Plan, track, and optimize projects using Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is undoubtedly one of the most powerful project management software programs on the market. However, its wealth of features can quickly become overwhelming for an inexperienced user, leading to broken schedules and inaccurate tracking.
To unlock this tool’s full potential, you need to understand its internal logic.
This training course will guide you through the essential features of MS Project, from creating your initial project plan to tracking actual progress, while providing best practices to help you avoid common planning pitfalls.
Is it for you ?
This training is intended for project managers, coordinators, planners, members of project management offices (PMOs), and anyone who uses MS Project to plan and monitor projects.
Prerequisites
Have a basic understanding of the Windows environment.
Have a basic understanding of the fundamental concepts of project management (tasks, dependencies, critical path, resources).
What You'll Walk Away With
- ✓ Save time: Learn the shortcuts and the correct data entry sequence so you don’t have to start your schedule from scratch.
- ✓ Accurate forecasts: Get realistic project completion dates and budgets based on sound mathematical logic.
- ✓ Greater control: Easily identify cost or schedule variances by comparing them to the baseline plan.
- ✓ Professional communications: Impress your management or clients with clear Gantt charts and automatically generated reports.
Training content
- Take advantage of shortcuts and the right entry sequence so that you don't have to rebuild your schedule with each adjustment.
- Obtain realistic project completion dates and budgets based on reliable calculations (vs. rough estimates).
- Identify cost overruns and schedule variances through comparison with baseline planning.
- Allocate resources more effectively through a clear understanding of workloads.
- Communicate effectively with management and clients using professional Gantt charts and automatically generated reports.
Contents
This training in the Microsoft Project tool will allow you to master the fundamentals of this powerful and widespread tool. Topics covered in the course include:
Explore Microsoft Project
General presentation of the software, a prerequisite for understanding the logic behind forecasting and controlling deviations:
- Forecasting and anticipating project issues
- Creation and monitoring of a project schedule
- Interface features
- Displays and working modes
Configure the work environment
Before building a reliable schedule, MS Project must be configured according to the actual needs of the project. This preliminary step avoids many reworks along the way:
- Customization of the project schedule
- Creation of special calendars
- Setting parameters for a new project
- Saving a project
Structure and plan project tasks
Tasks are the cornerstone of any project. A good mastery of this step allows you to go faster and avoid starting the schedule from scratch:
- Creating a task list in the Gantt Chart view
- Scheduling in manual or automatic mode
- Structuring tasks hierarchies
- Customization of task parameters (duration, milestones, etc.)
- Identification of the different types of tasks
- Establishing links between tasks
Build and configure the resource list
Every task requires resources to complete. A well-constructed list is the basis for a fair division of work:
- Creating and configuring the resource list
- Customization of the resource calendar
Assign resources to tasks
Once the resources have been defined, it remains to distribute them in a coherent way and to ensure that this distribution holds up over time:
- Assigning resources to tasks
- Validating resource assignments
Preventing and resolving resource overallocations
The vagaries of a project can affect the availability of resources, while the schedule of deliverables remains unchanged. Identifying these situations early allows you to adjust the plan without compromising deadlines:
- Identifying and monitoring resource overallocations
- Selecting the most appropriate strategy to resolve overallocations
Track the actual progress of the project
Once tasks have been defined, resources assigned, and work has begun, it remains to be seen where the project really stands compared to the initial forecasts:
- Saving the baseline schedule
- Updating and monitoring task progress
- Comparison of actual data with forecasts
Format and print reports
Once progress has been monitored, it is still necessary to be able to present it clearly. MS Project allows you to print reports including predefined information, an asset for careful professional communications:
- Customization of print settings
- Printing project views
Leverage built-in reports
Reports provide a clear picture of the key project elements (progress, expenses, upcoming tasks, resource utilization, etc.) and help communicate this information effectively to stakeholders:
- Exploring the list of existing reports
- Editing an existing report
Keep in Mind
Courses given using MS Project 2024.
📌 Practical information
Our training sessions are offered in Montreal or Quebec City, in person or in a virtual classroom. Dates and locations are specified when you select your session below. If you have any questions, check out our FAQ.
