Project Learning Newsletter

In this issue: Explode commonly-held Microsoft Project myths Test your Microsoft Project knowledge Tips and tricks - understand more about Earned-Value Analysis Winners of the prize draw for new newsletter subscribers
Project Learning Newsletter
www.projectlearning.net	Volume 4, No.4

Dear Andy,

Welcome to the fourth Project Learning newsletter of 2006. The theme of this newsletter is "So you think you know Microsoft Project?" We've received many comments from customers who thought they knew Microsoft Project pretty well, but in reality had been simply scratching the surface of the functionality available. To help you get to grips with (and get more from) Microsoft Project, this newsletter contains three important topics.

Topic one explores the myths and uncertainties that surround Microsoft Project and attempts to explode these myths from a practical and pragmatic perspective.

Topic two helps you to assess your Microsoft Project knowledge. We've put together ten multiple-choice questions that test knowledge across the Microsoft Project system. As well as answering the questions, you'll get an explanation of the answers, including why the answers you gave were correct or incorrect.

Topic three are the familiar tips and tricks, together with accompanying walkthrough movies. The skill set chosen is all about understanding the results from using Earned Value Analysis. Techniques in using this expert-level Microsoft Project skill can also be applied to more general Microsoft Project usage, so these tips and tricks aren't just for the experts.

I hope that you like the content within this newsletter and that you find it to be of value. I would welcome any comments you have at the email address below.

Sincerely,

Andy Jessop
CEO and Founder
andyj@projectlearning.net

p.s. If you are based in the UK, we still have spaces available on our Microsoft Project Fast Track programme at introductory prices. To find out more, just go to http://www.projectlearning.net/personal_courses.htm#Microsoft_Project_Fast_Track

Microsoft Project Myths

Myths abound regarding Microsoft Project. Some people see it as merely an extension of what they can do using Excel, others are bewildered by its complexity and some people even dismiss it as not being functional enough for them. In virtually all of these cases, a bit of fundamental knowledge can go a long way. We've complied a list of ten common myths that surround the desktop and enterprise versions of Microsoft Project. Alongside each myth we've provided a reality check, together with a link to additional information. See if you agree with us that there is much more to Microsoft Project than meets the eye - if only you know where to look!

To read and dispel our top ten Microsoft Project myths, just follow the link below:

http://www.projectlearning.net/microsoft_project_myths.htm

Test your Microsoft Project knowledge

If you have reviewed the myths above, or you're already familiar with Microsoft Project, you'll know that it is a pretty comprehensive piece of software. So, why not have a go at our Microsoft Project Quiz?

We've complied a sample of ten questions so you can test your Microsoft Project knowledge. Each question carries a weighted percentage score and covers a particular skill set that would be used in the planning and management of a Microsoft Project plan. Against each multiple-choice question there are four possible answers and a 'don't know' option. For each question only one answer is correct. Once you've answered all of the questions you'll be provided with the answers - including an explanation of why your answers are correct or incorrect plus the opportunity to print the answers out. You'll also get a bargraph of your overall score.

With only ten questions we cannot guarantee this assessment is an exhaustive one, although it should provide you with a reasonable test of what you currently know. Just click on the link below to go to the quiz.

http://www.projectlearning.net/project_mentor_plp.htm

p.s. Please note that we do not store or analyse the results of any quizzes undertaken - they are solely for your benefit.

Tips and Tricks

How many Microsoft Project users update their projects with actual and remaining work and cost information? Furthermore, how many users take advantage of the Earned-Value Analysis capabilities found within Microsoft Project? If the answer to either question is ‘No’, then you are missing out on a great deal of functionality – that can help you plan and manage your projects more accurately and effectively.

If you click on the link below, these tips and tricks will show you invaluable Earned Value Analysis techniques to help you monitor and assess you project's performance.

http://www.projectlearning.net/newsletters_tipstricks.htm

For an introduction to Earned Value Analysis, just click on the pdf icon against volume 3, newsletter 7 in the archive below:

http://www.projectlearning.net/newsletters_last_year.htm

Prize draw winners

The five winners of the July draw of new newsletter subscribers are:

The five winners of the August draw of new newsletter subscribers are:

Each of them will receive a $10 / £10 Amazon voucher with the compliments of Project Learning Limited.

If there is anything you would like us to cover or include in future newsletters, please complete this simple form. While we can't promise anything, we'll certainly take a look at your suggestions.

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