Back to Basics with Project, Part 1 Carl Chatfield, PMP February, 2007 Puget Sound MPA

What we’ll look at In February: – Creating a task list (Chapter 2) – Assigning resources (Chapters 3, 4) – Formatting views and reports (Chapter 5) – Basic tracking (Chapter 6) In March: – Advanced task issues (Chapter 7) – Advanced resource issues (Chapters 8, 19) – Exchanging data with Project (Chapter 12) – Advanced tracking (Chapter 13)

For further reference

Creating a task list Task: a project activity with a specific start and end point. Tasks represent work. Task dependencies reflect schedule logic. A task’s duration ≠ its work (more on this later). Understand the workflow before you enter it into Project.

Demo

Assigning resources Types of resources: Work, Material and Cost. A task + a resource assignment = work The scheduling formula: Task Duration x Assignment Units = Work Resources can include specific people, generic roles, or organizations.

Demo

Formatting views and reports Project views are like database forms. You only see a small part of the schedule at any given time. Views are the primary UI of Project. Reports are limited to onscreen viewing or printing. Lots of rich formatting options.

Demo

Basic tracking The broad sequence: Initiation -> Planning -> Execution -> Close-out Tracking can be simple (percent complete) to highly complex (timephased actuals) What level of control do you need? What level of detail is appropriate for your project, and for your organization?

Demo