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
This training to the Microsoft Project tool will allow you to master the fundamentals of this powerful and widespread tool. The points covered during the training are :
1 What is Microsoft Project
Presentation of the generalities of the MS Project software :
- forecasting
- anticipation of problems
- creation and follow-up of a project plan
- particularities of the interface
- displays and working modes
2 What are the preliminary functions
The aim is to allow you to set up MS Project according to your needs. This includes :
- customizing the project calendar
- the creation of particular calendars
- defining the parameters of a new project
- saving a project
3 How to manage task lists in MS Project
Tasks are the cornerstone of any project. During the training you will see how to :
- create a task list from a Gantt chart
- schedule in manual or automatic mode
- upgrade tasks
- customize task parameters (duration, milestones...)
- identify the different types of tasks
- establish links between tasks
4 How to manage the list of resources in MS Project
Obviously, a task means resources to perform it. It is therefore essential to know :
- create a resource list and set its parameters
- customize the resources calendar
5 How to assign resources to tasks in MS Project
Once the resources are well defined, it remains to :
- assign resources to tasks
- control the assignments
6 How to deal with the overuse of resources in MS Project
During a project the hazards can be numerous and impact the availability of resources. However the schedule of deliverables does not necessarily change. In order to keep the control, the training allows to see how :
- recognize and control the problems of overuse of resources within the project
- identify the best strategy for resolving overuse problems
7 How to monitor the progress of a project in MS Project
The tasks are defined, the resources are allocated, the work is in progress... but where are we exactly? To have the right time, this training shows you how :
- record the baseline schedule
- follow up on the progress of the tasks
- compare the actual data with the forecasted data
8 How to use layout and printing in MS Project
It is possible to print reports in Microsoft Project, including predefined information. To do this you will see how to :
- customize the printing parameters
- print the displays
9 How to use reports in MS Project
Reports are important because they allow you to easily get a picture of the key elements of a project (progress, expenses, upcoming tasks, resources occupation...) and, ideally, to share them with the stakeholders. You will see how to :
- explore the list of existing reports
- modify 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.
