Software

RE: Project Management

laneerva — Wed, 25 May 2005 14:13:00 GMT

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.

RE: Project Management

frith — Sun, 01 May 2005 22:02:00 GMT

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

RE: Project Management

donc — Tue, 04 Jan 2005 19:47:00 GMT

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

RE: Project Management

hrizonu — Tue, 04 Jan 2005 19:46:00 GMT

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

RE: Project Management

Beth Grierson — Tue, 04 Jan 2005 14:58:00 GMT

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.

RE: Project Management

michigansa — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 16:34:00 GMT

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

RE: Project Management

ifpeople.net — Wed, 08 Dec 2004 01:21:00 GMT

Hi,

Since I posted some of my above comments on open source and Free Software solutions, I found another tool which looks very promising. It only runs on Windows (silly, unnecessary developer decision), and I have not tried it yet. This is what the site claims:

"Open Workbench is the open source successor to Project Workbench, the trusted tool used by more than 100,000 project management professionals worldwide.
• Open Workbench can be distributed free of charge throughout an enterprise.
• Open Workbench is a stand-alone desktop application that provides robust project scheduling functionality.

for the Open Workbench Web site click here

Happy managing!
Regards,
Chris

--
ifPeople - Innovation for People
www.ifpeople.net

RE: Project Management

charcouncil — Tue, 07 Dec 2004 20:30:00 GMT

Although this is low-tech, Franklin Covey offers very good electronic basic forms for project management as part of their one-day training course. It is not an integrated solution, but will work for a simple project. For a couple hundred dollars you not only get the forms you need but training in project management.

RE: Project Management

marklbishop — Tue, 07 Dec 2004 18:50:00 GMT

What about opensource (free) groupware? For example:

http://www.opengroupware.org/
http://www.php-collab.com/
http://www.phpgroupware.org/
http://www.phprojekt.com/features.php
http://weborganizer.sourceforge.net/

I know for example, the PHP-Collab is based on the now defunct Macromedia Sitespring so it is very stable and very professional.

RE: Project Management

Anonymous — Fri, 03 Dec 2004 16:33:00 GMT

We would be interested in the free copy of MS Project. We are a nonprofit foodbank.

RE: Project Management

Anonymous — Wed, 20 Oct 2004 16:12:00 GMT

I found a groupware comparison table (http://www.avane.com/spip/article.php3?id_article=53). It compares the features of several popular groupwares. Although it's written in French, everyone should be able to figure out what's what.

Nonetheless, more functions does not necessarily translate into better softwares. The devil is in the details.

RE: Project Management

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Oct 2003 16:42:00 GMT

I want 5 users to use a MS Project file for simple usage. Must I buy (not only the 5 copies of Project) the MS Project server and the licenses as well?

RE: Project Management

autism — Thu, 16 Oct 2003 15:49:00 GMT

It might help if I logon first. So now if you want it, you can get my email address.

RE: Project Management

Anonymous — Thu, 16 Oct 2003 15:46:00 GMT

I have an unopened copy of Microsoft Project 98 version that you can have if you want it. I know it is not the latest version, but its free. Email me you contact info and I will mail it to you, if you want it.

RE: Project Management

ifpeople.net — Thu, 16 Oct 2003 03:52:00 GMT

I suggest also checking out some of the Free Software solutions available. There has been quite a number of programs developed for project management and collaboration.

I personally use Dot Project (http://www.dotproject.net). It is full of features, including gantt charts, calendars, multi-user, contacts, doc management, tasks etc. Still lacking in timelog management, but has very nice interface, easy to use, uses colors nicely to identify projects.

Another one that is top on my list is PHPCollab. Also very nice interface and features. http://phpcollab.sourceforge.net/

Another very effective software with many features is PHProjekt, though it is a pretty dry interface that is tiring to use a lot. http://phprojekt.com/

My search and investigation of softwares was limited to those that could be run in hosted environment, and that use PHP as a scripting language and MySQL as a database. I made a comparative chart comparing these three in features and functionality. If anyone is interested, please email me and I am happy to share.

Chris Johnson
If People - Innovation for People
www.ifpeople.net
web[at]ifpeople[dot]net