This two-day introductory course covers Microsoft Project topics and ProChain Project Scheduling.
Day 1
Constructing the Project Network
Time:
8:30-3:00
Objective:
Students will be able to understand the basic elements of a good Critical Chain project network, how to enter the project information, and how to utilize Microsoft Project functions to customize data.
Topics
- ProChain Overview
- Network Design Considerations
- Entering Project Information
- Defining Task Relationships
- Using Summary and Detail Tasks
- Viewing Project Data
- PERT and Gantt Autoarrange
- Adding Lead and Lag Time
- Creating Custom Calendars
- Entering and Assigning Resources
- Changing Task Types
- Sorting and Filtering Project Data
- Customizing the Gantt Chart
ProChain Project Management Concepts
Time:
3:00-4:30
Objective:
Students learn Critical Chain and ProChain Project Management concepts. Note that students should already have an overview understanding of Critical Chain concepts; this section is not designed to be a substitute for an entire course on Critical Chain.
Topics
- Traditional Project Problems
- Impact of Multitasking
- Basics of Critical Chain
- Project Cycle Time Reduction
- Buffer Sizing and Placement
- Updating the Schedule
- Using Buffers to Manage the Project
- Creating Stable Work Priorities
Day 2
Single Project Scheduling with ProChain
Time:
8:30-4:30
Objective:
Students should be able to create a ProChain schedule and use ProChain tools to analyze the schedule, update task status, create reports, and analyze causes of buffer consumption.
Topics
- The ProChain Scheduling Process
- ProChain Views and Filters
- Analyzing the Project Network
- Low-Risk Durations
- Scheduling to Meet a Due Date
- Resource Hierarchies
- Updating Task Status
- Tracking Actual Start and Finish
- ProChain Reports
- Graphical Indicators
- Fever Charts
- Making Changes to the Schedule
- Standard and Advanced Options
- Custom Variables
- Implementation Issues