Unformatted text preview:

URBS 609 Project Unit 1 Project Planning Using MS Project Introduction and Background About This Training Module This training module was crafted using PowerPoint by Microsoft Corporation It has been packaged with PowerPoint Viewer a standalone Microsoft product that allows a user to view this module without use of PowerPoint Left mouse click or enter to go to next slide Right mouse click or backspace to go to previous slide ESC to exit this module This Unit of Instruction was crafted by Robert Hugg For Minnesota State University Mankato Urban and Regional Studies Institute 2004 Urban and Regional Studies Institute 2 Training Module Preview This module will provide Introduction to the background of MS Project Introduction to the Advantages of using MS Project Introduction to the Hazards of using MS Project Tips for using MS Project Background material for project planning This module is constructed as the first of three blocks in a building block approach Urban and Regional Studies Institute 3 MS Project Assumptions The first assumption of any project planning is that the project goal and tasks are defined MS Project uses the same assumptions as planning a project manually All tasks have distinct begin and end points All estimates can be mathematically derived Tasks must be able to be arranged in a defined sequence that produces a pre defined result Like any tool MS Project cannot define the goal of a project the user must do that Urban and Regional Studies Institute 4 The Basis of MS Project MS Project is a strong tool that is built around the PERT and CPM basics See PERT CPM blocks of instruction to review the basics if these terms are unfamiliar Based on same basic PERT calculations invented in 1958 Based on same basic CPM calculations invented in 1958 Incorporates use of a WBS Task list format invented in the 1960s Urban and Regional Studies Institute 5 The Basis of MS Project A highly visual yet checklist intensive program Balances visual approach charts graphs etc with logical structured approach task and resources lists The most widely used PM program because It is fairly generic in its approach Highly automated once configured requires relatively low amount of user manipulation Scalable can be used for small to enormous projects A cost effective choice for casual users Easy to use core techniques Advanced techniques are complex however Urban and Regional Studies Institute 6 MS Project Strengths Good step by step tutorial for beginners Good searchable keyword help function Based on data entry once configured user enters data and Project automatically Computes all times and costs Optimistic Pessimistic Likely and PERT expected Identifies Critical Path computes late early start dates slack Computes complete on a task and project level Identifies areas of over tasking of resources Draws a wide ranges of charts and graphs specific to the project Creates a wide range of reports specific to the project VERY customizable to meet individual user needs Urban and Regional Studies Institute 7 MS Project Strengths Sample MS Project Charts and Diagrams Based on configuration and data entered by the user MS Project plots Gantt Charts Urban and Regional Studies Institute 8 MS Project Strengths Sample MS Project Charts and Diagrams Based on configuration and data entered by the user MS Project plots Task Calendars Urban and Regional Studies Institute 9 MS Project Strengths Sample MS Project Charts and Diagrams Based on configuration and data entered by the user MS Project plots Network Diagrams Urban and Regional Studies Institute 10 MS Project Strengths Sample MS Project Charts and Diagrams Based on configuration and data entered by the user MS Project plots Resource Graphs Urban and Regional Studies Institute 11 MS Project Strengths Sample MS Project Tables and Reports Based on configuration and data entered by the user MS Project plots Tabular Data Urban and Regional Studies Institute 12 MS Project Strengths Sample MS Project Tables and Reports Based on configuration and data entered by the user MS Project plots Tabular Tracking Data Urban and Regional Studies Institute 13 MS Project Strengths Sample MS Project Tables and Reports Based on configuration and data entered by the user MS Project plots High Level Reports Urban and Regional Studies Institute 14 MS Project Strengths Sample MS Project Tables and Reports to do lists on a person by person basis Urban and Regional Studies Institute 15 MS Project Strengths Sample MS Project Tables and Reports lists of tasks that should have started but have not Urban and Regional Studies Institute 16 MS Project Strengths Sample MS Project Tables and Reports lists of tasks that are scheduled to begin soon Urban and Regional Studies Institute 17 MS Project Strengths Sample MS Project Tables and Reports lists of critical tasks makes it easy to identify tasks that become critical once a project is crashed Urban and Regional Studies Institute 18 MS Project Strengths Sample MS Project Tables and Reports and much much more All charts diagrams and reports are designed to help a manager organize and track a project All come in a standard configuration Most typically used information Easiest to read format All are also customizable to show the most meaningful data Urban and Regional Studies Institute 19 MS Project Strengths Flexible and customizable Designed to enhance communication Between manager and workers Between managers and stakeholder A good tool to manage expectations Charts diagrams tables etc can be saved in various formats for use On the web in print electronically Urban and Regional Studies Institute 20 MS Project Weaknesses Makes it easy to lose touch with the project very automated Automates all calculations Scheduled dates costs projected dates etc Tracks when a resource is over allocated but does not provide a warning when it happens Conflicts are not intuitively displayed Will let a project get over budget over time A tool that must be monitored when used Urban and Regional Studies Institute 21 MS Project Weaknesses No Risk Assessment Function Does not calculate probability of completion A Key weakness this info is always requested A Manager must compute this manually with Excel Crashing costs times are not calculated Must be computed on a task basis and then compared to the baseline or done manually Assumes manual intervention by Project Manager Crash the project manually and save as a new baseline Project is heavily influenced by the


View Full Document

MNSU URBS 609 - Project Planning Using MS Project

Download Project Planning Using MS Project
Our administrator received your request to download this document. We will send you the file to your email shortly.
Loading Unlocking...
Login

Join to view Project Planning Using MS Project and access 3M+ class-specific study document.

or
We will never post anything without your permission.
Don't have an account?
Sign Up

Join to view Project Planning Using MS Project 2 2 and access 3M+ class-specific study document.

or

By creating an account you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use

Already a member?