Product Management Foundations

Complete syllabus

Every chapter and lesson

1. 01

   Chapter 1 · 3 lessons

   What Product Managers Actually Do

   1. 1.1

      The PM’s real job

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the primary responsibilities and roles of a Product Manager.

      • Understand the definition of a Product Manager.
      • Identify the key responsibilities of a Product Manager.
      • Recognize the importance of cross-functional collaboration in product management.
   2. 1.2

      Outcomes over output

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can differentiate between outcomes and output in product management.

      • Define the terms 'outcomes' and 'output' in the context of product management.
      • Explain why focusing on outcomes is crucial for product success.
      • Identify methods to measure outcomes effectively.
   3. 1.3

      The product lifecycle

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can describe the stages of the product lifecycle and their significance.

      • Define the product lifecycle and its stages: introduction, growth, maturity, and decline.
      • Explain the importance of each stage in product management.
      • Identify strategies for managing products at different lifecycle stages.
2. 02

   Chapter 2 · 3 lessons

   Discovery & Customer Problems

   1. 2.1

      Customer interviews

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can conduct effective customer interviews to gather insights.

      • Understand the purpose of customer interviews in product discovery.
      • Learn how to formulate open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses.
      • Identify techniques for building rapport with interviewees.
      • Analyze and synthesize the information gathered from interviews.
   2. 2.2

      Jobs-to-be-done

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can apply the Jobs-to-be-Done framework to identify customer needs.

      • Define the Jobs-to-be-Done framework and its significance in product management.
      • Learn to identify the main jobs customers are trying to accomplish.
      • Explore how to categorize jobs into functional, emotional, and social dimensions.
      • Understand how to prioritize jobs based on customer importance and satisfaction.
   3. 2.3

      Validating before you build

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can validate product ideas before development.

      • Understand the importance of validation in the product development process.
      • Learn different methods for testing assumptions and hypotheses.
      • Explore techniques for gathering feedback from potential users.
      • Analyze the results of validation efforts to inform product decisions.
3. 03

   Chapter 3 · 3 lessons

   Prioritization & Roadmaps

   1. 3.1

      Prioritization frameworks

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can identify and apply various prioritization frameworks to effectively manage product features.

      • Understand the importance of prioritization in product management.
      • Explore different prioritization frameworks such as MoSCoW, RICE, and Kano.
      • Learn how to select the appropriate framework based on project needs.
      • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each framework.
   2. 3.2

      Writing a crisp spec

      10 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can write a clear and concise product specification that communicates requirements effectively.

      • Define what a product specification is and its purpose in product development.
      • Identify key components of a crisp specification, including objectives, features, and acceptance criteria.
      • Learn techniques for writing clearly and concisely to avoid ambiguity.
      • Review examples of effective and ineffective specifications.
   3. 3.3

      Outcome-based roadmaps

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can create outcome-based roadmaps that align product features with business goals.

      • Understand the concept of outcome-based roadmaps and their significance in product management.
      • Learn how to define desired outcomes and key performance indicators.
      • Explore the process of mapping features to outcomes in a roadmap format.
      • Discuss best practices for communicating roadmaps to stakeholders.
4. 04

   Chapter 4 · 3 lessons

   Metrics & Experimentation

   1. 4.1

      North-star & input metrics

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can define North-star metrics and input metrics and explain their importance in product management.

      • Define North-star metrics and their role in guiding product strategy.
      • Define input metrics and how they differ from output metrics.
      • Explain the relationship between North-star metrics and input metrics.
      • Discuss how to select appropriate North-star and input metrics for a product.
      • Illustrate the impact of these metrics on product decision making.
   2. 4.2

      Funnels & retention

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can describe funnels and retention metrics and analyze their significance in user engagement.

      • Define funnels and their purpose in tracking user journeys.
      • Explain retention metrics and their importance in measuring user engagement.
      • Discuss the stages of a funnel and how to optimize each stage.
      • Illustrate the relationship between funnels and retention metrics.
      • Analyze case studies to understand the application of funnels and retention metrics.
   3. 4.3

      A/B tests for PMs

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can conduct A/B tests and interpret their results to inform product decisions.

      • Define A/B testing and its relevance in product management.
      • Explain the process of designing an A/B test, including hypothesis formulation.
      • Discuss how to analyze A/B test results and determine statistical significance.
      • Illustrate common pitfalls in A/B testing and how to avoid them.
      • Provide examples of successful A/B tests in product management.
5. 05

   Chapter 5 · 3 lessons

   Working With Engineering & Design

   1. 5.1

      Collaborating with design

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can effectively collaborate with design teams to create user-centered products.

      • Define the role of design in product development.
      • Identify key design principles that enhance user experience.
      • Discuss the importance of feedback loops between product management and design.
      • Explore tools and methods for effective collaboration with design teams.
   2. 5.2

      Working with engineers & agile

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can work effectively with engineers using Agile methodologies.

      • Define Agile methodology and its significance in product development.
      • Identify key roles within an Agile team and their responsibilities.
      • Discuss the importance of communication and collaboration in Agile environments.
      • Explore techniques for prioritizing features and managing backlogs.
   3. 5.3

      Shipping & launch

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can successfully manage the shipping and launch process of a product.

      • Define the key stages of the product shipping and launch process.
      • Identify critical tasks and timelines for a successful launch.
      • Discuss strategies for coordinating cross-functional teams during a launch.
      • Explore methods for gathering post-launch feedback and measuring success.
6. 06

   Chapter 6 · 3 lessons

   Strategy, Stakeholders & the Interview

   1. 6.1

      Product strategy & vision

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can define product strategy and vision and explain their importance in product management.

      • Understand the definition of product strategy and vision.
      • Identify the components of an effective product strategy.
      • Explain how a clear vision guides product development and decision-making.
   2. 6.2

      Managing stakeholders up & across

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can describe techniques for managing stakeholders effectively both upwards and across the organization.

      • Define stakeholders and their roles in product management.
      • Identify strategies for engaging and communicating with stakeholders.
      • Explain the importance of building relationships with stakeholders to ensure project success.
   3. 6.3

      Cracking the PM interview

      10 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can outline the key components of a successful product management interview and prepare effectively.

      • Understand the structure of a product management interview.
      • Identify common questions and topics covered in PM interviews.
      • Explain techniques for showcasing your skills and experiences during the interview.