Microsoft Project (Core and Advanced)

Module 1: Exploring the Project Environment

• Introduction to the Microsoft Project interface
• Key terminology: tasks, resources, dependencies, milestones
• Navigating views: Gantt Chart, Network Diagram, Calendar
• Understanding project lifecycle within MS Project

Module 2: Getting Started with Project

• Creating a new project file
• Setting up basic project information (start date, scheduling method)
• Defining working times and calendar options
• Saving and managing versions of a project file

Module 3: Managing and Organizing a Task List

• Creating tasks and milestones
• Organizing tasks using summary tasks and subtasks
• Adding task notes and hyperlinks
• Task ID and WBS code management

Module 4: Shaping the Schedule

• Setting task durations and dependencies
• Applying lead and lag time
• Using manual vs. auto scheduling
• Understanding and managing the critical path

Module 5: Managing Resources

• Defining work, material, and cost resources
• Creating and assigning resource calendars
• Assigning resources to tasks effectively
• Understanding effort-driven scheduling

Module 6: Working with Calendars

• Creating custom calendars
• Modifying working hours and holidays
• Assigning calendars to tasks and resources
• Understanding calendar hierarchy (project, task, resource)

Module 7: Managing Costs

• Entering standard and overtime rates
• Setting cost resources and fixed costs
• Calculating and analyzing cost estimates
• Generating cost overview reports

Module 8: Task Types Settings

• Fixed Units vs. Fixed Work vs. Fixed Duration explained
• Effects of each task type on scheduling
• How to choose the right task type for your scenario
• Real-world examples and exercises

Module 9: Resource Allocations and Conflicts

• Identifying over-allocations
• Using Resource Leveling to resolve conflicts
• Setting resource availability and contouring work
• Analyzing capacity vs. demand

Module 10: Schedule Constraints & Deadlines

• Applying constraints: ASAP, ALAP, Must Start/Finish
• Using deadlines vs. constraints
• Managing flexible vs. inflexible scheduling
• Detecting and resolving constraint conflicts

Module 11: Tracking Project Progress

• Setting and updating project baselines
• Entering actuals (work, cost, duration)
• Variance analysis and corrective actions
• Updating progress using percent complete

Module 12: Filtering and Grouping

• Using built-in filters and custom filters
• Highlighting specific task or resource data
• Grouping data by custom fields or categories
• Enhancing visibility for presentations and reports

Module 13: Project Reporting

• Overview of built-in reports
• Customizing visual reports
• Printing and exporting reports to PDF/Excel
• Communicating project performance effectively

Module 14: Customizing the Project Environment

• Customizing ribbons, views, and tables
• Creating personalized toolbars for efficiency
• Keyboard shortcuts and productivity tips
• Saving custom workspace settings

Module 15: Managing Custom Fields, Tables, and Views

• Creating and using custom task and resource fields
• Building calculated fields with formulas
• Designing custom tables for data tracking
• Saving and sharing custom views

Module 16: Importing and Exporting Project Data

• Importing from Excel, Outlook, and other formats
• Exporting data to Excel, PDF, and images
• Integration best practices
• Avoiding common import/export issues

Module 17: Managing Project Templates and SharePoint Integration

• Saving and reusing project templates
• Best practices for template creation
• Publishing projects to SharePoint
• Collaborative project management via SharePoint sync

Module 18: Working with Master Projects, Sub-Projects, and Resource Pools

• Creating and managing master/sub-project structures
• Consolidating multiple projects
• Creating and sharing a resource pool
• Tracking resource usage across multiple projects

Module 19: Advanced Dashboard & Visual Reporting

• Creating advanced visual reports using Excel and Visio
• Custom dashboards for executives and stakeholders
• Using charts, graphs, and indicators
• Enhancing insights with pivot tables and slicers

Module 20: Analyzing Progress and Earned Value Management (EVM)

• Introduction to EVM principles
• Setting up EVM metrics in MS Project
• Analyzing Cost Performance Index (CPI) and Schedule Performance Index (SPI)
• Making decisions based on EVM data

Module 21: Automating with Macros

• Introduction to macros in MS Project
• Recording and editing basic macros
• Applying automation to repetitive tasks
• Ensuring macro security and file integrity

• Explore the Project Environment
• Getting Started with Microsoft Project
• Modifying and Organizing a Task list
• Shaping the schedule
• Modifying Task Dependencies
• Working with Calendars
• Using Project Resources
• Entering Project Costs
• Task Type Settings
• Resolving Resource Over-allocations
• Setting Constraints and Deadlines
• Tracking Project Progress
• Reporting in Project
• Customizing the Project Environment
• Creating and Managing custom Fields, Tables and Views
• Importing and Exporting Project Data
• Managing Project Templates and Sharing with SharePoint
• Working with Master Projects, Sub-Projects and Resource Pools
• Advanced Dashboard & Visual Reporting
• Tracking and Analyzing EVM
• Automating with Macros
• Advanced Customizations with Project

This course is ideal for:

• Project Managers looking to streamline project planning, execution, and control using a robust tool.
• Project Coordinators and Schedulers responsible for tracking tasks, timelines, and resource allocation.
• Team Leaders and Supervisors managing team deliverables and cross-functional collaboration.
• PMO Members (Project Management Office) seeking to standardize project tracking and reporting.
• Engineers, Architects, and Construction Managers who need to manage scope, cost, and timelines for complex technical projects.
• IT and Software Professionals involved in product development, system implementation, or infrastructure projects.
• Business Analysts and Operations Planners supporting project planning, budgeting, and performance evaluation.

No prior experience with Microsoft Project is required, but basic project management knowledge is recommended for optimal learning outcomes.