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Project Planning Using Project Planning Using MS Project MS Project Creating a project plan Creating a project plan URBS 609 Project, Unit 3

Project Planning Using MS Project

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Project Planning Using MS Project. URBS 609 Project, Unit 3. Creating a project plan. About This Training Module. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Page 1: Project Planning Using MS Project

Project Planning Using MS Project Planning Using MS ProjectProject

Creating a project planCreating a project plan

URBS 609 Project, Unit 3

Page 2: Project Planning Using MS Project

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About This Training ModuleAbout This Training Module TThis training module was crafted using his training module was crafted using

PowerPoint by Microsoft Corporation. It has PowerPoint by Microsoft Corporation. It has been packaged with PowerPoint Viewer, a been packaged with PowerPoint Viewer, a standalone Microsoft product that allows a standalone Microsoft product that allows a user to view this module without use of user to view this module without use of PowerPoint.PowerPoint.

Left mouse-click or enter to go to next slideLeft mouse-click or enter to go to next slide Right mouse-click or backspace to go to previous Right mouse-click or backspace to go to previous slideslide ESC to exit this moduleESC to exit this moduleThis Unit of Instruction was crafted by Robert Hugg For Minnesota State University, Mankato Urban and Regional Studies

Institute - 2004

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Training Module PreviewTraining Module Preview• This module will provide:This module will provide:

– Introduction to laying out most commonly used Introduction to laying out most commonly used project fields, for easiest data entryproject fields, for easiest data entry

– Introduction to configuring MS Project in a Introduction to configuring MS Project in a typical layout tools, displaying typically needed typical layout tools, displaying typically needed datadata

– Step-by-step creation of a simple sample projectStep-by-step creation of a simple sample project• This module is constructed as the third of This module is constructed as the third of

three blocks in a building block approachthree blocks in a building block approach

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MS Project Rules of the MS Project Rules of the RoadRoad

• Be prepared before using MS ProjectBe prepared before using MS Project• Have the required building blocks definedHave the required building blocks defined

– Identify a Identify a clearclear project goal project goal– Identify tasks, resources, requirements, limitationsIdentify tasks, resources, requirements, limitations– Identify relationships between tasksIdentify relationships between tasks

• ConstraintsConstraints and and DependenciesDependencies– Identify a defined sequence for tasksIdentify a defined sequence for tasks

• Like any Like any tooltool, MS Project , MS Project cannotcannot define the define the goal of a project, the user must do thatgoal of a project, the user must do that

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Start by adding the Project Guide and desired Start by adding the Project Guide and desired

toolbars (refer to the previous unit for info)toolbars (refer to the previous unit for info)• Next, configure the WBS (Tasks Lists) fields to Next, configure the WBS (Tasks Lists) fields to

reflect the information desired reflect the information desired • The default configuration contains 7 columns The default configuration contains 7 columns

(fields) that show typical information(fields) that show typical information– Indicators, task name, durationIndicators, task name, duration– Start, finish, predecessors, resource namesStart, finish, predecessors, resource names

• Column positions can be changed by dragging Column positions can be changed by dragging a column left or right (just like in MS Excel)a column left or right (just like in MS Excel)

Customizing the Layout

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• Right mouse click when in the task Right mouse click when in the task area to bring up a submenuarea to bring up a submenu

Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project

Select Insert Column

Customizing the Layout

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• A dialogue box will appear providing A dialogue box will appear providing

a wide range of choices to add a wide range of choices to add information…information…– Scroll to “Scroll to “CostCost” and select it” and select it

A cost column has been added

Customizing the Layout

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Repeat this process adding these columnsRepeat this process adding these columns

– Critical, % Complete, Total SlackCritical, % Complete, Total Slack

Customizing the Layout

Each column has hints, tips and detailed instructions that are accessible by rolling the mouse over the column header

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Drag and drop columns for layout Drag and drop columns for layout

according to personal preference…according to personal preference…

Customizing the Layout

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample ProjectCustomizing the Display Settings

• Next, set customized display settingsNext, set customized display settings

Tools Menu, Options… Use the tabs….

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• For this project use the default settings For this project use the default settings

onon– The schedule and calendar tabs The schedule and calendar tabs – The edit, view, and calculation tabsThe edit, view, and calculation tabs

• It is best to use the default settings until It is best to use the default settings until a higher degree of comfort is achieveda higher degree of comfort is achieved

• Once customized, these settings can be Once customized, these settings can be set as default to reduce setup timeset as default to reduce setup time

Customizing the Display Settings

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project

• Open the PERT Open the PERT Entry SheetEntry Sheet

• Use the same Use the same “Insert column” “Insert column” techniques to add techniques to add the same columns…the same columns…

Customizing the PERT Entry Sheet

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Building a Sample Project Building a Sample Project • The result will be the PERT Entry Sheet plus the The result will be the PERT Entry Sheet plus the

other columns from the task listother columns from the task list• This is not required but saves work later…This is not required but saves work later…

Customizing the PERT Entry Sheet

Mouse-over help/hints and tips are available in all views

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Customize the display for best resultsCustomize the display for best results• Use the default setting or add personal Use the default setting or add personal touchestouches• Switch from Switch from PERT Entry SheetPERT Entry Sheet view to view to Gantt ViewGantt View

Customizing Gantt Chart Display

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project Customizing Gantt Chart Display

• Invoke the Gantt Chart Wizard…Invoke the Gantt Chart Wizard…– Can only be accessed in Gantt and Can only be accessed in Gantt and

Tracking Gantt views…Tracking Gantt views…

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project

• Select Critical Path, this will automatically Select Critical Path, this will automatically calculate and display the critical pathcalculate and display the critical path

• Critical path is displayed in Critical path is displayed in REDRED

Customizing Gantt Chart Display

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Building a Sample Project Building a Sample Project

• Select the type of data to be displayed on Select the type of data to be displayed on the Gantt the Gantt • For this project, select custom task For this project, select custom task informationinformation

Customizing Gantt Chart Display

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project

• A Simple visual display provides easy A Simple visual display provides easy status reporting…status reporting…

Customizing Gantt Chart Display

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project

• Showing dependencies between tasks is a Showing dependencies between tasks is a great way to pinpoint relationships and great way to pinpoint relationships and potential conflicts potential conflicts

Customizing Gantt Chart Display

Critical Link

Non-critical link

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• This format will be applied to all This format will be applied to all

projects until it is changed…projects until it is changed…

Customizing Gantt Chart Display

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Critical tasks and links are always displayed in Critical tasks and links are always displayed in REDRED• Non Critical tasks and links are displayed in blue, Non Critical tasks and links are displayed in blue,

or another color the user prefersor another color the user prefers• Formats can be changed at any time during Formats can be changed at any time during

project planning or management but…project planning or management but…– Settle on a simple display that works bestSettle on a simple display that works best– KISS (KKISS (Keep eep IItt S Simpleimple S Sonon))

About the Gantt Chart Display

Sample Gantt

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• One task remains before entering One task remains before entering

datadata• Set the project information Set the project information

Setting the Project Information

OR

For the sample project, set the start date to

6/29/04

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Set working times by using the Task Wizard Set working times by using the Task Wizard

or accessing the menuor accessing the menu– For this project use the default settings in the For this project use the default settings in the

WizardWizard

Set Working Times

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Follow the steps in the wizard…Follow the steps in the wizard…

Set Working Times

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Tasks can be entered using the wizard, through Tasks can be entered using the wizard, through

the Gantt view task list or the PERT Entry sheetthe Gantt view task list or the PERT Entry sheet

Enter Tasks

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Entering data through the PERT Entry Sheet saves time…enter data only once for several usesEntering data through the PERT Entry Sheet saves time…enter data only once for several uses

– Enter data before PERT analysis is conductedEnter data before PERT analysis is conducted– It will also populate the task dialogue boxes It will also populate the task dialogue boxes – It will also populate the Gantt Task ListIt will also populate the Gantt Task List

• To begin, enter the task names and durationsTo begin, enter the task names and durations– Enter Enter onlyonly Optimistic, pessimistic & expected durations Optimistic, pessimistic & expected durations– PERT analysis will populate the PERT analysis will populate the duration duration fieldfield

Enter Tasks

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• For this sample project enter these tasks:For this sample project enter these tasks:

Enter Tasks

TASK Optimistic Duration Expected Duration Pessimistic DurationFoundation 1 week1 week 2 weeks2 weeks 3 weeks3 weeksFraming 2 weeks2 weeks 4 weeks4 weeks 7 weeks7 weeksRoof 1 week1 week 2 weeks2 weeks 3 weeks3 weeksElectrical 1 week1 week 2 weeks2 weeks 3 weeks3 weeksSheetrock 1 week1 week 3 weeks3 weeks 5 weeks5 weeksInterior Paint 1 week1 week 2 weeks2 weeks 4 weeks4 weeksExterior Paint 1 week1 week 2 weeks2 weeks 3 weeks3 weeksLandscaping 1 week1 week 2 weeks2 weeks 4 weeks4 weeks

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• The PERT Entry Sheet Should look like thisThe PERT Entry Sheet Should look like this• Notice all tasks begin and end on the same dayNotice all tasks begin and end on the same day

– PERT Analysis has not been completedPERT Analysis has not been completed• Notice all tasks appear to be critical…Notice all tasks appear to be critical…

– Task Dependencies have not yet been identifiedTask Dependencies have not yet been identified

Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample ProjectEnter Tasks

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Identify which tasks must finish before others can begin – Identify which tasks must finish before others can begin – a task dependencya task dependency

– Foundation must finish before framing beginsFoundation must finish before framing begins– Highlight both tasks and click the link iconHighlight both tasks and click the link icon

Identify Task Dependencies

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• By identifying 1 dependency the plan has changed…By identifying 1 dependency the plan has changed…

– Start and end dates, critical task statusStart and end dates, critical task status– 1 predecessor has been set – task 1 precedes tasks 21 predecessor has been set – task 1 precedes tasks 2

Identify Task Dependencies

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• This can also be accomplished by using the Task This can also be accomplished by using the Task

Information submenu (right mouse click)Information submenu (right mouse click)

Identify Task Dependencies

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• Using this same technique, identify and set the other Using this same technique, identify and set the other dependenciesdependencies– The roof is dependant on completion of the framingThe roof is dependant on completion of the framing– Electrical is dependant on completion of the framingElectrical is dependant on completion of the framing– Sheetrock is dependant on completion of the electricalSheetrock is dependant on completion of the electrical– Interior paint is dependant on completion of the sheetrockInterior paint is dependant on completion of the sheetrock– Exterior paint is dependant on completion of the framing Exterior paint is dependant on completion of the framing – Landscaping is dependant on completion of the exterior Landscaping is dependant on completion of the exterior

paintingpainting• Take a moment to think through the logic of these Take a moment to think through the logic of these

dependencies – dependencies – this is a critical part of planning a projectthis is a critical part of planning a project• Hint: highlight multiple tasks by using Hint: highlight multiple tasks by using ctrl and clicking on ctrl and clicking on

link iconlink icon• Note: Tasks may be dependant on more than 1 other taskNote: Tasks may be dependant on more than 1 other task

Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample ProjectIdentify Task Dependencies

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Notice how much the plan has changed and the PERT Analysis has not even Notice how much the plan has changed and the PERT Analysis has not even

been completedbeen completed– Critical tasks and dependencies have been identifiedCritical tasks and dependencies have been identified– Start and finish dates have been identifiedStart and finish dates have been identified

Identify Task Dependencies

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• All task information has been entered, it is All task information has been entered, it is

time to complete the PERT Analysistime to complete the PERT Analysis• Press the Calculate PERT iconPress the Calculate PERT icon• Click “Yes” on option boxesClick “Yes” on option boxes

– MS Project calculates dates and durations…MS Project calculates dates and durations…

Completing the PERT Analysis

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Use these durations and critical task/path Use these durations and critical task/path

designations for the PERT Risk Analysisdesignations for the PERT Risk Analysis

Completing the PERT Analysis

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• By navigating through the By navigating through the viewview menu, a variety of charts and graphs display the plan menu, a variety of charts and graphs display the plan

– Note: cost and resource info has not yet been addedNote: cost and resource info has not yet been added– The critical path has automatically been identified in The critical path has automatically been identified in REDRED, as have the critical tasks, as have the critical tasks

• The Gantt charts and network diagram display the PERT Analysis data, not the user provided estimatesThe Gantt charts and network diagram display the PERT Analysis data, not the user provided estimates• SaveSave the project and explore the views! the project and explore the views!

Explore the other views after the PERT Analysis is complete

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• Gantt ChartGantt Chart view view– Notice the critical path in red?Notice the critical path in red?

Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample ProjectExplore the other views after the PERT Analysis is

complete

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Network DiagramNetwork Diagram • Notice the Notice the Critical PathCritical Path in in RedRed? The ? The Critical TasksCritical Tasks in in RedRed and non-critical tasks in and non-critical tasks in

blueblue??– MS Project calculates dates and durations…MS Project calculates dates and durations…

Explore the other views after the PERT Analysis is complete

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Calendar viewCalendar view… an easy-to-read planning … an easy-to-read planning

calendarcalendar

Explore the other views after the PERT Analysis is complete

(Extract of the calendar view)

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Other views include tracking, optimistic, and pessimistic Gantt charts…Other views include tracking, optimistic, and pessimistic Gantt charts…

(under (under more viewsmore views tab) tab)– Note: do not reformat the pessimistic and optimistic Gantt views, the dates will be Note: do not reformat the pessimistic and optimistic Gantt views, the dates will be

alteredaltered

Explore the other views after the PERT Analysis is complete

Tracking Gantt

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample ProjectExplore the other views after the PERT Analysis is

complete

Pessimistic Gantt

Optimistic Gantt

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Next, build a resource listNext, build a resource list

– A list of people and equipment needed for the projectA list of people and equipment needed for the project– Use either the wizard or the resource sheet viewUse either the wizard or the resource sheet view

Building a Resource List

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• For this project use the following information:For this project use the following information:

– PaintersPainters• Ben Johnson, $10/hr, OT $15/hr Ben Johnson, $10/hr, OT $15/hr • Amy Wilson, $17.50/hr, OT $25/hrAmy Wilson, $17.50/hr, OT $25/hr

– LandscapersLandscapers• Adam Stevens, $20/hr, OT $30/hrAdam Stevens, $20/hr, OT $30/hr• Jill Morris, $25/hr, OT $35/hrJill Morris, $25/hr, OT $35/hr

• Contracted Equipment/workersContracted Equipment/workers– Concrete crew, $15/hr, OT $25/hrConcrete crew, $15/hr, OT $25/hr– Framers and Roofers crews, $10/hr, OT $20/hrFramers and Roofers crews, $10/hr, OT $20/hr– Electrician, $40/hr, OT $60/hrElectrician, $40/hr, OT $60/hr

Building a Resource List

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• The resource sheet should look like this:The resource sheet should look like this:

Building a Resource List

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Assign resources to tasks by any of several methods:Assign resources to tasks by any of several methods:

– In the In the Task Information boxTask Information box– In theIn the task list task list area (WBS)area (WBS)– In the PERT Entry SheetIn the PERT Entry Sheet– Through the WizardThrough the Wizard

Assigning Resources to the tasks

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• For this project, 100% of the resource time is available, if For this project, 100% of the resource time is available, if

it needs to be changed, do so through the it needs to be changed, do so through the resource sheetresource sheet viewview

Assigning Resources to the tasks

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Assign tasks as follows:Assign tasks as follows:

Assigning Resources to the tasks

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• As assignments are made, MS Project calculates the costs…As assignments are made, MS Project calculates the costs…• All required entries and calculations are done…save the All required entries and calculations are done…save the

project!project!

Assigning Resources to the tasks

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Checking the project statistics yields a Checking the project statistics yields a

snapshot of costs and timessnapshot of costs and times

Check the Project Statistics

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Saving a project baseline allows a user to track progress Saving a project baseline allows a user to track progress

and compare project expectationsand compare project expectations– Compare estimates against actual durations, costs etcCompare estimates against actual durations, costs etc

Saving a Project Baseline

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• A User can save up to 11 baselines in MS ProjectA User can save up to 11 baselines in MS Project• Very useful for situations where:Very useful for situations where:

– New tasks are addedNew tasks are added– The scope of the project changesThe scope of the project changes– Unexpected delays occurUnexpected delays occur– The project is crashedThe project is crashed– The project is relaxedThe project is relaxed

• Save each baseline as a new number using the scroll down menu in the save baseline areaSave each baseline as a new number using the scroll down menu in the save baseline area

Saving a Project Baseline

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• The project is functional and complete but adding a few extra The project is functional and complete but adding a few extra

touches gives it structuretouches gives it structure• Add a top level task that serves as a title and project overviewAdd a top level task that serves as a title and project overview

Adding A Few Personalized Touches

•Indent all subsequent tasks• Do not assign resources• Marked critical

•But is Not critical for PERT Risk analysis purposes

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Add a milestone that serves as project Add a milestone that serves as project

closureclosure

Adding A Few Personalized Touches

•Link to all other physical tasks•Mark dependencies as FF (Finish to Finish) in Task Info Tab

• Do not assign resources• Marked critical

•But is Not critical for PERT Risk analysis purposes

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Adjust Fonts for personal preferenceAdjust Fonts for personal preference

Adding A Few Personalized Touches

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Divide tasks into phasesDivide tasks into phases

– Useful for large or complex projectsUseful for large or complex projects– Does not change project costs/duration/integrityDoes not change project costs/duration/integrity– Useful where functional use can be derived from completed tasks where project is completed in phasesUseful where functional use can be derived from completed tasks where project is completed in phases

Adding A Few Personalized Touches

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• The result is a professional, highly visual The result is a professional, highly visual

planplan

Adding A Few Personalized Touches

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Updating a Sample ProjectUpdating a Sample Project• Updating a project is simple if a few basic rules are rememberedUpdating a project is simple if a few basic rules are remembered

– Update the % complete Update the % complete andand the date the work is the date the work is donedone• Otherwise MS Project assumes the date the task is competed is the date the task was scheduled to be completedOtherwise MS Project assumes the date the task is competed is the date the task was scheduled to be completed

– Enter a finish date Enter a finish date onlyonly when the task is finished when the task is finished– Enter a % complete (when work is in progress but not complete) so MS Project can track and forecast task and project completionEnter a % complete (when work is in progress but not complete) so MS Project can track and forecast task and project completion

Updating a Project

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Building a Sample ProjectBuilding a Sample Project• Updates can be made on Gantt view Updates can be made on Gantt view Task ListTask List

(WBS) view or in the (WBS) view or in the Task Information TabTask Information Tab

Assigning Resources to the tasks

Task Information Tab

Gantt view Task List

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Managing a Sample ProjectManaging a Sample Project• Simple reports can help all concerned stay in touch with a projectSimple reports can help all concerned stay in touch with a project

– Go to Go to ReportsReports on the View menu for a wide range of wizard driven reports – on the View menu for a wide range of wizard driven reports – or create a custom report!or create a custom report!

Reports and graphs

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Managing a Sample ProjectManaging a Sample Project• Budget overviews…Budget overviews…

Budget Reports

And budget reports that show under and over budget tasks and resources…

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Managing a Sample ProjectManaging a Sample ProjectCross tabs

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Managing a Sample ProjectManaging a Sample Project• Projects can be crashed using MS ProjectProjects can be crashed using MS Project

– Add extra resources to the resource list and assign them to tasks to shorten project duration Add extra resources to the resource list and assign them to tasks to shorten project duration and/orand/or– Assign existing resources overtime (OT) workAssign existing resources overtime (OT) work– To assign overtime, insert 2 new columns in the To assign overtime, insert 2 new columns in the Task Usage View and add OT as appropriateTask Usage View and add OT as appropriate

Crashing a Project

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Managing a Sample ProjectManaging a Sample Project• Projects can be crashed using MS ProjectProjects can be crashed using MS Project

– Crash projects with caution – it is a disruptive actionCrash projects with caution – it is a disruptive action• Do a Do a what ifwhat if crashing exercise and save the baseline separately, keeping the original project intact – allows exploration without risk crashing exercise and save the baseline separately, keeping the original project intact – allows exploration without risk

– Compute crash savings and costs – how much time will be saved and how many extra $ it will costCompute crash savings and costs – how much time will be saved and how many extra $ it will cost• Refer to early instruction units for these techniques Refer to early instruction units for these techniques oror• Examine variances between baseline in MS ProjectExamine variances between baseline in MS Project

Crashing a Project

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Managing a Sample ProjectManaging a Sample Project• Project will update the costs and changed durations accordinglyProject will update the costs and changed durations accordingly• Remember – effort required to complete a task/project remains fixed, only duration changesRemember – effort required to complete a task/project remains fixed, only duration changes• Save the baseline of a crashed project to compare against original estimates and expectationsSave the baseline of a crashed project to compare against original estimates and expectations• Be sure to check critical tasks status; non-critical tasks may become critical after crashingBe sure to check critical tasks status; non-critical tasks may become critical after crashing

Crashing a Project

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Managing a Sample ProjectManaging a Sample Project• MS Project does not MS Project does not

– Compute probability of on-time completionCompute probability of on-time completion• Do this using the Excel PERT CalculatorDo this using the Excel PERT Calculator

– Refer to previous instruction for this techniqueRefer to previous instruction for this technique

What MS Project does not do

For this project, there is a 39.64% probability of completing the project within 13 weeks (the PERT likely duration)…

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Managing a Sample ProjectManaging a Sample ProjectWhat MS Project does not do

… a 90.54% probability of completing the project within 15 weeks…

INCLUDE ONLY CRITICAL TASKS IN PERT RISK ANALYSIS

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Managing a Sample ProjectManaging a Sample ProjectWhat MS Project does not do

…but only a 3.30% probability of completing the project within 11 weeks.

INCLUDE ONLY CRITICAL TASKS IN PERT RISK ANALYSIS

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• A strong tool that saves timeA strong tool that saves time• Makes tracking project status easyMakes tracking project status easy• Makes communicating project status easyMakes communicating project status easy• Be prepared before beginningBe prepared before beginning• Use the program resources for assistanceUse the program resources for assistance

– Wizards, guides and help functionWizards, guides and help function• Save the project data often (in 2 places)Save the project data often (in 2 places)

MS ProjectMS ProjectReview and Final Thoughts

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• KISSKISS ( (KKeep eep IIt t SSimple imple SSon)on)• Stay in touch with the projectStay in touch with the project• If the plan doesn’t seem right it probably If the plan doesn’t seem right it probably

isn’t – track down suspected isn’t – track down suspected discrepanciesdiscrepancies

• Practice makes perfectPractice makes perfect• MS Project get easier to use with practiceMS Project get easier to use with practice• Start with default settings and then Start with default settings and then

customizecustomize

MS ProjectMS ProjectReview and Final Thoughts

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• MS Project automaticallyMS Project automatically– Identifies Critical tasks & the Critical Path Identifies Critical tasks & the Critical Path

(in (in REDRED))– Computes Late/Early start and finish datesComputes Late/Early start and finish dates– Computes Total Slack (A.K.A Total Float)Computes Total Slack (A.K.A Total Float)

• Critical tasks will Critical tasks will alwaysalways have ZERO Total Slack have ZERO Total Slack• Effort to complete a task is fixedEffort to complete a task is fixed

– Duration changes by adding or subtracting Duration changes by adding or subtracting resources; more resources = less durationresources; more resources = less duration

MS ProjectMS ProjectReview and Final Thoughts

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• Even the best plan is still an estimateEven the best plan is still an estimate• A plan is only as good as the data it usesA plan is only as good as the data it uses

– Bad estimates = bad plansBad estimates = bad plans• Risk Analysis must be computed separatelyRisk Analysis must be computed separately

• Construct and use an Excel-based PERT Risk CalculatorConstruct and use an Excel-based PERT Risk Calculator• MS Project is just a tool, the manager owns the MS Project is just a tool, the manager owns the

project and is responsible for its healthproject and is responsible for its health• Communicate status frequently and clearlyCommunicate status frequently and clearly

MS ProjectMS ProjectReview and Final Thoughts

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Resources Used in This UnitResources Used in This Unit• Dr. Anthony FilipovitchDr. Anthony Filipovitch• MS Project, by Microsoft CorporationMS Project, by Microsoft Corporation• MS Excel, by Microsoft CorporationMS Excel, by Microsoft Corporation• PM Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), PM Body of Knowledge (PMBOK),

Philadelphia: PMI, 2000Philadelphia: PMI, 2000

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You have completed URBS 609 Project Unit 3

Please proceed to URBS 609

Project Management AssignmentThis Unit of Instruction was crafted by Robert Hugg For Minnesota State University, Mankato Urban and Regional Studies

Institute - 2004