Master Microsoft Project - From Setup to Execution!

Microsoft Project is more than just scheduling software--it's a comprehensive project management tool that helps professionals plan, execute, monitor, and close projects efficiently. Whether you're managing a simple task list or a multi-phase initiative with cross-functional teams, this hands-on online course will equip you with the skills to harness Microsoft Project's full potential.

Participants will gain practical experience creating detailed project plans, building dynamic work breakdown structures, allocating resources intelligently, and analyzing progress to keep projects on track. Designed for both new and intermediate users, this course emphasizes real-world application and introduces best practices used by experienced project managers across industries.

Topics Covered in This Course:

 1. Introduction to Microsoft Project

• Navigating the user interface with confidence
• Understanding key project management terminology
• Using core functions and commands effectively

2. Setting Up Project Files 

• Creating and structuring new projects from scratch
• Configuring calendars to match organizational working times
• Customizing default settings, preferences, and project properties
• Saving, sharing, and organizing project files for collaboration

3. Creating Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) 

• Developing clear and logical task hierarchies
• Understanding task types:
• Auto-scheduled vs. manually scheduled
• Recurring and summary tasks
• Defining project milestones
• Applying and customizing WBS codes for task tracking

 4. Creating Project Schedules

• Sequencing tasks with logical relationships
• Understanding dependencies and using precedence effectively
• Managing float/slack and optimizing timelines
• Applying date constraints and understanding their impact
• Identifying and analyzing the project's critical path

5. Managing Resources 

• Creating and categorizing resource types (work, material, cost)
• Assigning resources to tasks and understanding workload impact
• Using resource leveling to resolve over-allocations and bottlenecks
• Monitoring resource availability and efficiency

 6. Managing and Reviewing Projects

• Reviewing and refining the critical path for key deliverables
• Using the Task Inspector tool to identify issues and recommendations
• Creating baselines to track progress against the original plan
• Entering actuals and updating schedules
• Generating reports to communicate project status and metrics
• Printing timelines and dashboards for presentations or meetings

By the end of the course, participants will leave with a working project plan, practical tips for maintaining schedule integrity, and the confidence to manage projects from planning through execution using Microsoft Project.

NOTE: This is an interactive session. Participants must have Microsoft Project 2016 or 2019 installed.  The use of a second screen or device is highly recommended.

Course Duration: 1 day | Continuing Education Contact Hours: 7

Instructor(s)

Morgan Lee

Morgan Lee joined Memorial University's Faculty of Business Administration in the Fall 2023 semester as an instructor in Project Management. Prior to joining the Faculty of Business Administration, Morgan graduated from the Masters of Technology Management program at the Marine Institute. Morgan is a PMI-certified Agile Project Manager, an IIBA Certified Business Analysis Practitioner, and a Project Management Specialist for Nasdaq/Verafin.

Morgan has more than 20 years of Project Management and Business Analysis experience, primarily in telecommunication, software development, and Information Technology, and has worked with several organizations and consulting firms in Canada, the United States, and the UK.