IT Literacy for Non-Technical Project Managers Training Course
1Summary
A project manager doesn't need to write a line of code to deliver a technology project successfully, but they do need to know which questions to ask, when to push back on a vague estimate, and how to tell a genuine technical risk from ordinary developer caution. Too often, non-technical project managers either defer entirely to the IT team or make decisions without understanding the trade-offs, and both habits create expensive problems later.
The IT Fundamentals for Non-IT Project Managers Training Course, delivered by Arab British Fellowship Training Academy, closes that gap with a practical grounding in IT concepts, infrastructure, software development, and technology terminology, built specifically for project managers without a technical background. Participants explore software project management, digital transformation, technology management and IT governance, building the confidence to make informed decisions, spot technology risks early, and align IT activity with business objectives.
2Objectives and target group
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Ask informed questions about IT infrastructure, systems and terminology without needing a technical background.
- Follow the software development lifecycle and recognise how it shapes project delivery.
- Bridge communication between technical teams and business stakeholders.
- Spot common technology risks, dependencies and project pitfalls early.
- Apply the basics of cybersecurity, data management and cloud computing to project decisions.
- Support digital transformation initiatives with practical, non-technical input.
- Understand the role of IT governance in shaping project decisions.
- Plan, monitor and control software projects with greater confidence.
- Collaborate effectively with developers, IT specialists and technology vendors.
Target Audience
- Non-IT Project Managers.
- Project Coordinators and Project Leads.
- Programme and Portfolio Managers.
- Business Managers involved in technology projects.
- Operations Managers working with IT teams.
- Business Analysts.
- Product and Delivery Managers.
- Professionals transitioning into IT project management.
3Course Content
Module 1: You Don't Need to Code, You Need to Ask the Right Questions
- The real role of a non-technical project manager on a technology project.
- Essential IT terminology explained in plain business language.
- Where IT fits inside modern organisations and business systems.
- Questions that separate a well-informed PM from a passive one.
Module 2: IT Building Blocks, Infrastructure, Data and Security Basics
- Hardware, networks, storage and how they connect to project delivery.
- Operating systems, applications and cloud computing fundamentals.
- Infrastructure, Platform and Software as a Service, explained simply.
- Core cybersecurity, access control and data protection concepts every PM should know.
Module 3: How Software Actually Gets Built
- The software development lifecycle from requirements to release.
- Agile, Scrum and Waterfall approaches, and when each is used.
- Testing, quality assurance and deployment basics.
- Managing dependencies between development teams and project timelines.
Module 4: Managing an IT Project Without Being an IT Expert
- Planning scope, schedule and resources for technology initiatives.
- Identifying technical requirements and deliverables early.
- Working effectively with developers and technical specialists.
- Monitoring project performance using indicators that make sense to non-technical stakeholders.
Module 5: Digital Transformation and the Technologies Reshaping Business
- Core principles of digital transformation and technology-driven change.
- Artificial intelligence, automation and data analytics in practical terms.
- Emerging technologies and digital platforms relevant to project delivery.
- Managing organisational adoption of new technology.
Module 6: Governing Technology, Policy, Risk and Accountability
- Fundamentals of technology management and IT policy.
- IT governance frameworks and where project decisions fit within them.
- Roles, responsibilities and accountability in IT governance.
- Aligning technology investment with business objectives and risk appetite.
Module 7: Talking to Technical Teams So Decisions Actually Get Made
- Communicating technical information clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
- Translating business requirements into technology requirements developers can use.
- Managing expectations with technical teams and IT vendors.
- Making informed project decisions without deep technical expertise.