Introduction to Project Management Concepts

• Understanding the project lifecycle
• Key project management terminology and principles
• Importance of effective project management for business success

Setting Up a Project in Microsoft Project

• Creating a new project file
• Defining project start date and working calendar
• Organizing project phases and tasks
• Creating task dependencies and deadlines

Task Management

• Adding and editing tasks in Microsoft Project
• Understanding task types: Fixed Duration, Fixed Units, and Fixed Work
• Creating and managing task dependencies (Predecessors and Successors)
• Using milestones for tracking key project achievements

Resource Management

• Assigning resources (people, equipment, and materials) to tasks
• Understanding and managing resource calendars
• Setting up resource costs and tracking resource utilization
• Managing resource leveling and over-allocations

Budgeting and Cost Tracking

• Setting project baseline and tracking costs
• Managing budget and cost variance
• Monitoring project expenses and resource costs
• Forecasting project costs and tracking financial performance

Scheduling and Timeline Management

• Creating and adjusting project timelines
• Using Gantt charts for visual task tracking
• Setting up task dependencies and lead/lag times
• Managing critical path and project deadlines

Tracking Project Progress

• Updating tasks and milestones based on progress
• Using tracking tools such as earned value management (EVM)
• Generating project status reports
• Managing project risks and issues

Collaboration and Communication

• Sharing project plans with stakeholders
• Using Microsoft Project’s collaboration tools for team coordination
• Exporting and printing project reports for meetings and updates

Advanced Microsoft Project Features

• Customizing project views and reports
• Managing multiple projects with Project Master Files
• Using macros to automate repetitive tasks
• Creating project templates for future use

Finalizing and Closing a Project

• Preparing project closure reports
• Reviewing project outcomes and documenting lessons learned
• Archiving project files for future reference