Chapter 9 -- Checking and Adjusting the Project Plan

Chapter 2

You use a word processing program to create a text document. You use a spreadsheet program to calculate sales data. You use a publishing program to design and lay out a brochure. In these cases, the application helps you create the end result.

With Microsoft Project, this isn't so. While Microsoft Project helps you create a project plan, the actual project is being executed by you and your team, who are carrying out the tasks to fulfill the overarching goals of the project. It's up to you to track and control the actual project, using the project plan as your essential road map. When effectively maintained, the project plan provides an accurate picture of what's currently going on, what's happened in the past, and what will happen in the future.

This chapter describes project basics and the phases of the project management process. It also outlines how Microsoft Project fits into the world of your project. You'll understand how you can use Microsoft Project as your project information system, that is, the essential tool for modeling your project and helping you efficiently and successfully manage it.

If you're new to project management, read this entire chapter. If you're an experienced project manager but new to Microsoft Project, skip ahead to the section in this chapter titled "Facilitating Your Project with Microsoft Project."