Introduction to Microsoft Project for Project Managers

With 30 years of hands-on project leadership across industries and 25 years with Microsoft Project, Allen brings unparalleled perspective to modern project delivery. His career spans Fortune 500 enterprise transformations, complex infrastructure rollouts, and mission-critical software implementations - all powered by MS Project’s evolving toolkit.

Why you should Attend

MS Project is a useful tool for structuring, planning and managing projects both within a PMO and independently. This webinar will give an overview of the tool and point towards the powerful features that can help deliver successful projects.

Here are 5 key benefits of using Microsoft Project in project management:

Centralized Planning Platform
Provides a unified workspace to define tasks, dependencies, and milestones, ensuring all stakeholders access the same updated information.
Advanced Scheduling Tools
Features Gantt charts, critical path analysis, and timeline views to optimize task sequencing and deadline management.
Resource Allocation Tracking
Enables visual monitoring of team workloads, equipment usage, and budget expenditures to prevent over-commitment.
Built-in Reporting Templates
Generates progress dashboards, budget variance reports, and resource utilization analytics for stakeholder updates.
Microsoft Ecosystem Integration
Seamlessly connects with Power BI (for data visualization), Teams (collaboration), and Azure DevOps (agile workflows).

Areas Covered in the Session

Introduction to MS Project
- Interface Overview: Key components (Gantt Chart, Task Sheet, Timeline)
- Project Setup: Calendars, start/end dates, critical path basics
- Use Cases: When to use MS Project vs. simpler tools (Excel, Trello)
Core Scheduling & Planning
- Task Management:
  - Creating tasks/subtasks, durations, milestones
  - Dependencies (FS, SS, FF, SF) and constraints
- Gantt Chart Basics:
  - Customizing views, critical path visualization
  - Baseline setup for tracking
Resource & Budget Control
- Resource Allocation:
  - Assigning teams/equipment, resolving overallocation
  - Cost tracking (fixed vs. variable costs)
- Workload Balancing: Using "Level Resources" tool
Tracking & Reporting
- Progress Monitoring:
  - Updating task status (% complete, actual vs. planned)
  - Variance analysis (schedule/cost)
- Reporting Tools:
  - Prebuilt dashboards (Burndown, Resource Usage)
  - Exporting to Power BI/Excel for advanced visuals
Pro Tips & Q&A Best Practices:
- Template creation for recurring projects
- Integrating with Teams/Azure DevOps
- Avoiding common pitfalls (overcomplicating plans)

Who Will Benefit

Project Professionals
Project Managers
Scrum Masters
Product Managers
Product Owners
Business Analyst
System Analyst
Program Managers

Speaker Profile

Allen Evitts is a seasoned project management professional with extensive experience in the field. With a career span of over two decades, Allen has successfully led numerous projects across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and construction. Allen's expertise lies in both traditional and Agile project management methodologies, making them a versatile and knowledgeable instructor. Allen has a proven track record of delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of stakeholders. Their ability to organize, communicate, and lead teams has earned them recognition as a top project management consultant. Allen's approach to project management is rooted in practical, real-world experience, ensuring that participants in their webinars gain valuable insights and actionable skills.

In addition to their professional experience, Allen is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds certifications in Agile methodologies, including Scrum Master, and in Cybersecurity. Allen is also an active member of the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Allen's passion for teaching and mentoring has led them to develop and deliver comprehensive training programs that empower project professionals to excel in their roles. Their engaging and interactive teaching style ensures that participants not only learn the essential skills but also feel confident in applying them to their projects. Join Allen Evitts in the webinar "Organize, Communicate, Lead: Essential Skills for Project Professionals" to enhance your project management skills and lead your projects to success!