Microsoft Project – Fundamentals

Module 1: Getting Started with Microsoft Project

• Introduction to Microsoft Project: versions and licensing (Project Standard, Professional, Online)
• Understanding the Project interface: ribbon, Gantt chart, timeline
• Creating a new project: setting start date, calendar, and project properties
• Understanding the Project file structure (.mpp format)
• Key views in MS Project: Gantt Chart, Network Diagram, Calendar, Resource Sheet
• Configuring options and preferences for efficient project management

Module 2: Building Your Project Schedule

• Creating tasks and subtasks in the task list
• Outlining: creating WBS using indent and outdent
• Task types: fixed duration, fixed work, fixed units – when to use each
• Setting task durations and milestones
• Adding task notes, hyperlinks, and attachments
• Summary tasks and the project summary row

Module 3: Linking Tasks & Scheduling Logic

• Creating task dependencies: Finish-to-Start, Start-to-Start, Finish-to-Finish, Start-to-Finish
• Adding lead and lag time to relationships
• How MS Project calculates the schedule (forward/backward pass)
• Understanding Total Slack, Free Slack, and the Critical Path
• Identifying and highlighting the critical path
• Using deadline dates vs task constraints

Module 4: Resource Management Basics

• Creating the resource sheet: work, material, and cost resources
• Assigning resources to tasks using the Assign Resources dialog
• Understanding resource-driven vs fixed-duration scheduling
• Resource calendars and availability settings
• Identifying over-allocated resources using Resource Usage view
• Basic resource levelling in MS Project

Module 5: Cost Management

• Setting resource rates: standard rate, overtime rate, and cost per use
• Fixed costs and cost accrual methods
• Viewing project costs using the Cost table
• Budget resources and project budget setting
• Cost baseline vs actual costs
• Tracking cost performance using tables and reports

Module 6: Setting Baselines & Tracking Progress

• Why baselines matter: the foundation of schedule control
• Setting the project baseline (Baseline 0 through Baseline 10)
• Updating task progress: % complete, actual duration, remaining duration
• Using the tracking Gantt to compare planned vs actual
• The project status date and how it affects calculations
• Rescheduling uncompleted work

Module 7: Views, Tables, Filters & Reports

• Customising views: columns, row height, and text styles
• Creating and applying custom tables and filters
• Using Groups to organise tasks
• MS Project's built-in visual reports (burndown, resource overview)
• Printing Gantt charts and project reports
• Exporting to Excel, PDF, and sharing with stakeholders

Module 8: Project Online & Practical Assessment

• Introduction to Project Online and Project for the Web
• Sharing and collaborating on project plans in the cloud
• Integration with Microsoft 365: Teams, SharePoint, and Planner
• Common project management mistakes and how MS Project prevents them
• Real-world project planning exercise (end-to-end)
• Preparing for PMP and CAPM using MS Project skills

Accredited Microsoft Project Trainers Our Microsoft Project instructors hold Microsoft certifications and have trained thousands of professionals across finance, construction, IT, and healthcare. They bring real project management experience to every lesson, ensuring theory is always grounded in practical application.

Project Managers First, Trainers Second Every instructor has worked as a practising project manager before entering training. They understand the pressures of managing stakeholders, tight deadlines, and resource constraints — and they teach MS Project as a tool that solves real problems, not just software features.

Tailored for Different Industries Our team has experience training project managers in construction, software development, pharmaceutical, and public sector environments. Exercises and examples are drawn from these industries to make learning immediately relevant.

Clear, Jargon-Free Communication Whether you're brand new to project management or an experienced PM learning MS Project for the first time, our instructors pitch their delivery at the right level — clear, structured, and always open to questions.

Ongoing Resources & Community Access After the course, learners gain access to our MS Project template library, exercise files, and an online community where instructors regularly answer questions and share tips for getting the most from Microsoft Project.