Course Content

Description: This course is an intensive two-day experience which covers the basic and intermediate features of MS Project, as well as the basic theory of Project Management. It is process-driven rather than features-driven, taking delegates through the project life-cycle.

Who Should Attend: Anyone working on a project required to read or create Project Plans, or project managers needing to refine their skills.

Duration: 2 Days.

Prerequisites: Ability to use Microsoft Windows and basic Office functions (start applications, get help, save files). An intermediate to advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Excel is preferred.

Unit Standards: SAQA Unit Standard ID: 120385: Apply a range of project management tools and techniques.

Module 1: Getting started on MS Project

• Starting MS Project and elements of the MS Project Screen.
• The Project Ribbon and the Help Facility.

Module 2: Defining the Project Tasks

• Creating a New Project, Project Summary Tasks, and Calendars.
• Project Information, Entering Tasks, and Entering Durations.
• Recurring Tasks, Milestone Tasks, Task Information, and Project Files.

Module 3: Defining Resources

• The Resource Sheet and viewing Resource Details.
• Assigning Resources and Materials to a Project Plan.
• Determining and resolving Over-Allocations.

Module 4: Project Budgets and Cash Flows

• Defining Fixed and Variable Costs.
• Calculating Costs per Task and adding Calculated Columns.
• Printing Budget and Cash Flow Reports.

Module 5: Understanding and Tweaking the Project

• Project Views, Tables for the Gantt Chart, and Timescales.
• Spell Check.

Module 6: Working with Baselines

• Understanding what Baselines are and saving a Baseline.
• Managing Multiple Baselines and Interim Plans.
• Exporting Project Data to Excel and the Project postmortem Meeting.

Module 7: Tracking Project Progress

• Tracking Project Activities and Costs.
• Filtering, Grouping, Highlighting, and Sorting Project Plans.

Module 8: Communicating Project Plans and Reporting

• Printing Views and Tables.
• MS Project Reports and Visual Reports.
• Sending Project Plans via E-mail.

Module 9: Additional Features

• Working with Templates and Formatting Project Plans.
• The Organizer and Consolidating Projects.
• Sharing Resources, Project Settings, and Customizing the Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar.

Course Content

Description: This course is designed for delegates who work confidently in Project and need to gain knowledge of the advanced features and capabilities of Project.

Who Should Attend: Delegates who already work confidently in Project and require advanced knowledge.

Duration: 2 days online/onsite/at public venue.

Prerequisites: You should have attended a Project beginners and intermediate course.

Unit Standards: Information not specified in the document for this level .

Consolidating Projects

• Create a Master Project and Insert Sub-Projects.
• Create Dependencies between Projects.

Scheduling

• Move project and fine-tune scheduled tasks.

Managing Resources

• Create and link to a Resource Pool.
• Create and Assign Equipment and Material Resources.
• Utilize Cost Rate Tables for Multiple Rates and view costs for Material Consumption.
• Fine-Tune Resource Assignments and modify Task Types.
• Delay the Start of Assignment Work and apply Task Contours.

Budgeting

• Calculating Costs per Task and adding Calculated Columns.
• Printing Budget and Cash Flow Reports.

Earned Value Analysis

• Set the Project Status Date and display the Earned Value Table.
• Create Calculated Fields.

Reporting

• Creating Dashboards and Visual Reports.