Project Management

Hi there-

I'm a certified project manager (PMP) and have gone from the corporate world managing projects to a two person non-profit managing projects.

Though MS Project requires basic software training to get going, I'm a big supporter of this tool. MS Project will not make you a better project manager, rather the tool will help you track your tasks/dates/resources more efficiently.

if you want more information on project management and/or software training check out the Project Management Institute (www.pmi.org) and find your local chapter.

the local chapter is a non-profit staffed with PMP project managers who will probably offer free consultation on what the best option is for you.

Melanie, PMP
www.michigansuburbsalliance.org

Is it possible to scale back MS Project in some way - or just limit the features you're using - to make it more user-friendly?

One of my colleagues wants us to buy project management software, and claims that while the available freeware is too basic, Project (which isn't free, but we could buy enough licenses for the whole office through TechSoup Stock for what he wants to spend on one copy of his pick) is too complex.

I'm a cheapskate by nature and don't like the idea of spending more money on a lesser product, but it's false economy to save money on software people can't (or won't) use.

If you are interested in low cost (no license fee) Project Management/ Content Management systems- or Non Profit software please log on to our web site at www.lucidus.net. We are here as an option to you.

Donna Giarratana
Account Manager
Lucidus Corporation
Keene, New Hampshire

Hi Beth,

At it's most basic MS Project is no more difficult to use than a simple spreadsheet - You enter the name of the project; break it into tasks, and add projected times and resources for each task. For a lot of users that's as complex as it gets. If this is too difficult for your colleague then I can only suggest some basic computer training is probably required.

Project does however contain many additional 'power-user' features to allow business analysts and managers to expand this basic framework into a powerful management tool - I agree with your comment on 'false economy' to purchase something that is a) too complex for a basic-level user, or b) to simple to provide the level of tools required by management.

With a little bit of practice and exposure I think you will find MS Project meets the needs of both the basic, and the power user in an easy-to-use single package.

Rgds, Don

Find Don C.'s article, which incorporates much of the insight from this thread online. This article can be viewed by clicking on the link below

Choosing Project Management Software

From my personal experience I would advise LeadingProject. More info on www.leadingproject.com It works on mac and windows, it's easy in use and perfect for middlesized projects. I haven't tried ms project yet and I don't think I'll try it soon with this program.