1. MS Project 2007 Fast Track Course Dr. Sandra Moffett, Room MS015

2. Content 1. Introduction to Project Management and MS Project 2. Step by step practical exercises 3. Case study

3. Overview of project management  Project management may sound complex and intimidating  The term may bring to your mind massive projects such as the space shuttle or the channel tunnel  Projects are not the same as ongoing operations  Projects are endeavours: people and equipment doing work

4. Project Management  Project management is part of everyday life in the work place  Project Management is not “rocket science” it is just common sense and a disciplined way to organize things towards an objective  We are all project managers in our daily lives!

5. A traditional approach to managing projects A disciplined approach to managing projects  Ad-hoc approach  When things go wrong… Work out how to turn things back right Work out how to turn things back right Why things went wrong? Why things went wrong? Consistent methodConsistent method Discipline = focus Repeatable process Achieving clearly defined goals and objectives

6. The project triangle Time BALANCE Cost Scope

7. How can computer based tools help Project Managers?  Scraps of paper or people’s heads are prone to failure  Deal with scale, complexity and change

8. What are the advantages of using MS Project?  Effective project management  Plan, manage and communicate effectively  Change management tool  Deals with scale and complexity  Planning process easier  Meet deadlines within budget

9. Competencies for successful project management  Preparing  Planning  Communicating  Monitoring  Controlling  Reviewing MS Project allows to use these competencies effectively

10. Typical uses of MS Project  Planning the move of a department to new premises  Planning and exhibition or event  Managing introduction of new systems and procedures  Software projects  Any team-based project

11. As final thought…  The simpler and shorter the project is the less you should use MS Project  MS Project cannot replace good judgement  Good project management does not guarantee the success of every project but …  Poor project management usually guarantees failure!

12. Let’s look at the step-by-step practical exercises…