What is the proper protocol for course due dates, badges and alerts?

Hello to the Prime Tech Development team:

I would like to understand...what is the CORRECT workflow/process for the following:

What do I need to do in order to assign a due date to a course?

How are due dates associated with alerts/notifications?

I have badges and skills (very rudimentary) how do I enable both so they are tied to course completion?

Are due dates, alerts/notifications, badges and skills able to be connected to DRAFT courses only?....at what step of course creation does this supposed to happen?

Thanks,

Thomas H.

Master Electronics