Introduction to Microsoft Project Online Desktop Client Courseware (PON101)

Embark on your journey to mastering project management with Microsoft Project Desktop Fundamentals, tailored for teams and individuals aiming to enhance their project coordination skills. This course is designed to provide you with the essential tools and techniques to efficiently manage projects, keeping timelines, resources, and outcomes in check.

The course kicks off by exploring the Components of a Project. You'll familiarize yourself with the foundational elements and get hands-on with demo and exercise projects, providing a solid grounding for the practical learning that follows. This is complemented by the Getting around Microsoft Project section, where you'll learn to navigate the interface with ease, including understanding the Ribbon, the Backstage View, and customizing your Quick Access Toolbar for efficiency. Additionally, you’ll gain confidence handling basic formatting tasks, setting the stage for more advanced management tasks.

Next, the course dives into the Calendars in Microsoft Project. Begin by setting the project start date and configuring auto-scheduling, then move on to creating and connecting custom project calendars, ensuring your projects align with organizational needs and timelines.

The Working with Tasks section will enhance your ability to create and manage tasks effectively. You’ll learn how to create tasks and summary tasks, enter durations, and navigate the intricacies of scheduling. Milestone tasks, task linking, and note-adding are covered to ensure comprehensive task management.

In the Creating and Working with Resources module, you’ll discover how to use the Resource Sheet to manage different types of resources, whether they are work, material, or cost resources. This knowledge will be important when assigning resources to tasks, helping you balance workloads and project costs efficiently.

As you advance, Managing a Project introduces strategies for reviewing project timelines and making necessary adjustments. You’ll learn to set and view baselines, record progress, and produce reports, empowering you to keep your projects on track and stakeholders informed. Additionally, the course ensures you're fluent in The Publishing Process, ensuring seamless communication and updates across your team.

For those working in a collaborative environment, the course covers Site Navigation, which includes navigating views, approvals, and time sheets, along with managing Risks and Issues through creation, review, and approval processes. Expand your collaboration capabilities by learning about Building Teams. Create and utilize teams effectively within your projects, solidifying your leadership and coordination skills.

Lastly, understanding the Tracking Progress Process will allow you to maintain project momentum through submitting and approving timesheets, alongside manually adjusting tasks as needed. You’ll also get the chance to create using the Project Web App (PWA) site, broadening the scope of your project management tools.

By the end of this course, you’ll possess a robust understanding of Microsoft Project Desktop, ready to implement efficient project management practices that drive success in your team or organization. Whether you’re managing a single project or overseeing multiple initiatives, these foundational skills will serve as a stepping stone to more advanced project management capabilities.