MS project

Introduction to MS Project

• What is MS Project and its role in project management.

• Overview of the MS Project interface: Ribbon, Views, and Menus.

• Understanding Project Terminology: Tasks, Milestones, Resources, Dependencies.

• How MS Project fits into the project management lifecycle.

2. Creating a New Project

• How to create a new project in MS Project.

• Setting up project properties: project start date, working days, and calendar settings.

• Understanding project constraints and deadlines.

• Configuring project options for scheduling and tasks.

3. Task Management & Scheduling

• Defining and entering tasks (Summary Tasks and Subtasks).

• Setting task durations, start and finish dates.

• Understanding task dependencies and relationships (Finish-to-Start, Start-to-Finish, etc.).

• Creating milestones for key project events.

• Using task constraints to control scheduling.

4. Resource Management

• Adding and assigning resources (Work, Material, and Cost resources).

• Setting up resource calendars and working hours.

• Understanding resource leveling to avoid over-allocation.

• Assigning resources to tasks and tracking resource usage.

• Managing resource costs and rates.

5. Managing Project Timelines

• Creating and adjusting project timelines.

• Working with Gantt charts to visualize task schedules and dependencies.

• Using the Critical Path Method (CPM) to identify essential tasks.

• Analyzing and optimizing project timelines to meet deadlines.

• Updating task progress and tracking milestones.

6. Budgeting and Cost Tracking

• Setting up cost resources and tracking project budgets.

• Calculating project costs using fixed costs, hourly rates, and cost per use.

• Creating and managing cost reports.

• Forecasting costs and evaluating financial performance.

• Managing project expenses and variances.

7. Tracking and Updating Project Progress

• Recording task progress and tracking time (actual vs. planned).

• Using Baselines to compare planned and actual schedules.

• Updating project tasks and milestones in real-time.

• Reporting on project progress through Gantt charts and other views.

• Managing late tasks and schedule changes.

8. Reporting and Data Analysis

• Generating built-in project reports: Task Usage, Resource Usage, Cost Analysis.

• Customizing reports to meet project needs.

• Using MS Project views for detailed analysis: Resource Graph, Task Usage View, Timeline View.

• Printing and sharing reports with stakeholders.

9. Advanced Features in MS Project

• Working with recurring tasks and task dependencies.

• Creating and managing multiple projects (master projects).

• Using templates and pre-configured project plans.

• Managing risks and changes to the project scope.

• Using MS Project with Microsoft Teams and SharePoint for collaborative project management.

10. Final Project & Certification

• Apply all learned skills by creating a complete project plan in MS Project.

• Submit your project plan and reports for review.

• Get personalized feedback on your project and receive a certificate of completion.

Software Requirements:

• Microsoft Project (latest version, available for both Windows and Mac).

• Access to a computer with internet connection for project submissions and additional resources.

Key Takeaways from this Course:

• Master the creation and management of projects using MS Project.

• Learn how to manage project timelines, resources, costs, and progress.

• Gain the skills to effectively track and report on project performance.

• Understand how to use MS Project to plan, execute, and control projects in real-time.

Target Audience:

• Project managers, team leaders, and anyone involved in managing projects.

• Professionals who want to learn how to use MS Project for effective project planning and tracking.

• Individuals pursuing a career in project management or looking to enhance their existing skills.

Materials Included:

• Video tutorials and step-by-step instructions.

• Downloadable MS Project files and templates.

• Quizzes and exercises to test your understanding.

• Access to additional resources, such as guides and cheat sheets.

Requirements/Instructions:

• Basic understanding of project management concepts is helpful.

• A computer with Microsoft Project installed (trial versions available).

• Internet access to download resources, updates, and course materials.