Initializing a Project

• Create a New Project

• Create and Maintain Calendars
• Set Up Project Information

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 Project Concepts

Concept Description
An initiative, with a definite starting point and ending point, that will result
Projects
in a specific, unique outcome.
The full amount of work that needs to be performed in order to achieve
the desired outcome under the given conditions.
Scope
The term scope creep refers to the uncontrolled expansion of a project’s
scope, which can result in major delays and excessive costs.
A strategy designed to guide and control the project so that the desired
Plans
result is achieved within the desired timeframe.
A specific chunk of work or effort that needs to be completed in order to
Tasks
successfully execute the plan and achieve the desired result.
Anything that is needed to accomplish a project task, including people,
Resources
equipment, materials, and other costs or expenses.
The link between a resource and a task. In most cases, this means
Assignments
assigning a specific person to complete a specific chunk of work.

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 The Project Management Process

Process Group Description

The project’s goal is defined and authorization to undertake the project is
Initiating obtained from the required parties. The output of this phase is typically
the project charter.
The project’s scope, time, cost, and other pertinent details are
Planning
determined. The output of this phase is typically the project plan.
The project’s specific tasks are performed and resources are utilized to
Executing
achieve the desired outcome in the time frame set out in the project plan.
Managing and The project’s progress is tracked and analyzed, and any necessary
Controlling corrective actions are taken to keep the project on track.
The project’s outcome is reviewed and accepted by the parties that
Closing
authorized the project, and the project is concluded.

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 Methods for Creating New Projects (1 of 2)

Method Description
Creates a completely empty file, with no pre-defined components, to
Blank Project
which you can add all of your project information.
New from existing Creates a new file from a previous file, pulling in the information added to
project the existing file into a new file.
Creates a new file and imports into it information that was created in
New from Excel
Excel. When selected, a wizard will guide you through the steps of
workbook
importing from Excel into Project.
Creates a new file and imports into it information from a SharePoint task
New from
list. When selected, you will need to enter a valid SharePoint URL and then
SharePoint Tasks
select a task list from that SharePoint site.
Creates a new file that is customized for a specific type of project,
Project template complete with sample information that can be modified based on your
project’s specific information.

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 Methods for Creating New Projects (2 of 2)

When you open Project, the Start screen displays several commons options for creating
a new file.

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2015 Logical Operations, Inc. All rights reserved. 5
 Project Templates

You can create a project plan from a project template that contains details for a sample
project—such as phases, tasks, resources, etc.—and modify it to your project’s needs.

Here are just a few examples of the project templates available in Project from the Start
screen.

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2015 Logical Operations, Inc. All rights reserved. 6
 The Save as Template Dialog Box

When saving an existing

project as a template, you
will select what data from the
old file that you want to
include (or exclude) in the
new template file.

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 The Project Properties Dialog Box

In the Project Properties dialog box, you can enter general information about the project.

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 The Project Information Dialog Box

In the Project Information dialog box, you can capture high-level information about your
project, such as the start date and an estimated finish date (which will change when you
start adding tasks and resources).

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 Methods for Scheduling Projects

Projects can be scheduled

from the start date or from
the finish date.

If Project Start Date is

selected, the Start date drop-
down is active and the Finish
date drop-down is inactive.

If Project Finish Date is

selected, the Finish drop-
down is active and the Start
date drop-down is inactive.

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 Base Calendars

Base Calendar Description

Monday through Friday
Standard 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday through Friday
12:00 AM to 3:00 AM
4:00 AM to 8:00 AM
11:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Night Shift
Saturday
12:00 AM to 3:00 AM
4:00 AM to 8:00 AM
24 hours a day
24 Hours
7 days a week

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 The Create New Base Calendar Dialog Box

In the Create New Base Calendar dialog box, you can create a new base calendar from
scratch or copy an existing base calendar and modify it to fit your needs.

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 The Change Working Time Dialog Box (1 of 2)

In the Change Working Time dialog box, you can view and change working time via the
calendar that is displayed.

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 The Change Working Time Dialog Box (2 of 2)

Appearance Meaning

Working Labor will be performed during the defined working hours on this date.
Labor will not be performed during the defined working hours on this
Nonworking
date. This typically includes weekends and holidays.
Edited Working The hours during which labor will be performed on this date have been
Hours changed to something other than the normal working hours.
The hours during which labor will be performed on this date are different
Exception Day than the normal working hours. For instance, an organization may only be
operating during the morning on the day before a major holiday.
The hours during which labor will be performed during this entire week
Nondefault work are different than the normal working hours. For instance, an organization
week may shut down operations for an entire week if a majority of employees
will be out on vacation.

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 Exceptions

You can add an exception to

the base calendar by
selecting a date in the
calendar in the Change
Working Time dialog box and
entering a name for the
exception in a blank row in
the Exceptions table.

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 The Details Dialog Box

In the Details dialog box, you can view and modify the specific details for a selected
exception.

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