Microsoft Project - software for project management
[edit] Introduction
Microsoft Project is project management software first published by US-based Microsoft in 1984, since when it has become a market leader in PC-based project management software.
Microsoft Project (‘MS Project’) has been designed to enable project managers to track the progress of projects, manage budgets, develop schedules, allocate resources to tasks and scrutinise workloads. It is available to purchase either as software or as an online tool – Project Online. Available in ‘Standard’ and ‘Professional’, Project has never been included as part of the Office suite of software. It comes in either 32- or 64-bit options.
[edit] Project management software
It is generally accepted that the use of project management software can increase the productivity of project managers and their teams. Generally, project management software (PMS) has the power to help plan, organise and manage resource tools and develop estimates.
The Microsoft Windows-based application is claimed to help project managers, key stakeholders and teams stay productive through the use of built-in templates, familiar scheduling tools and reports. Typically, MS Project can manage tasks, including:
- Portfolios
- Resources
- Schedules
- Administration
- Estimating and planning
- Budgets
- Cost control
- Timesheets
- Decision making
- Communications
- Share documentation
- Quality
- Save projects to the Cloud.
Some of these can be shared between projects using the shared resource pool. The software can also create critical-path schedules that can be presented in Gantt chart format.
With Microsoft Project, project managers can break down the tasks of a project into a ‘work breakdown structure’ (WBS) and assign workers (called ‘resources’) to those tasks. The user can also create reports that communicate the status and progress of a project.
The ability of the software to recognise different classes of user means that varying access levels to project and other data can be ascribed according to need.
Studies have found that the most desired planning tools in project management include file sharing, time tracking, email integration and Gantt charts. However, this does not take into account communication in all its social media forms – video chat, real-time chat, social media integration and mobile access. This is pertinent given that a Project Management Institute (PMI) report found that poor communication is one of the top causes of project failure. Such communication abilities are integrated into Microsoft Project.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Adapting your technology to the new working normal.
- Bill of quantities software
- Client design advisor.
- Code of practice for project management.
- Computers in construction tendering.
- Construction project management software.
- Construction project manager - morning tasks.
- E-procurement.
- Excel and construction.
- Game theory.
- Guide to managing construction projects.
- Houzz Pro business software.
- Information and communications technology in construction.
- Interview with Stephen Trench - Project manager.
- MS Project in construction.
- Project manager's report.
Featured articles and news
Cladding remediation programmes, transparency and target date.
National Audit Office issue report on cladding remediation.
HBPT and BEAMS Jubilees. Book review.
Does the first Labour budget deliver for the built environment?
What does the UK Budget mean for electrical contractors?
Mixed response as business pays, are there silver linings?
A brownfield housing boost for Liverpool
A 56 million investment from Homes England now approved.
Fostering a future-ready workforce through collaboration
Collaborative Futures: Competence, Capability and Capacity, published and available for download.
Considerate Constructors Scheme acquires Building A Safer Future
Acquisition defines a new era for safety in construction.
AT Awards evening 2024; the winners and finalists
Recognising professionals with outstanding achievements.
Reactions to the Autumn Budget announcement
And key elements of the quoted budget to rebuild Britain.
Chancellor of the Exchequer delivers Budget
Repairing, fixing, rebuilding, protecting and strengthening.
Expectation management in building design
Interest, management, occupant satisfaction and the performance gap.
Connecting conservation research and practice with IHBC
State of the art heritage research & practice and guidance.
Innovative Silica Safety Toolkit
Receives funding boost in memory of construction visionary.
Gentle density and the current context of planning changes
How should designers deliver it now as it appears in NPPF.
Sustainable Futures. Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living
More speakers confirmed for BSRIA Briefing 2024.
Making the most of urban land: Brownfield Passports
Policy paper in brief with industry responses welcomed.
The boundaries and networks of the Magonsæte.