Chapter 17: Using Reports to Analyze Data

Overview

To manage a project effectively, you’ll communicate with the project participants formally and informally throughout the project cycle. Informal reporting can be verbal or written. It might require you to take a quick look at your project data, or it might entail sharing information that’s already in your head: A team member stops you in the hallway and asks whether the suppliers were able to deliver on time. You run into your boss at the coffee machine, and she asks if you’re still within budget. You respond to a team member’s e-mail, assuring him there is enough slack to cover the extra 4 hours he’s spent on a particular task.

This chapter focuses on the formal reporting required of a project manager. Microsoft Project allows you to create reports to fit most any scenario. And, if you’re delivering bad news, at least it will look good! This chapter will cover the following topics:

• Setting up the printed page

• Printing a view

• Using reports

• Customizing reports

• Creating a new report