the customer loves the result at the same time.
- Learn how to gather lessons learned to find both what went well and what can be improved, and easily gather them as you go.
- Learn how to close your project, write a good final report, and hold a project celebration so everyone can transition to their next challenge.
- Get a complete example of professional project management documentation for the $44M “Magical Devices Version 3” project.
- Get a PDF download of the book “How To Plan Your Project With Microsoft Office” describing how to document scope, schedule, and budget.
- GEt many short quizzes, nine project management document templates, a 250 page reference manual, and six summary checklists.
- Gain a deeply practical understanding of the PMI process for those that wish to write an exam and obtain a certification.
Course content
80 sections · 226 lectures · 8.8 hours of video 24 quizzes, 27 articles
- 1Start Here!3 lectures · 2 min
- 2Overview: Contents 1 free preview1 lecture · 1 min
- 3Overview: The PMI Project Management Framework 3 free previews6 lectures · 13 min
- 4Overview: Strategic Plan1 lecture · 2 min
- 5Overview: The Triple Constraint 1 free preview1 lecture · 6 min
- 6Overview: Keys To Success2 lectures · 9 min
- 7Quiz: Review Key Points1 lecture · 1 quiz · 1 min
- 8Overview: The Project Manager 1 free preview9 lectures · 37 min
- 9Quiz: Review Key Points1 lecture · 1 quiz · 1 min
- 10Overview: Chapter Summary2 lectures · 6 min
- 11Initiation: Contents 1 free preview1 lecture · 2 min
- 12Initiation: Introduction3 lectures · 5 min
- 13Initiation: The Sponsor & Customer1 lecture · 2 min
- 14Initiation: Stakeholders3 lectures · 5 min
- 15Quiz: Review Key Points1 quiz
- 16Initiation: The First Level Scope5 lectures · 11 min
- 17Initiation: The Business Case4 lectures · 14 min
- 18Initiation: The Project Manager & Mandate1 lecture · 2 min
- 19Initiation: The Project Charter2 lectures · 4 min
- 20Quiz: Review Key Points1 lecture · 1 quiz · 1 min
- 21Initiation: Chapter Summary2 lectures · 2 min
- 22Planning: Contents 1 free preview1 lecture · 3 min
- 23Planning: Introduction5 lectures · 10 min
- 24Planning: Requirements10 lectures · 20 min
- 25Planning: Solution2 lectures · 3 min
- 26Quiz: Review Key Points1 quiz
- 27Planning: Deliverables13 lectures · 33 min
- 28Quiz: Review Key Points1 quiz
- 29Planning: Logic8 lectures · 20 min
- 30Planning: Estimating10 lectures · 28 min
- 31Quiz: Review Key Points1 quiz
- 32Planning: Schedule12 lectures · 27 min
- 33Planning: Resources3 lectures · 6 min
- 34Quiz: Review Key Points1 quiz
- 35Planning: Cost5 lectures · 6 min
- 36Quiz: Review Key Points1 quiz
- 37Planning: Procurement5 lectures · 11 min
- 38Quiz: Review Key Points1 quiz
- 39Planning: Risk16 lectures · 2 quizzes · 35 min
- 40Planning: Communications2 lectures · 3 min
- 41Planning: The Project Plan 1 free preview3 lectures · 8 min
- 42Quiz: Review Key Points1 quiz
- 43Planning: Chapter Summary3 lectures · 11 min
- 44Execution: Contents 1 free preview1 lecture · 1 min
- 45Execution: Introduction1 lecture · 2 min
- 46Execution: The Project Team11 lectures · 2 quizzes · 27 min
- 47Execution: Communications1 lecture · 2 min
- 48Execution: First Steps3 lectures · 6 min
- 49Execution: Design & Build2 lectures · 3 min
- 50Execution: Problem Identification1 lecture · 2 min
- 51Quiz: Review Key Points1 quiz
- 52Execution: Chapter Summary3 lectures · 5 min
- 53Monitoring & Control: Contents 1 free preview1 lecture · 1 min
- 54Monitoring & Control: Introduction2 lectures · 4 min
- 55Monitoring & Control: The Weekly Heartbeat2 lectures · 4 min
- 56Monitoring & Control: Managing Scope5 lectures · 14 min
- 57Quiz: Review Key Points1 quiz
- 58Monitoring & Control: Managing Time3 lectures · 12 min
- 59Quiz: Review Key Points1 quiz
- 60Monitoring & Control: Managing Cost2 lectures · 4 min
- 61Monitoring & Control: Managing Risk1 lecture · 8 min
- 62Monitoring & Control: Earned Value Management (EVM)7 lectures · 17 min
- 63Quiz: Review Key Points1 quiz
- 64Monitoring & Control: Managing Quality4 lectures · 16 min
- 65Monitoring & Control: Problem Resolution2 lectures · 5 min
- 66Quiz: Review Key Points1 quiz
- 67Monitoring & Control: The Monthly Heartbeat 1 free preview4 lectures · 9 min
- 68Quiz: Review Key Points1 quiz
- 69Monitoring & Control: Chapter Summary3 lectures · 7 min
- 70Closing: Contents 1 free preview1 lecture · 1 min
- 71Closing: Introduction1 lecture · 2 min
- 72Closing: Procurement1 lecture · 2 min
- 73Closing: Acceptance7 lectures · 1 quiz · 11 min
- 74Closing: Lessons Learned1 lecture · 2 min
- 75Quiz: Review Key Points1 quiz
- 76Closing: Team Closure3 lectures · 4 min
- 77Closing: The Final Report2 lectures · 3 min
- 78Quiz: Review Key Points1 quiz
- 79Closing: Chapter Summary2 lectures · 4 min
- 80Bonus Lecture & PPM Certificate!1 lecture · 2 min
Who it is for
The instructor says it suits
- Project managers that want a practical description of how to apply project management in the simplest possible way in real life.
- Anyone working on projects that wants to understand the practical essentials of the project management process.
- Managers and leaders: Includes a mini course on communications, team management, negotiation, and leadership.
What you need before you start
- Provides comprehensive coverage of the PM best practices, with practical tips and tricks for both new and experienced project managers alike.
How it compares
Against the other 243 rated Udemy courses in Project Management on CourseDuck:
- Rating4.6 out of 5higher than 68% of them
- Reviews22,200#11 of 244 by number of reviews
- Length8.8 hourslonger than 76% of them
- Last updatedJune 2026more recently than 73% of them
Course Description
"Finally an online course that teaches the 'how' of project management from an experienced veteran." – Karin Brame
The number one challenge is project management is complexity. Therefore, this course will teach you how to manage projects in the simplest, most deeply practical way, as it is done in real life by the most professional organizations.
The course is complete, covering the key success attributes of the Project Manager, and all five stages of the project life-cycle. Whether you are a new project manager or have managed projects for years, this course will give you the information, tools, and skills to become an expert, practical project manager, improve the performance of your projects, and accelerate your career.
The course includes mini-courses on project manager management and leadership, risk management, and earned value management. It includes hundreds of practical tips, tricks, and techniques for scope, schedule, cost, and risk management, over the full life-cycle from initiation to closing. Many examples are included, including a complete set of professional documentation for a realistic $44M project, including a project charter, project plan, Gantt schedule, risk register, and much more, that you can reuse for your own projects. Templates for all the common PM documents are included. You also receive a PDF of the book How To Plan Your Project With MS Office, including how to plan your schedule with MS Project in the simplest possible way.
The course gives you the practical background you need if you are pursuing the PMP exam, and will give you 16 Professional Development Units (PDUs) if you already have a PMI certification. You will also receive a Practical Project Manager (PPM) certification from the IFPPM. If you need to manage a project right now, are preparing for a PMI PMP or CAPM exam, or just want a solid grounding in the most professional, practical way to manage projects to help take your career to the next level, this course will really help.
INSTRUCTOR
William Stewart is President of The Institute For Practical Project Management (IFPPM), and has managed projects for more than 30 years, from just a handful of people to $55M, and worked in senior roles on PM teams for projects up to $3B. He is a PMI certified Project Management Professional (PMP), an IFPPM certified Deeply Practical Project Manager (DPPM), and has taught more than 330 project management live courses to more than 3,300 people. He has managed projects in the domains of system integration, software development, business process, construction, real estate, and others. Internationally recognized, he has spoken twice as a keynote speaker at International Project Management Association (IPMA) conferences. Previously, he worked for aerospace, government, academia, and founded the cloud computing company Cirrus Computing. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science for discovery of an algorithm that builds geodesic domes in multiple dimensions in optimum space and time.
STUDENT COMMENTS
"Over the course of a 20 year career I have purchased many training materials, video courses, and study guides, and this was hands down the best material I have ever used." – Christopher Irons
"I am interviewing for a PM position in two days, and this course gave me valuable insight into key areas I haven't considered since I received my PMI certification in 2012. I’m also able to improve my resume since I now understand how PM functions I've been performing for years are much more valuable than I thought." – Dan Bischoff, PMP
"I have been a PMP since 2006 and learned so much from this course, truly outstanding." – Mark Thorogood, PMP
"This is by far the best project management course I have ever taken!" – Susan Steigler, PMP
"This is the best real-world practical PM course on the web. Valuable knowledge and insight, clear, and hands on. A great investment when your time is really valuable and you don't want to waste a minute of it." – Sarah Hajipour
"This course offers some of the most valuable material I've consumed as a Project Manager." – Philip Kohler
"This is a very, very useful resource for both Project Managers and team members. The best PM course I have taken online." – Marcelo Palenzuela
"Excellent course -- easy to understand -- wish I had reviewed this resource before I took my PMP exam!" – Thomas Flores
"The only course you will need. Walks you through all the phases of project management. With examples, anecdotes, and most importantly - templates. Highly recommend!" – Allan Madhuram
"I took this course after earning my PMP certification, and am stunned by the practical insights it provides. Thank you! I definitely recommend for both newbies and experienced Project Managers." – Raj Bidika
"This was the best project management course that I have taken. I recommend to anyone interested in project management. Really above and beyond what I expected." – Mark April
"Really straightforward and clear. Wish I had taken this before I sat for my PMP test." – Alexander Feravich
"Great course, perfectly delivered. The PMBOK Guide applied to reality. I plan to repeat this course over and over again." – Alain Yeno
"Not only does this course teach you practical project management, it also teaches you life skills you will keep for a lifetime. Exceptional. I couldn't have asked for anything better." – Saad Faruqui
"Crisp and direct, no blabbing. Wise to go with this first before consulting any other material." – Rufus Okomhanru
"The course was amazing. A lot of real life examples. In my 17 years of PM experience I have never taken a more concise, informative, and easy to understand PM walk-through." – Vladimir Mitev
"I've been managing projects for several years, and picked up key points which will improve my work in the future, and would have made previous projects significantly better if I'd known them sooner. Highly recommended." – David Morrison
"This turned out to be the best money I ever spent. My only regret is I didn't take this course sooner." – Nicholas Ikpi
"One of the greatest courses I have ever had. Short videos you can digest at your own pace. A warm environment, seems that you are talking with him." – Francisco Zapata
Instructor Details
- 4.6 Rating
22,200 Reviews
William Stewart PhD
William Stewart is President of the Institute For Practical Project Management (IFPPM). He is a Project Management Institute (PMI) certified Project Management Professional (PMP) that has managed projects for more than 30 years from just a few thousand dollars to $55M, and worked in senior roles on projects up to $3B, in the domains of system integration, software, business process, construction, real estate, research, and others. He has delivered more than 330 live onsite PM courses to more than 3,300 people. Internationally recognized, he has spoken twice as a keynote speaker at International Project Management Association (IPMA) conferences.
Previously, he worked for aerospace, government, academia, and founded the open source cloud computing company Cirrus Computing. He has deep experience with project management, risk management, negotiating, systems integration, and software engineering. He is author of the books Deeply Practical Project Management and Project Development Methodologies: Waterfall, Incremental, Iterative, Spiral, Lean, Kanban, Agile, Scrum.
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Reviews
By Lori Mowbray on 8/12/2026
It seems like a good match.
By Mnene James on 5/27/2026
This is one of my best Practical and detailed Project Management course i have ever taken. I recommend to everyone pursue this course. Thanks to IFPPM for your deep materials. God bless you.
By Tailane Nascimento de Brito on 5/5/2026
I really enjoyed the course format and how the lessons where broken down into small pieces. The exercises helped to validate the knowledge! I'm excited to apply what I've learned in here.
By Joana Projecto Garcia on 4/13/2026
Clear and respecting the students' rhythm. The only thing I would add, because I'm a visual learner, is a diagram/scheme of where in learning progress a person is. Like a big tree and where in that tree is the progress at the time of each class. But overall I'm finding this course really useful.
By Pierre Kriegler on 3/10/2026
This course was well structured, easy to comprehend, and there were plenty of quizzes to really cement in the knowledge, I have found the course very valuable and will use its many resources again in my current project.
By Beatrix Kiddo on 1/10/2026
Highly recommended. Exceptional presentation, synthesis, practical. Specific example and all the necessary templates including the complete documentation for an example project.
By Thuto Larona Ngwato on 12/26/2025
This is a great course, well thought out, and as the course title states, it does offer insight into the practicality of project management.
By Kwonhaeng Lee on 12/14/2025
This course provides practical insights that go beyond the theoretical aspects of project management. It focuses on real-world applications, which is exactly what I needed to strengthen my skills
By Kimberly Simmons on 11/26/2025
The information was presented in a very organized and clear manner. I found the repetition of key information useful for locking these element into memory.
By Benjamin Boysen on 11/25/2025
The course is well structured, with highlights and quiz ending every chapter. A lot of practical tips, and examples of shortcomings from real projects. It's great with all the shared material in the form of books, Excel sheets, pdf documents etc., both from within the course, and from external site.
Quality Score
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Overall Score : 92 / 100








