Master Project Planning, Scheduling, and Execution with Industry-Leading Project Management Software
This advanced-level course is tailored for professionals aiming to master project planning, resource allocation, schedule management, and cost control. It provides hands-on training using Microsoft Project, equipping participants with practical skills and tools applied in real-world project environments. Suitable across industries such as construction, engineering, IT, and operations, the course empowers learners to plan, track, and deliver successful projects within scope, time, and budget.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Utilize Microsoft Project for advanced scheduling and milestone tracking
- Develop Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and manage task dependencies and constraints
- Apply resource management techniques to optimize productivity and avoid over-allocation
- Conduct cost estimation, budget forecasting, and Earned Value Management (EVM)
- Monitor and control project performance using baselines and variance analysis
- Create professional reports and dashboards for executive presentation
- Integrate Microsoft Project with Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and related tools
- Simulate project scenarios through real-world case studies
Target Audience
- Project Managers and Program Coordinators
- Engineers, Construction Managers, and Civil Supervisors
- PMO Analysts and Project Schedulers
- IT Project Leaders and Business Analysts
- Contract Managers and Procurement Professionals
- Professionals preparing for PMP, CAPM, or PRINCE2 certifications
Course Modules
Module 1: Introduction to MS Project and the Project Lifecycle
- Overview of Microsoft Project interface
- Setting up project files and calendars
- Project lifecycle phases and alignment with business goals
Module 2: Advanced Task Management and Critical Path Method (CPM)
- Task creation, dependencies, and constraints
- Critical Path analysis and Gantt Chart customization
Module 3: Resource Allocation, Leveling, and Optimization
- Building and managing resource pools
- Assigning and leveling resources
- Calendar and availability adjustments
Module 4: Project Costing, Budgeting, and Earned Value Analysis (EVA)
- Cost estimation and tracking
- Key EVA indicators: PV, EV, AC, CPI, SPI, EAC, ETC
Module 5: Managing Master Projects and Subprojects
- Structuring and linking multi-project files
- Inter-project dependency management
Module 6: Tracking Progress – Baselines, Milestones, and Variance Analysis
- Baseline setting and progress tracking
- Performance measurement using variance analysis
Module 7: Building Custom Reports and Interactive Dashboards
- Creating reports and dashboards with visual metrics
- Exporting reports for stakeholder engagement
Module 8: MS Project Integration with Office 365, Excel, and SharePoint
- Data sharing with Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint
- Collaboration using Microsoft Teams and Outlook
Module 9: Real-World Case Studies – From Planning to Execution
- Application of MS Project in diverse industries
- Simulation exercises and team-based problem solving
Module 10: Presenting a Comprehensive Project Plan
- Final project preparation and presentation
- Full reporting and instructor-led review
Key Beneficiaries
- Construction and Engineering Companies
- IT and Software Development Teams
- NGOs and Development Organizations
- Government Ministries and Public Sector Units
- Research Institutions and Academia
- Corporate Project Teams managing large-scale schedules
General Information
- Instructor-Led Sessions: Delivered by certified project management experts
- Practical Learning: Includes hands-on simulations and real-world case applications
- Certificate of Completion: Awarded upon successful completion
- Flexible Learning: Available as a 5-day intensive or a 2-week part-time option
- Training Format: Delivered onsite (Stepsure Training Centers or client venues) or live online
- Post-Training Mentorship: Access to ongoing instructor support
Contact Details
Email: info@stepsureresearchinstitute.org
Phone/WhatsApp: +254 723 482 495 | +254 757 155 287
Website: www.stepsureresearchinstitute.org
