This Week You Will Have One Deliverable To Complete For The

This Week You Will Have One Deliverable To Complete For the Projectu

This week, you will have one deliverable to complete for the project. Using MS Project, create a project schedule using the WBS created in Week 2. To help guide you through the deliverable, please follow the three step process below.

Step 1: Update MS Project with Resource Information

The following steps should be followed when setting up your Course Project with Microsoft Project 2013 or 2016. Note: Refer to the MSProject Instructions_CP3.pdf file located in the FILES section for specific step-by-step instructions.

Set the basic project information: Open MS Project. Click on File (top left), select Save as, and enter the file name as (your name) cp1. For example, TeamAcp1.mpp. Click on Project area and select Project Information. In the Project Information dialogue box, set the start date of your project and leave other dates as is. Click OK.

Set basic Gantt chart format (also used for tracking Gantt chart view): Right-click on the gray area of the Gantt chart where dates are displayed, select Timescale. In the Timescale dialogue box, under Middle Tier, set Units to Quarters; under Bottom Tier, set Units to Months. Click OK.

Setup default task units to weeks: Click File, then Options. In the Project Options dialog box, click Schedule. Under Scheduling options in this project, set: New tasks created as Auto Scheduled, Duration entered in Weeks, Default task type as Fixed Duration. Click OK.

Set up the Resource Sheet: Create a resource sheet by clicking View, then Resource Sheet. Enter resource names, specifying whether each is a human resource, a cost, or a material. Once set, you are ready to move on.

After creating your project's work packages and activities from the WBS, insert your project name, deliverables, work packages, and activities in the Task Name column. Enter task durations in the Duration column and predecessors in the Predecessors column. If there is no duration or predecessor, leave the column blank. To see the network diagram, click View, then Network Diagram; activities on the critical path are outlined in red.

Step 2: Allocate Resources

With the WBS built in MS Project, assign resources to activities. First, create a resource sheet in MS Project: click View, then Resource Sheet, and enter resource names, indicating if they are human, costs, or materials. Then, assign resources to each activity: switch to Gantt Chart view, select the first task, click on the Assign Resources icon or press Alt-F10. In the resource assignment window, select the appropriate resource and assign it to the task, repeating for all tasks and resources.

Analyze your resource allocation: check for over-allocations by viewing Resource Sheet (over-allocated resources displayed in red), Resource Usage report, or Project Reports. If resources are over-allocated, consider adjusting their allocation percentages or redistributing work fairly to resolve conflicts.

Paper For Above instruction

The effective management of project resources and schedules is crucial for successful project delivery. Using Microsoft Project to develop a comprehensive project schedule based on a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) enables project managers to visualize task sequences, allocate resources efficiently, and monitor progress against planned timelines. This process involves key steps: setting up project information, defining task details, assigning resources, and analyzing resource utilization. Each step facilitates a structured approach to planning, which is vital for identifying potential conflicts and bottlenecks early on.

Setting up the Project Schedule

Initial setup begins with establishing the project's foundational parameters within MS Project. Saving the file with a clear, identifiable name ensures easy access and version control. Defining the project's start date aligns the schedule with real-world timelines and sets a baseline for subsequent planning activities. Configuring the Gantt chart and timescale assists in obtaining a clear visual overview of the project timeline, with the use of quarterly and monthly units providing a macroscopic view suitable for complex projects.

Defining Tasks and Dependencies

Translating the WBS into MS Project involves creating detailed tasks and work packages. Properly entering task durations and predecessors establishes the logical flow of activities, critical for accurate schedule development. The network diagram provides a visual tool to identify the critical path, which indicates tasks that directly impact the project completion date. Recognizing activities on the critical path allows project managers to prioritize focus areas to mitigate delays.

Resource Planning and Allocation

Resource planning involves identifying all human, material, and cost resources necessary for project completion. Building a resource sheet in MS Project, where resources are categorized appropriately, lays the groundwork for balanced resource allocation. Assigning these resources to specific tasks should be done thoughtfully to prevent over-allocation, which can lead to resource burnout and schedule delays. Regular analysis of resource usage reports helps in detecting over-allocation, enabling managers to reassign or adjust resource allocations to maintain project health.

Analyzing Schedule and Resources

Network diagrams and resource utilization reports serve as analytical tools to evaluate project health. The network diagram clarifies task sequences and highlights critical activities, guiding stakeholders on areas requiring priority. Over-allocated resources, often highlighted in red, suggest the need for workload redistribution or schedule adjustments. Employing strategies such as resource leveling or adjusting task durations ensures a feasible and balanced project plan.

Conclusion

Implementing structured scheduling and resource allocation processes using MS Project enhances project control and predictability. These practices enable project managers to proactively identify challenges, optimize resource utilization, and deliver projects on time and within scope. Continuous monitoring and adjustments based on analytical insights are essential for maintaining project momentum and achieving success.

References

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