This class project was a LinkedIn learning assignment called Microsoft Project 2016 Essential Training with instructor Bonnie Biafore.
The learning journey began with practical methods for working with a project in Microsoft Project, such as navigation, using the ribbon to find valuable tools, and finding special commands. We then delved into setting up project files, including the basics of saving projects, updating them, setting up calendars in a project, importing Excel files, and bread-and-butter tools like working and nonworking timelines.
The third section provided a comprehensive understanding of creating tasks, a key aspect of Microsoft Project. Biafore discussed creating tasks manually, automatically, and on a schedule. Biafore also covered specific task types, such as reoccurring, milestone, and summary tasks. The short fourth section further expanded on tasks, and covered linking tasks to project information, scheduling tasks with lag and lead time, and various viewing options for current/past task objectives.
Sections five and six were all about resources. Understanding your resources and your resource limitations is critical for completing any project. Microsoft Project allows you to track resources. We covered created work, material, cost resources, and their application. Section six expanded on resources, showing resource allocation and specific methods for preventing an over-allocation of resources with built-in Microsoft Project tools.
Section seven covered views, which are critical for maintaining organization. Visual information often makes large amounts of information easier to navigate and pull insights from. Microsoft Project views aim to do this. Using various filtering options, you can filter tasks and resources to highlight certain aspects. Every view has a slew of modification options, such as text, taskbar layout, and view location, which Biafore covered.
Sections eight and nine focused on fine-tuning options in Microsoft Projects and tracking and management solutions. Task splitting and leveling resources are particularly useful for specific scenarios and problems that arise from any project. In addition, features like overtime for employees and updating schedules/costs as the project continues were covered in this section, which helps demonstrate Microsoft Project’s ability to adapt throughout the project cycle. The final section covered importing and exporting options and ways to share the project with others.
Overall, this LinkedIn learning has expanded my understanding of Microsoft Project, a software tool I didn’t know existed until I took this course. It has also equipped me with the confidence to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios. I now feel that I have a beginner’s level understanding of this tool, and with actual use, I can further build on these basics.
CertificateOfCompletion_Microsoft Project 2016 Essential Training
