Microsoft Project is a powerful and highly effective tool used by managers, project leads, and supervisors to successfully plan, organize, and execute projects of all shapes and sizes. In fact, anybody who’s responsible for planning and implementing a job, from writing and checking off a shopping list to manufacturing the next generation of aircraft carriers, can benefit from an understanding of how Project can be used to get things done and stay on top of the job.

This webinar provides an introductory overview of MS Project, its key capabilities, features, tools, and functions. It is intended for those who are new to Project and have never used the software before, but it’s also for those who may have some basic familiarity and want a refresher. It will be helpful for those who only need to make use of a few basic functions Project has to offer, but who would also like an overview of the full scope and complexity the tool is capable of.

As with any tool, Project is most effective when its user has a clear understanding of its capabilities and how they relate to the user’s own unique needs. 

We’ll begin with a brief exploration of Project’s place in the current landscape of project management software, and a comparison with its major competitors. In this introduction we’ll also cover some differences between the latest versus previous versions of Project, including its browser-, desktop-, and cloud-based applications.

Following a walk-through of Project’s interface and navigation features, the bulk of the session will explore the most commonly used and widely-applicable features of the application, including: setting up a schedule; creating work tasks; loading resources; monitoring task execution; and adjusting your schedule based on performance. We’ll include real-life examples, “how-to” job aids, tips & tricks, and useful shortcuts. 

The webinar will conclude with a review of Project’s capabilities to visualize and present your schedule, as well as reporting and exporting options, collaboration tools, and compatibility with other applications.

Microsoft Project is considered the industry standard project management software throughout the world, and is widely used by large, mid-sized, and small businesses, beating out a growing field of competitors including Jira, Trello, Smartsheet, and Monday. In fact, data shows that adoption of MS Project among US businesses is growing. 

Companies use Project because of its versatility, stability, wealth of features, and integration with the wider ecosystem of Microsoft products.

In many organizations, proficiency in Project is a preferred (if not a required) skill for leadership positions. Whether or not you have a personal preference for other tools, having even a basic grasp of MS Project will give you a competitive advantage within your organization and on the job market, and better prospects for career advancement.

The power of MS Project comes from its versatile application to all stages of the project lifecycle; from planning to execution, from monitoring and controlling to successful delivery. Whether you’re a multi-billion-dollar corporation engineering the next commercial airliner or a local non-profit planning a fundraising event, Project is a powerful tool that aligns with the core tenets of successful project management.

The problem for most first-time users of MS Project is its sheer scale and complexity. It’s an incredibly powerful, feature-rich, and notoriously confusing application and most of us only need to use a fraction of its full toolset. How do we wrangle this monster to find and master just the specific features we need?