Microsoft Project Desktop Training: “Zero to Hero” Course

Syllabus + Samples

Course Description

This “hands on” self-paced eLearning course teaches the foundational knowledge required to effectively manage “process agnostic” enterprise projects using Microsoft Project. Our “keep it simple” training approach allows students to master the vital skills they need to effectively plan and manage an enterprise project using Microsoft’s PPM (Project Portfolio Management) tools.

• 69 Bite-Sized Videos: No fluff, just actionable lessons ranging from 3-7 minutes.
• 10 Power-Packed Modules: Each designed to level up your Microsoft Project skills.
• 15 Real-World Project Files: Learn the features that matter, straight from a seasoned expert.

We didn’t throw this course together over a weekend. This curriculum is the result of a year of refinement and 25 years of teaching.

I’ve organized the course into 10 Comprehensive Modules that guide you through the natural lifecycle of a project.

Part 1: Building the Plan (Modules 01-06)
First, we build the foundation. I’ll teach you how to navigate the interface, set up your calendars, and build a schedule that mimics reality. By the end of Module 06, you will have a “locked-in” Baseline.

Part 2: Execution & Reporting (Modules 07-10)
A plan is useless if you can’t track it. In the second half of the course, we shift gears. You’ll learn how to enter updates, handle delays (variance), and generate reports that keep your stakeholders happy. See the Full Syllabus

Audience

This course is focused on the core needs of project managers, project schedulers, and project coordinators who use Microsoft Project desktop to manage projects.

Course Pre-Requisites

Each student must have a copy of one of the following installed on his/her PC:
– Microsoft Project 2016 or higher

Versions of Microsoft Project earlier than the 2016 version do not qualify for this course.

Full Course Syllabus

Module 01: Microsoft Project Overview

• Working with the User Interface
• Understanding the Gantt Chart View
• Understanding the Microsoft Project Data Model
• Understanding and Using Views
• Understanding and Using Tables
• Understanding and Using Filters
• Understanding and Using Groups
• Project Navigation Tips

Module 02: Working with a New Project

• Creating a New Project
  • Creating a New Project from a Template
  • Creating a New Project from a Personal Template
• Working with the Standard Calendar
  • Add Holidays to the Standard Calendar
  • Create a Custom Calendar
  • Copy Calendars to the Global.mpt File
• Defining a New Project
  • Set the Project Start Date
  • Enter Project Properties
  • Display the Project Summary Task
  • Set the Project and Nonworking Time Calendars
  • Set Project Options
  • Save the Project

Module 03: Task Planning

• Understanding Manually Scheduled vs. Auto Scheduled Tasks
• Creating the Task List
• Creating Summary Tasks
• Creating Milestone Tasks
• Entering Duration Estimates
• Specifying Task Dependencies – Overview
• Specifying Task Dependencies in a Real World Project
• Applying Task Constraints
• Applying Deadline Dates
• Applying a Task Calendar
• Using Cell Background Formatting to Highlight Tasks of Interest

Module 04: Resource Planning

• Understanding Project Resource Types
• Creating a Work Resource
• Creating a Generic Resource
• Editing a Work Resource
• Creating a Material Resource
• Creating Budget and Expense Cost Resources

Module 05: Assignment Planning

• Assigning Resources to Tasks: Best Practices
• Assigning Resources to Tasks Using the Task Entry View
• Assigning Resources to Tasks Using the Assign Resources Dialog
• Assigning Material Resources
• Assigning Budget Cost and Expense Cost Resources

Module 06: Completing the Project Schedule

• Performing a Quality Check on the Project Schedule
• Saving and Backing Up a Baseline for the Project

Topical Outline: Execution Training

Module 07: Capturing Task Progress

• Setting the Status Date for the Project
• Manually Entering Task Progress

Module 08: Working with Task Updates

• Rescheduling Incomplete Work from the Past

Module 09: Variance Analysis, Plan Revision, and Change Control

• Analyzing Project Variance
• Revising a Project Schedule
• Adding New Tasks to a Project through Change Control
• Updating the Project Baseline

Module 10: Project Reporting

• Creating a Timeline View
• Formatting the Timeline View
• Exporting the Timeline View to Another Application
• Viewing a Dashboard Report
• Editing a Table in a Dashboard Report
• Editing a Chart in a Dashboard Report