Microsoft® Project: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction

What is this course about?

This course provides a complete hands-on introduction to Microsoft Project. During this three day comprehensive course, you will learn how to effectively schedule, optimize, track, analyze and report on your project's tasks and resources. The course focuses on the application's basic functionality while providing opportunities to learn intermediate and advanced functionality. Most of the course exercises are based on a single, real-world project that helps you build practical skills that you can transfer into the field. You will leave this course with an understanding of how to use Microsoft Project to efficiently develop realistic schedules.

Who will benefit from this course?

This course is beneficial for anyone who requires hands-on training in the effective use of Microsoft Project for project planning and control. Those who would benefit from attending this course might have the following, or similar, responsibilities:

• Installing a new network
• Scheduling a migration program
• Moving the company office
• Replacing hardware
• Managing a project team
• Scheduling subcontractors
• Analyzing project plans developed by others

What background do I need?

A familiarity with project management terminology such as tasks, resources and critical path is helpful. Basic project management experience at the level of Course 296, Project Management: Skills for Success, or Course 340, Project Management for Software Development, is helpful but not required to take this course. Course 296 teaches the principles and best practices of running a broad range of projects. It also provides an overview of various PC-based project management packages, including Microsoft Project Professional, for those who are undecided about the appropriate product for their needs. Course 340 focuses on the unique aspects of software development projects. Participants should not take both Course 296 and Course 340; there is significant overlap in the content of these two courses.

I already have a working knowledge of Microsoft® Project, will I benefit from taking this course?

Microsoft Project 2007, 2010 and 2013 are similar in terms of core functionality. The Ribbon interface, introduced in Microsoft Project 2010, is the main difference between the 2007 and 2010/2013 versions. The main difference between 2010 and 2013 is new reporting functionality. We recommend that you attend this course if you are unfamiliar with the Ribbon interface and would like to refresh your knowledge of Microsoft Project. We would not recommend you attend this course if you have a working knowledge of Microsoft Project and can confidently navigate the Microsoft Project interface.

Will this course help me with a project I am currently involved in?

Yes. You gain the skills needed to review the project, obtain vital project information and analyze options to bring your project back on track using Microsoft Project.

With what kinds of projects will this help me?

Microsoft Project can be used to manage any type of project imaginable. Although most of our participants come from information technology backgrounds, the course is equally suitable for any kind of a project-from planning a special event to rolling out a new product.

What version of Microsoft® Project is covered in this course?

This course is designed to cover Microsoft Project® 2010 and 2013. As most of the core functionality is identical in both versions, the course can effectively serve both groups of users. The course highlights version differences and provides separate exercise manuals for the two versions, allowing you to choose the version that better suits your needs.

Is Project Server covered in this course?

Project Server is not explicitly covered in this course; however, Project Server contains a subset of the Microsoft Project client's core scheduling functionality. This allows Project Server users to create schedules using similar techniques.

How much time is spent on each topic?

Times, including the workshops, are estimates; exact times may vary according to the needs of each class.

What kinds of hands-on exercises does this course include?

Practical, skill-building exercises account for 40 percent of class time and teach you how to use Microsoft Project to develop and optimize schedules, control the schedule, and report on schedule data. In addition to the exercises that reinforce the main course objectives, the course offers several intermediate and advanced exercises for those interested in expanding their skill set. Exercises include:

• Creating project plans, tasks, summary tasks and milestones
• Constructing and changing task dependencies
• Assigning resources to tasks
• Controlling project, task and resource calendars
• Setting baselines and tracking progress
• Generating project reports

I'm attending this course from work using AnyWare-Learning Tree's web-based remote attendance platform. How will that impact what I learn?

You will participate fully in the course and acquire the same knowledge and skills as your classmates who participate in the classroom. You will have the same course materials, be able to easily communicate back and forth and ask questions of your instructors and peers, and you will control an in-classroom workstation dedicated entirely to you. Your instructor will be able to see exactly what you're doing and can interactively offer concrete help.

Is this course applicable toward a Project Management Institute (PMI) certification?

Yes. Though this course is not designed as preparation for an exam, it is beneficial to anyone working toward, or maintaining, a PMI certification. Most PMI certifications require a specific number of PDUs in order to obtain and maintain the credential. Completion of this course provides 17 professional development units (PDUs).

Learning Tree offers several courses that help you prepare for PMI certifications, including Course 276, Preparing for the Project Management Professional (PMP)^® Exam, which prepares you for PMI's most popular certification. For more details on these courses and PMI certifications, please see the Learning Tree PMI Registered Education Provider Q&A.

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

In addition to the aforementioned helpful courses (see "What background do I need?"), other related courses include:

• 1501, SharePoint® 2010 Technologies: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction
• 287, Complex Project Management
• 290, Management Skills

Many Learning Tree courses provide college credit and industry continuing education credits. You can also earn a Learning Tree Professional Certification in your area of expertise and prepare for popular industry certifications. See below for continuing professional development credits associated with this course.

	This course qualifies for 1 semester hour of college credit as certified by the American Council on Education's College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT). Read More...
	This course qualifies for 17 CPE credits from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy CPE program. Read More...
	This course is approved by PMI® for 17 professional development units (PDUs). For more on the Project Management Institute and a full list of courses approved for PDUs. Read More...