I'm looking for examples of plans displaying good practice but also highlights mistakes people make when using MS Project.
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Can anyone recommend a good site to examine MS Project plans?
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Seconded - I'd be interested in such a resource - if you find any HermanDune - post them here.
RH -
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Originally posted by HermanDune View PostI'm looking for examples of plans displaying good practice but also highlights mistakes people make when using MS Project.
Micro$oft bought it wonkey donkey's years ago and still haven't got around to finishing it off, but that's a different answer to a different question.
Firstly, the first mistake people make with MS Project is assuming it is a project planning tool. It is not. It is a Gantt chart creation tool. And a Gantt chart serves no other purpose than to pacify management and con them into believing you are a real project manager.
The second mistake is to try to make use of resource levelling. That will consume the first three weeks of your project as you faff about trying to get MS Project to work properly again.
Examples of good practice? Just use it for high level activities and milestones - do NOT fall into the trap of thinking it will run the project for you. Only communication, risk management, communication, change control, communication, stakeholder management, communication, quality control and communication can do that. Oh, and communication.
I'm sorry if that is not the answer you wanted.My all-time favourite Dilbert cartoon, this is: BTW, a Dumpster is a brand of skip, I think.Comment
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Originally posted by RichardCranium View PostMS Project is an incomplete abortion.
Micro$oft bought it wonkey donkey's years ago and still haven't got around to finishing it off, but that's a different answer to a different question.
Firstly, the first mistake people make with MS Project is assuming it is a project planning tool. It is not. It is a Gantt chart creation tool. And a Gantt chart serves no other purpose than to pacify management and con them into believing you are a real project manager.
The second mistake is to try to make use of resource levelling. That will consume the first three weeks of your project as you faff about trying to get MS Project to work properly again.
Examples of good practice? Just use it for high level activities and milestones - do NOT fall into the trap of thinking it will run the project for you. Only communication, risk management, communication, change control, communication, stakeholder management, communication, quality control and communication can do that. Oh, and communication.
I'm sorry if that is not the answer you wanted.
(I'm sure you remind me of a talented and forthright PM who used to post somewhere... )Last edited by NickFitz; 26 July 2008, 03:58.Comment
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Kudos to Richard
Your answer is very good thanks. I think your advice will come in much more useful.
Luckily I don't need to use it too much in my upcoming role as a project controller. I will be using advanced Excel spreadsheets more likely.
However, I plan to move into proejct management once I can walk the walk. Right now I can only talk the talk.Comment
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Originally posted by NickFitz View PostYup, MS Project sucks donkey knobs.
Originally posted by NickFitz View PostI'm sure you remind me of a talented and forthright PM who used to post somewhere...My all-time favourite Dilbert cartoon, this is: BTW, a Dumpster is a brand of skip, I think.Comment
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Originally posted by HermanDune View PostYour answer is very good thanks. I think your advice will come in much more useful.
Originally posted by HermanDune View PostLuckily I don't need to use it too much in my upcoming role as a project controller. I will be using advanced Excel spreadsheets more likely.
Originally posted by HermanDune View PostHowever, I plan to move into proejct management once I can walk the walk. Right now I can only talk the talk.
(Shhh. You want to walk the walk? This is a secret: use talcum powder.)My all-time favourite Dilbert cartoon, this is: BTW, a Dumpster is a brand of skip, I think.Comment
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Have to agree
Excel spreadsheets server me well until someone decided I need to use MS project - a quick online course later meant I could now produce gant charts much quicker.
Makes no difference if you cannot communicate, perform risk analysis, stakeholder management and also if you want the project to be succesful solve problems - or even better get the stakeholders to accept your solutions and then pass them off as their own - it makes them feel all warm inside and important!!
Projects can exist without project paperwork
Project paperwork cannot exist without a projectComment
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Unbelievable
This thread just shows why the general business community under-estimates PM's!!
Too many people out there who think that you can slap a gannt chart together, never consider revising it and then just monitor progress. The management of a project is so much more than that (risks, issues, stakeholders, suppliers). If only people were to get the message!
Too many clients who are interested in a jack of all trades approach when hiring a PM - "doesnt matter if their PM skills are weak just as long as they have some niche experience and can cope with the mentality of our organisation" kinda approach.
They then wonder why their projects fail......!!Comment
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