FDPM1-PM05 Introduction to Product Management
FDPM1-PM05 Introduction to Product Management
- Course description
- Course codeFDPM1-PM05
- Level of study5.1
- Program of studyDigital Product Management
- Credits5
- Course coordinatorMichael John Phillip
The course gives an introduction to the history and evolution of the product management discipline, and how product management has shaped the digital landscape. The student will build a strong foundation in the principles, strategies, and techniques that are essential for optimising and managing digital products. Case studies and exercises let the student both comprehend and engage in the product management process, from ideation to launch and beyond. The aim is for the student to grasp the role of a digital product manager in each phase, to recognize and identify what makes a great product organisation, and the characteristics that set them apart in the market.
In today's fast-paced digital world, product management is at the heart of any successful technology-driven organisation. The ability to lead and align product teams, navigate the product development lifecycle and continuously optimise products, is a crucial competence. The course equips the student with the knowledge, skills and tools to identify at which stage a product is at, in
order to make informed decisions for its further retention and growth.
Exploring the intricacies of setting and aligning business goals, crafting a robust product strategy, and measuring success through frameworks like the Pirate Metrics Framework and North Star metrics, is at the core of the course. The student will hereby learn how to conduct product feature audits to evaluate and optimise existing product offerings. Further, it develops the students' understanding of the importance of incremental improvement, versus the development of entirely new features, enabling them to see how informed decisions in product development are built on verified data and information.
The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical exercises and real-world examples related to the digital product process. It teaches the core responsibilities of a digital product manager, the path to becoming one, and the impact a digital product manager can have within an organisation.
With this course as the principal base for the entire study programme, the student will be able to define what digital product management is, and understand the role of a digital product manager. Courses further on in the programme will allow the student to explore and experience the different steps in the digital product development process more in-depth, drawing on the knowledge and skills acquired in this course. It gives the student a relevant framework for the whole study year, and the opportunity to holistically relate to every tool, process, and method.
The candidate:
- has knowledge of the historical evolution of products, the product management discipline and their significance in shaping the digital landscape.
- has insight to identify the distinguishing characteristics of exceptional digital product organisations and their impact on market success.
- has knowledge of industry-relevant practices, central principles, methods, frameworks, and tools that are used when managing digital products.
- understands the product manager role, and is familiar with the field of work.
- understands the concept of incremental feature improvement versus new feature development.
- has knowledge about how to use frameworks like the Pirate Metrics Framework and North Star metrics for measuring the progress and relevance of digital products.
- has knowledge of what clear and actionable product strategies aligned with business goals consist of.
- can update their knowledge related to digital product management
The candidate:
- can apply foundational tools, methods, frameworks and principles in all relevant stages of developing digital products.
- can analyse and evaluate existing product features, identify areas for improvement and prioritise enhancements.
- can make informed decisions on when to enhance existing features or introduce new ones.
- can assess the organisational culture and leadership, to identify successful digital product management.
- can collaborate within cross-functional teams, understanding the role and responsibilities of a digital product manager.
The candidate:
- displays a sense of critical and strategic thinking and problem-solving, in the context of digital product management.
- demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the field of digital product management.
- understands the ethical principles that apply to digital product management.
- has developed an ethical attitude and knows what is required to make ethical considerations and conduct responsible decision-making in product management practices.
In this course, the following teaching and learning methods can be applied, but are not limited to:
- Lecture: Educator-led presentations or activities providing knowledge, skills, or general competencies in the subject area.
- Group work: Collaborative activities where students work together to solve problems or complete tasks.
- Tutoring: One-on-one or small group sessions with an instructor for personalized guidance and support.
- Student presentations: Opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding of course material by presenting to peers.
- Online lessons: Digital content delivered via an online learning platform.
- Guidance: Individualized advice and direction from instructors to support students in their learning journey.
- Workshops: Practical sessions focused on hands-on application of theoretical concepts or skills.
- Self-study: Independent study where students engage with course material on their own without any teacher support.
Teaching materials, reading lists, and essential resources will be shared in the learning platform and software user manuals where applicable.