Microsoft Project Training Course

Participants can translate project scope into a structured, logic-linked schedule.

• Build a deliverable-based work breakdown structure using summary tasks
• Enter tasks, milestones, recurring work and phase-gate decision points
• Apply WBS codes, outline levels and task naming conventions
• Sequence work through finish-to-start, start-to-start and finish-to-finish relationships
• Set lead and lag values without masking predecessor logic
• Use task notes, hyperlinks and document references for traceability
• Validate incomplete schedules with the Network Diagram and task inspectors

Participants can estimate durations and apply task controls without distorting schedule logic.

• Estimate task durations using three-point estimates and planning assumptions
• Distinguish elapsed duration, effort, units and fixed task types
• Apply effort-driven scheduling to resource-loaded work packages and assignments
• Choose Fixed Units, Fixed Work or Fixed Duration task types
• Use duration estimates, deadlines and constraints without over-constraining schedules
• Identify hard constraints and replace them with logical dependencies
• Review schedule warnings through the Task Inspector pane

Participants can identify critical work, diagnose schedule risk and assess recovery options.

• Calculate critical path using total slack, free slack and deadlines
• Read Gantt Chart indicators, bar styles and critical task formatting
• Apply schedule compression through crashing and fast tracking decisions
• Use Schedule table fields to diagnose negative slack
• Model buffers for high-risk handoffs and external approval dates
• Run what-if scenarios with alternate dependencies and duration assumptions
• Protect target dates through disciplined schedule risk escalation

Participants can create resource pools, assign work and identify workload conflicts.

• Create work, material and cost resources in the Resource Sheet
• Define Max Units, standard rates, overtime rates and cost accruals
• Assign named resources and generic roles through the Gantt Chart
• Apply resource calendars for part-time staff, shifts and absences
• Control assignment units, work contours and task assignment timing
• Use Resource Usage and Task Usage views to inspect workloads
• Identify overallocations with resource indicators and the Resource Graph

Participants can resolve resource conflicts and create cost-loaded project schedules.

• Resolve overallocations by reassigning work, delaying tasks and splitting assignments
• Run resource levelling with clear order, range and split settings
• Compare automatic and manual levelling consequences before accepting schedule changes
• Build cost estimates from resource rates, fixed costs and material consumption
• Apply cost resources for travel, software licences and subcontract packages
• Review project cash flow with cost tables and timephased views
• Separate contingency allowances from task-level cost estimates and management reserve

Participants can establish baselines and measure schedule and cost performance against approved plans.

• Save baseline, interim plan and project baseline copies at approval
• Set a status date and update actual start dates
• Record actual work, remaining duration and percent complete responsibly
• Differentiate percent complete, physical percent complete and earned value methods
• Calculate PV, EV, AC, CPI and SPI from baseline data
• Interpret cost variance, schedule variance and estimate-at-completion fields
• Use Tracking Gantt and variance tables for control meetings

Participants can update schedules, forecast outcomes and manage approved changes with traceability.

• Update tasks through status date, remaining work and actual cost
• Reschedule incomplete work after status date using Project commands
• Forecast finish dates from current progress, constraints and resource capacity
• Apply change control before revising approved scope, dates or budgets
• Maintain a change log with impact, decision and baseline reference
• Distinguish schedule updates from baseline changes in governance reporting
• Prepare exception reports for late tasks, overruns and new risks

Participants can produce clear schedule views and reports for different stakeholder decisions.

• Select Gantt, Network Diagram, Timeline and Calendar views purposefully
• Create custom tables with fields, filters, groups and sorting
• Apply auto filters and highlight filters for management questions
• Format Gantt bars, milestones and deadlines for executive readability
• Produce visual reports for cash flow, resource work and earned value
• Copy timelines and reports into PowerPoint without obscuring source dates
• Print schedules with page setup, legends and controlled date ranges

Participants can configure reusable controls for linked projects and plan workplace application.

• Link subprojects into a master project without circular dependencies
• Share resources through a resource pool and resolve cross-project conflicts
• Create project templates, calendars and custom fields for repeatable control
• Use custom fields, lookup tables and graphical indicators sparingly
• Set naming conventions, update cycles and schedule ownership roles
• Build a 30-day Microsoft Project application plan for live work
• Define schedule quality checks before publishing stakeholder reports