Session 5 - MS Project Part 1

Project Settings

The first thing you need to do when using MS Project is to start a New/Blank Project and then define the project settings.

The sample in these notes is a simplified version of the one we will work on in class.

Please use the list of Lynda.com lessons for more information.

Step 1: Create a Blank Project



Step 2: Setup / adjust Calendar


The standard calendar has a default of 8 hour days, working Monday through Friday. It is important to get the calendar right as it will have a bearing on your schedule. The default units for Project are Days - this standard calendar will equate 8 hours as 1 day. You should also add any special non-working days such as public holidays or special events. When using auto scheduling, if specified, these will be taken into account in the schedule.


Step 3: Add your tasks

Create your Work Breakdown Structure by adding your tasks.

You can create groups by using the indent and outdent buttons.




Use Task information to view the details of each work item


Step 4: Add timings and dependencies


Once you have your Tasks listed, you can add duration and dependencies. MS Project shows you the Gantt Chart as you add the details. Autoscheduled tasks will automatically adjust as you change details such as duration and dependencies.

The default is days, but you can use other measures. For example, type in 2h for 2 hours or .25d. If you have used the standard calendar, these are the same.



Class Activity 1


Create the Work Breakdown structure for "The Big Move" using MS Project.

Class Activity 2

Add Timings and dependencies

Class Activity 3

Have a look at some of the other Views, such as Network diagrams. Is there a "Critical Path"?

Class Activity 4

Try using one of the tools from last week to create a schedule

Other Standalone Project Management Tools


If you are using your laptop or want to do something similar from home, I recommend using the Open Source programs Project Libre, GanttProject or OpenProj as they are the most similar to MS Project and are all free standalone.

https://sourceforge.net/projects/projectlibre/files/?source=navbar

https://sourceforge.net/projects/ganttproject/?source=directory


GanttProject







Project Libre









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