Computer-assisted Project Planning [PROJ0103]

Overview/Description
 It has been said, and rightly so, that a computer is nothing more than a calculating machine, capable of storing and manipulating large amounts of electronic information. But it is because of this strength that the computer has become an essential project management tool. This course illustrates methods for integrating the traditional tools of project management, such as the WBS, Gantt and Network Charts and the Critical Path Method with today's technology. Using computer assisted planning allows you to quickly calculate early Start and Early Finish dates, Late Start and Late Finish Dates and create alternative scenarios and "what-ifs" necessary for accurate planning and distribution of critical resources.

Target Audience
 Anyone who works on a project team, including managers, supervisors, project managers, team members.

Expected Duration
3.0 hours

Lesson Objectives:

Desktop Solutions

  • recognize the strengths and limitations of the computer in project management.
  • recognize the benefits and liabilities of using the computer to help plan and track your project.
  • recognize the wide variety of reports that are available to aid planning, scheduling, tracking and resource leveling.
  • recognize how to use the computer to accommodate different variables that affect budgets, resources and schedules.

    • Project Management Terminology: Level 3

  • match key project management terms with the proper definition.
  • calculate the early start/early finish dates based on information provided.
  • calculate the late start and late finish dates for a task.
  • calculate the lead time for a particular task based on information provided.

    • Resource Loading and Leveling

  • apply resource loading and leveling principles to given information and situations.
  • recognize the importance of resource loading.
  • recognize the elements that constitute resources.
  • recognize how to use and apply resource leveling in project management.

    • Gantts, PERTS and the Critical Path

  • recognize the critical importance of using your computer to generate iterative, Gantt charts, PERT charts and critical path.
  • recognize the strengths of a computerized Gantt chart in planning, developing and tracking your project.
  • recognize the strengths of a computerized network chart in planning, developing and tracking your project.

    • Course Number: PROJ0103