TCOM320
Documentation Project Management
The underlying challenge in every documentation project is to produce quality documentation on time and within budget. You can do this successfully, provided you understand and use proven document management techniques.
This course will equip you with a toolkit of skills, concepts, and best practices that you can draw on. You’ll learn practical skills for managing technical documentation projects, including project planning, estimating, budgeting, and managing resources (including team building). You’ll also become aware of issues such as localization, production, and usability.
Please note that this is an advanced course. To get the most out of it and ensure your success, we strongly recommend completing the following courses prior to registering:
Overview
Location: Online
Format: Self-paced within deadlines set by instructor
Duration: 8 weeks
Tuition: $475
Can be applied to:
Technical Communication Certificate
Upcoming Offerings
Register for a course at any time, with the option to apply to a program later.
- Tue, Sep 16 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Sep 23 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Sep 30 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Oct 7 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Oct 14 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Oct 21 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Oct 28 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Nov 4 (self-paced all week)
What you will learn
After completing this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Identify key characteristics of your audience that will impact your documentation project
- Gather requirements and design documentation that suits the needs of your readers
- Perform specific project management tasks:
- Plan the documentation content
- Identify the resources and tools needed to develop the documentation
- Create a project schedule
- Create a project budget
- Explain the principles of managing a project team
How you will learn and be evaluated
- Prepare to spend 15–20 hours per week on coursework
- Expect reading and other assignments on a weekly basis
- Plan to access the course at least once every few days to keep up with your work and assignments
You will be evaluated on:
- Assignments
- Participation in discussions
Learning Materials
No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.
Recommended reading:
The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition. University of Chicago Press, 2017. ISBN 978-0226287058
Note: Courses use the author-date style from the Chicago/Turabian (17th ed.) citation guide.
Once you begin the course you’ll be sent SFU library access information for this text. Alternatively, you may wish to access a 30-day free trial of the online version of Chicago Manual of Style.
Technical Requirements
For online courses, you will need a computer with audio and microphone that is connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system that will be used for the course. For more information and online support, visit Online Learning.
This course requires:
- High-speed internet access
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
To get the most from this course, you should be comfortable with the following MS Word and/or Google Docs functions:
- Using Paragraph styles
- Working with headers and footers
- Tracking changes and accepting or rejecting changes
- Inserting a table of contents, media
- Sharing documents
English Language Requirements
To succeed in this course, you will need an advanced level of written and spoken English. If you are unsure whether your English language skills are sufficient, we recommend you complete the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with the following minimums:
- Overall band score minimum 6.5
- No band below 6.0
- Writing band score minimum 8.0
Please note we can’t refund your registration fees after the course start date if you find your English language skills are not adequate.
If you have questions or concerns about your English language proficiency, we encourage you to contact your local IELTS Test Centre.