IoT Product Management Course – Stanford Continuing Studies

My Product Management for the Internet of Things at Stanford Continuing Studies (BUS‑145) builds on my proven IoT Decision Framework, guiding professionals through every essential dimension of IoT product development.

Note: The next session is scheduled for Summer 2021.

Enroll online in the IoT Product Manager Certificate Program to access the same curriculum at your own pace.

Course Description

By 2020, it was estimated that 50 billion devices—from smartphones to kitchen appliances and beyond—were already connected to the Internet.

This explosion, known as the Internet of Things (IoT), has created a demand for professionals who can navigate the strategic and technical nuances of IoT product management.

In this course, you’ll gain a comprehensive, hands‑on understanding of how to design, launch, and scale IoT products from both a business and technology perspective.

We’ll start by unpacking the IoT stack: from data‑generating devices, through embedded firmware, to cloud services and user‑facing applications.

You’ll learn a step‑by‑step framework for making critical decisions around strategy, user experience, data, security, and regulatory compliance.

Throughout the semester, you’ll collaborate in teams, applying the framework to real‑world case studies and building a complete product roadmap.

Whether your background is in business, engineering, or design, this course offers a balanced view of the skills needed to succeed in the IoT era.

No prior experience is required, though familiarity with technology products is advantageous.

What Students Are Saying

Note: If you can’t attend in person, the online certificate covers the same material.

Course Outline

My IoT courses at Stanford blend lectures, interactive exercises, and team projects.

Week 1: Introduction

• Welcome and introductions
• The IoT landscape and emerging trends
• Key industry applications
• Overview of the IoT technology stack and the IoT Decision Framework
• Form project teams

Week 2: IoT User Experience (UX)

• Identifying target users across the IoT stack
• Developing internal and external personas throughout the customer lifecycle
• In‑class UX decision exercises

Week 3: IoT & Big Data

• Data flows in the IoT stack
• Primary data sources and integration points
• Digital twins, APIs, and analytics
• In‑class data decision workshops

Week 4: The Business of IoT

• Business models and revenue streams
• Mapping the IoT value chain
• Build vs. buy decisions across the stack
• Cost modeling and ROI analysis
• In‑class business decision sessions

Week 5: The Technology of IoT

• Hardware and device design
• Embedded software fundamentals
• Connectivity protocols and cloud platforms
• Internal and customer‑facing applications
• In‑class technology decision workshops

Week 6: IoT Security & Standards

• Security challenges in IoT ecosystems
• Physical and cyber protection strategies
• Building a security‑first culture
• In‑class security decision projects

Week 7: Regulatory & Standards Impact

• How regulations shape product design and go‑to‑market strategies
• In‑class standards & compliance decision work

Week 8: Final Presentations

• Teams showcase their IoT product roadmap and strategic framework

I look forward to seeing you in class. If you’re unable to join us at Stanford, the online IoT Product Manager Certificate Program offers the same curriculum, flexible to fit your schedule.

Click here to learn more about the Online IoT Product Manager Certificate Program.