Topic: Microsoft Project - Tips and Tricks


Abstract: For many people, project management software is the most complex trAbstract: For many people, project management software is the most complex type of software they will ever have to learn. To use project management software properly, one has to not only be proficient in the software tool itself, but also have a solid understanding of project management best practices - a big problem, since most people's first exposure to project management comes when they install tools like Microsoft Project onto their computer. This problem is further complicated by software tools that often encourage bad habits, leading to unnecessary frustration, self-doubt, and in some cases, loss of hair, and the need for extended therapy sessions (you get the point).

In this one-hour webinar, Paul Bergman, while conducting a live demo of Microsoft Project, explores some of the most common sources of frustration people have when using the software. In the process he provides participants with useful tips and tricks to ease frustration and turn Microsoft Project into the productivity tool it is designed to be.

Some of the MSPms (Microsoft Project Mysteries) we will be exploring include:

•  Why does MSP sometimes insist that a 1-day task, starting on a Monday, end on Tuesday?

•  How does MSP handle "effort driven" tasks? Or, why does MSP seem to apply a "random number generator" to my task duration whenever I add or remove a resource?

•  Why doesn't MSP properly re-schedule my project when a change has been made?

In the process of solving the above mysteries Paul demonstrates how to properly set-up a custom calendar with custom work hours, add resources to tasks, adjust views in MSP, link tasks to create a "manageable" schedule.


Presenter: Paul Bergman, PMP


Presenter Bio: Paul Bergman has served as a scheduler, project manager, trainer, and facilitator for projects in telecommunications, manufacturing, automotive, mining, information technology services and government. He has over twenty years experience in all aspects of formal project management including projects of all sizes up to multimillion dollars. Paul has been consulting in project management since 1994. He currently provides services in project facilitation, project management training, project management consulting, project management software selection and implementation, and project scheduling services.

As a Principal and Senior Consultant with Procept Associates Ltd., one of Canada's most recognized trainers of Project Management (PM), Business Analysis (BA), and Information Technology Service Management (ITSM), Paul presents project management seminars geared to senior managers, project managers and team members, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. He takes a hands-on approach, integrating the "theories" of project management with real-world challenges and applications. Courses are deliberately interactive and encourage participants to recognize and challenge theories in order to make project management useful in their own environment. When customizing materials, Paul draws upon examples and case studies relevant to the client's industry. The courses and seminars use terminology and processes consistent with the framework of knowledge of the Project Management Institute (PMBOK®).

Paul holds an engineering degree from University of Toronto and has been a Professional Engineer since 1985. He has been designated by PMI as a Project Management Professional (PMP®) since 1992. Paul has written papers and spoken on the topic of project management at conferences for organizations including the American Society for Quality Control, governments, the Project Management Institute and the Toronto Project Management Symposia.


To contact Paul by e-mail click here and to visit his website click here.