Advanced Microsoft Project Course

Lesson 1 • Global Templates and Options

Configure global settings and save reusable templates to enforce organisational standards. These settings propagate defaults across all new project files.

Lesson 2 • Navigating the MS Project Interface

Explore the ribbon, backstage view, and status bar to build interface fluency. This foundation supports efficient use of all subsequent features.

Lesson 3 • Creating and Configuring a New Project

Set project start date, calendar, and file properties before adding any tasks. Correct setup prevents scheduling errors throughout the project lifecycle.

Lesson 4 • Project Views and Screen Layouts

Understand the full range of built-in views and how to switch between them. Selecting the right view accelerates data entry and analysis.

Lesson 1 • Task Constraints and Deadlines

Apply scheduling constraints and deadline dates to reflect real-world commitments. Constraints override network logic, so their impact must be understood.

Lesson 2 • Task Dependencies and Relationships

Link tasks using all four dependency types and apply lead and lag time. Dependencies form the logical network that drives the critical path.

Lesson 3 • Entering and Organising Tasks

Add summary tasks, subtasks, and milestones to build the project outline. Proper indentation and ordering reflect the logical flow of work.

Lesson 4 • Task Durations and Scheduling Modes

Assign durations and choose between auto-scheduled and manually scheduled modes. These choices directly control how MS Project calculates the schedule.

Lesson 1 • Resource Calendars and Availability

Set individual resource calendars to reflect vacations and part-time schedules. Resource availability directly affects task scheduling and workload accuracy.

Lesson 2 • Resource Types and the Resource Sheet

Distinguish work, material, and cost resources and enter them in the Resource Sheet. Correct resource types ensure accurate cost and scheduling calculations.

Lesson 3 • Assigning Resources to Tasks

Use the Assign Resources dialog and Task Form to link resources to tasks. Assignments drive both the schedule and the cost baseline simultaneously.

Lesson 4 • Defining Resource Costs

Set standard, overtime, and per-use cost rates for each resource. Accurate rates enable MS Project to calculate total project cost automatically.

Lesson 1 • Schedule Compression Techniques

Apply fast-tracking and crashing to shorten the schedule when deadlines are at risk. Each technique carries cost or quality trade-offs that must be evaluated.

Lesson 2 • Understanding the Critical Path Method

Calculate forward and backward passes to determine early and late dates. The critical path identifies which tasks directly control project finish date.

Lesson 3 • Schedule Quality and Validation

Check for open ends, missing links, and constraint conflicts before baselining. A validated schedule reduces rework and improves forecast reliability.

Lesson 4 • What-If Scenario Analysis

Use interim plans and multiple project copies to test schedule scenarios safely. Scenario analysis supports informed decisions without corrupting the baseline.

Lesson 1 • Validating the Leveled Schedule

Confirm that leveling resolved all overallocations without violating project constraints. A validated leveled schedule is the prerequisite for setting the baseline.

Lesson 2 • Manual Leveling Techniques

Resolve overallocations by splitting tasks, adjusting assignments, and substituting resources. Manual control preserves schedule intent better than automatic leveling.

Lesson 3 • Automatic Resource Leveling

Configure and run MS Project's leveling algorithm to resolve overallocations. Understanding leveling parameters prevents unintended schedule extensions.

Lesson 4 • Detecting Resource Overallocations

Use the Resource Usage view and overallocation indicators to find conflicts. Early detection prevents schedule slippage caused by unrealistic assignments.

Lesson 1 • Cost Baseline and Budget Comparison

Save the cost baseline and compare it against actual and remaining costs. Budget comparison reveals spending trends before they become critical overruns.

Lesson 2 • Project Cost Structure and Budget Fields

Understand how MS Project aggregates resource, fixed, and total costs. A clear cost structure enables accurate budget allocation and reporting.

Lesson 3 • Cost Forecasting and Corrective Actions

Use EAC, ETC, and VAC fields to forecast final project cost and identify corrective actions. Proactive forecasting prevents budget surprises at project completion.

Lesson 4 • Cash Flow and Time-Phased Cost Analysis

Use the Resource Usage view to analyse time-phased cost distribution across the project. Cash flow visibility supports financial planning and funding decisions.

Lesson 1 • Status Date and Rescheduling Incomplete Work

Set the status date and use Reschedule Work to move unfinished tasks forward. Keeping the schedule current ensures forecasts reflect actual project conditions.

Lesson 2 • Tracking Gantt and Variance Analysis

Use the Tracking Gantt to compare baseline versus actual bars visually. Variance fields quantify schedule and cost deviations for management reporting.

Lesson 3 • Earned Value Analysis in MS Project

Calculate EV metrics including SPI, CPI, EAC, and VAC directly within MS Project. Earned value provides an objective, integrated measure of schedule and cost performance.

Lesson 4 • Entering Actual Progress Data

Record actual start, finish, duration, and percent complete to update the schedule. Accurate actuals are the foundation of reliable forecasting and variance analysis.

Lesson 1 • Custom Fields, Formulas, and Graphical Indicators

Create custom text, number, and flag fields with formulas and graphical indicators. Custom fields extend MS Project's native data model to fit organisational needs.

Lesson 2 • Filters, Groups, and Custom Tables

Build custom filters, grouping schemes, and tables to slice project data precisely. These tools enable targeted analysis without altering the underlying project data.

Lesson 3 • Exporting Data to Excel and Power BI

Export project data using maps and direct connections to Excel and Power BI. External tools extend analytical and visualisation capabilities beyond MS Project.

Lesson 4 • Built-In Reports and Report Customisation

Use and modify MS Project's built-in visual reports to meet stakeholder needs. Customised reports reduce manual formatting effort and improve communication clarity.