In the world of project management, proficiency in a robust tool is the key to success. This "Mastering the Blueprint: Microsoft Project Professional Training Course" is your essential guide to becoming an expert user of one of the industry's most powerful software applications. This course is designed to take you from a basic user to a master planner, enabling you to create, manage, and track complex projects with precision and efficiency. You will learn to leverage every feature of Microsoft Project to build a clear, comprehensive blueprint for project success, ensuring you can meet deadlines and stay within budget with confidence.

This 10-day, immersive program provides a hands-on experience, allowing you to practice a wide range of skills, from setting up a new project file to advanced resource leveling and reporting. You will delve into the intricacies of task relationships, resource allocation, and cost management, learning how to analyze data and make informed decisions. By the end of this training, you will be equipped with the practical skills and strategic knowledge needed to handle any project, regardless of its size or complexity. You will be able to create compelling reports, collaborate effectively with your team, and demonstrate a level of expertise that sets you apart.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Project Managers
• Project Schedulers
• Business Analysts
• Program Managers
• Project Coordinators
• Team Leads
• Senior Managers
• PMO Professionals
• Consultants
• Aspiring Project Managers

Objectives:

• Set up a new project file and define project parameters
• Create and manage tasks, subtasks, and milestones
• Understand and apply different task relationships
• Assign and manage resources effectively
• Track project progress and update schedules
• Analyze project data and generate reports
• Manage project costs and budgets
• Customize views, tables, and filters
• Collaborate with team members
• Troubleshoot common scheduling issues

Course Modules:

Module 1: Getting Started with Microsoft Project

• The user interface and key features
• Setting up a new project file
• Defining working time and calendar options
• Saving and opening project files
• Understanding different project views

Module 2: Creating a Task List

• Entering and organizing tasks
• Creating summary tasks and subtasks
• Defining milestones and their importance
• Organizing tasks using WBS codes
• Creating recurring tasks

Module 3: Linking Tasks and Building a Schedule

• Understanding task dependencies (relationships)
• Using different link types (FS, SS, FF, SF)
• Identifying and resolving circular dependencies
• Working with lead and lag time
• The critical path and how to identify it

Module 4: Working with Resources

• Defining different types of resources
• Entering resource information
• Assigning resources to tasks
• Understanding resource calendars
• The impact of resource allocation on the schedule

Module 5: Cost and Budget Management

• Entering and assigning costs to tasks
• Creating a project budget
• Tracking actual costs versus planned costs
• Using different cost fields
• Generating financial reports

Module 6: Project Tracking and Progress

• Setting a project baseline
• Entering actual start and finish dates
• Updating tasks as they are completed
• Using the tracking Gantt view
• Analyzing variances from the baseline

Module 7: Advanced Resource Management

• Understanding resource leveling
• Resolving resource over-allocations
• Using the Resource Graph and Resource Sheet
• The use of resource pools
• Tracking resource usage and costs

Module 8: Views, Tables, and Filters

• Customizing the Gantt Chart view
• Creating and applying custom tables
• Building and saving custom filters
• Using the Task Usage and Resource Usage views
• Formatting the look of your schedule

Module 9: Reporting and Analysis

• Generating standard reports
• Creating custom reports
• Using visual reports and dashboards
• Analyzing project performance data
• Exporting data to other applications

Module 10: Collaboration and Sharing

• Sharing project files with others
• Using different file formats (XML, MPP)
• Collaborating with team members
• The role of Project Online and Server
• Securing your project file

Module 11: Working with Multiple Projects

• Creating a master project
• Inserting subprojects
• Linking tasks between projects
• Understanding the implications of inter-project dependencies
• Reporting across multiple projects

Module 12: Custom Fields and Formulas

• Creating custom text, number, and date fields
• Using formulas to automate calculations
• Creating custom indicators and graphical indicators
• Building custom fields for reporting
• The importance of custom fields

Module 13: Advanced Scheduling Techniques

• Managing deadlines and constraints
• The use of task drivers
• Understanding slack and total slack
• Optimizing the project schedule
• Handling unplanned events

Module 14: Issue and Risk Management

• Tracking project risks and issues
• Linking risks to specific tasks
• Creating custom fields for risk analysis
• Reporting on project issues
• The link between Microsoft Project and risk management

Module 15: Best Practices and Tips

• Common mistakes to avoid
• Tips for efficient data entry
• Shortcuts and time-saving techniques
• Maintaining a clean and accurate schedule
• Continuous learning and self-improvement

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.