Product Description

The book is based on Microsoft Office Project 2007 but may be used with Microsoft Project 2000, 2002 or 2003 as the book outlines the differences between the versions. This book may be used with Microsoft Project as either: a self teach book, or a user guide, or a training manual for a two day training course. The book stays focused on the information required to create and update project schedules by: concentrating on the core functions required to plan and control a project; keeping the information relevant to each topic in the appropriate chapter; providing a quick reference at the start of each chapter listing the chapters topics and associated menu commands; and, providing a comprehensive index of topics. This book is designed to teach project team members in any industry how to setup and use the software in a project environment and it: explains in plain English and in a logical sequence the steps required to create and maintain a schedule; highlights the sources of information and methods that should be employed to produce a realistic and useful project schedule; presents workable solutions to real day to day planning and scheduling problems and contains practical advice on how to set up the software and import data; covers each subject in one chapter and the reader does not have to flick backwards and forwards through the book to read about a subject; explains some of the important difference between Microsoft Project and other scheduling software; explains some of the more difficult calculations, that are often omitted in other books, in plain English; and, includes exercises to reinforce the learning outcomes, a large number of screen dumps, numerous tips and a detailed index. It lists every function and form in the book in a very easy to use index that refers the user directly to the page and not to another index item. It has a chapter dedicated to the new functions available in Microsoft Project 2007 and covers some of the more advanced features of the software.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #50964 in Books
• Published on: 2007-03-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Perfect Paperback
• 322 pages

Review
Microsoft(R) Project is a very powerful tool to support project managers planning and managing a project. As a Microsoft(R) Project user and instructor, I have developed a deep respect for the capabilities of the product. Paul Harris has created a book that takes project management professionals through Microsoft(R) Project in a sequence of workshops that ensures that Microsoft(R) Project is setup correctly and information is managed in a logical order. The case study and the screen shots bring the product to life in a very simple and practical way. Paul has also integrated the principles of PRINCE2TM both in providing a context for using Microsoft(R) Project and demonstrating these concepts in the workshops. Overall, I recommend this approach to learning Microsoft(R) Project. Bruce McNaughton Director, Customer Driven Solutions Limited www.process-aide.com or www.processassets.com With 5 years experience as a PRINCE2TM trainer I consider that 'PRINCE2TM Planning and Control Using Microsoft(R) Project 2007' is a timely publication addressing the increasing use of the PRINCE2TM as a corporate project management method or framework. Outside of major engineering organizations Microsoft(R) Project is probably the most widely used project scheduling tool in use today. It is also a fact that many users never receive formal training in the use of the application with the result that the power and flexibility of Microsoft(R) Project is rarely fully utilized. The PRINCE2TM method requires good planning to facilitate resource management, progress tracking and control. Paul Harris' manual unlocks the power and versatility of Microsoft(R) Project with a logical presentation of the tool in the context of a PRINCE2TM project scenario. He clearly identifies the areas where Microsoft(R) Project supports the PRINCE2TM method and is equally candid in addressing areas of weakness, but he always proposes a work-around. This is particularly so in dealing with PRINCE2TMs product-based-planning approach. Chapters I found very useful were those on understanding dependencies, formulating reports and on tracking progress. The mix of information and exercises is very good and this book will be very useful as a day-to-day reference for every project manager. Leo Farrelly PRINCE2TM Trainer Codarra Advanced Systems Pty Ltd, NSW Australia A leading Australian PRINCE2TM Training and Consulting company www.coddara.com.au

About the Author
Paul Harris holds an Honours Degree in Civil Engineering obtained in the UK and is a Certified Cost Engineer through AACEI International, a certified PRINCE2 Practitioner and Approved PRINCE2 Trainer. He has worked in the project controls industry for a number of years and has assisted many companies in a range of industries to set up and run project controls systems. His Melbourne, Australia based company, Eastwood Harris Pty Ltd, offers project controls consulting and training services world wide with a strong focus on Microsoft Project and Primavera software

Customer Reviews

A well presented and practical guide for PRINCE2 project managers
With 5 years experience as a PRINCE2 trainer I consider that `PRINCE2TM Planning and Control Using Microsoft® Project 2007' is a timely publication addressing the increasing use of the PRINCE2 as a corporate project management method or framework. Outside of major engineering organizations Microsoft® Project is probably the most widely used project scheduling tool in use today. It is also a fact that many users never receive formal training in the use of the application with the result that the power and flexibility of Microsoft® Project is rarely fully utilized. The PRINCE2 method requires good planning to facilitate resource management, progress tracking and control. Paul Harris' manual unlocks the power and versatility of Microsoft® Project with a logical presentation of the tool in the context of a PRINCE2 project scenario. He clearly identifies the areas where Microsoft® Project supports the PRINCE2 method and is equally candid in addressing areas of weakness, but he always proposes a work-around. This is particularly so in dealing with PRINCE2s product-based-planning approach. Chapters I found very useful were those on understanding dependencies, formulating reports and on tracking progress. The mix of information and exercises is very good and this book will be very useful as a day-to-day reference for every project manager.
Leo Farrelly
PPM Strategies Pty Ltd