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 Microsoft Project training course will help you master the fundamentals of this powerful and widely used tool. The topics covered in the course are:

1 Getting Started and Setup

Overview of the interface (the Ribbon, views, tables).
Creating a new project and defining its properties.
Configuring calendars (project, holidays, exceptions).

2 Task Planning (The Schedule)

Entering tasks and creating the work breakdown structure (WBS).
Sequencing: different types of links (Finish-to-Start, Start-to-Start, etc.).
Understanding task types (Fixed Capacity, Fixed Duration, Fixed Work).
Managing constraints, deadlines, and analyzing the critical path.

3 Resource and Cost Management

Creating the resource table (labor, materials, cost).
The art of optimally assigning resources to tasks.
Identifying and resolving resource overcommitment conflicts.

4 Project Execution and Monitoring

Freezing the schedule: saving the baseline plan.
Entering actual progress (percent complete, actual work vs. remaining work).
Reschedule uncompleted work.

5 Views, Formatting, and Reports

Customize the Gantt chart and data tables.
Use filters and groupings to focus on specific information.
Generate, print, and export management reports.

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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.