Author: Ira Brown

Ira Brown is a leader in the field of project management and a recognized Microsoft Project expert, Project Widgets is well-known for offering add-on products for Microsoft Project and Project Online, as well as for creating custom solutions that meet their client's unique business requirements.  This company continues to extend the scope and breadth of their offerings, thereby increasing the value they provide to customers, by creating Microsoft Project solutions that are tailored to an organization's unique needs.  They even have several free, downloadable widgets available on their website that you can begin using right away.

Mastering Master Projects

Mastering Master Projects

This lesson helps you identify Microsoft’s new PPM approach, understand updated versions of Microsoft Project/Planner, and evaluate the benefits of a turn-key PPM Power Platform solution deployed in your M365 tenant.

How to Create a Master Project in Microsoft Project

How to Create a Master Project in Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project provides the ability to integrate individual projects into a single master project. A master project, which is often used to represent a program, provides numerous capabilities to users, including the following: This article will provide a high-level overview of how to create a master project. To create a master project, you can insert one or more projects into a blank project file. For example, a software development master project might have subprojects for the development, testing, and training parts of this effort. The following instructions relate to this method. Before beginning, you will need to identify separate Microsoft Project projects that will become subprojects in the master project. In the Microsoft Project ribbon, select the Projects tab and click Subproject. Interested in learning more? Author Ira Brown will dive deeper into this topic, Mastering Master Projects, as he shows you how to create interproject dependencies and how to configure your master project properly so that you can specify how linked tasks are updated across subprojects during a live MPUG webinar on July 31st at 12pm EST.  Register now for this PMI® PDU eligible session. 

Using Custom Fields and Graphical Indicators to Analyze the Quality of Your Schedule

Using Custom Fields and Graphical Indicators to Analyze the Quality of Your Schedule

In this live event, Ira Brown demonstrates how to use custom fields and graphical indicators to better analyze your schedule quality.

Using a Graphical Indicator to Identify Tasks That Have Not Been Baselined

Using a Graphical Indicator to Identify Tasks That Have Not Been Baselined

This article explains how to use graphical indicators in Microsoft Project to identify tasks that haven't been baselined, helping project managers ensure schedule quality.

Enhanced Project Management in Microsoft Project: Incorporating Graphical Indicators for Task Dependencies and Date Constraints

As a proficient project manager, you’re well-versed in the complexities of task dependencies in Microsoft Project. The strategic implementation of graphical indicators to flag tasks without predecessors or successors significantly enhances project tracking efficiency. This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions on creating these indicators and steps to identify tasks with date constraints, offering a sophisticated approach to project management. Step 1: Define the Custom Field for Dependency Check Step 2: Construct the Formula for Dependency Check Step 3: Set Up the Graphical Indicator for Dependency Check Step 4: Implementing the Dependency Indicator in Your Project Views Enhancing Project Management with Date Constraint Indicators To further augment your project management capabilities, integrating graphical indicators for date constraints in Microsoft Project is a significant enhancement. This feature brings another layer of visual clarity and efficiency to the management of project schedules. Crucial in determining the flow and success of a project, date constraints can often be lost in the myriad of tasks and milestones. By visually highlighting these constraints, you gain an immediate awareness of critical deadlines and scheduling commitments. This integration not only aids in maintaining a clear view of the project’s timeline but also serves as a proactive tool for identifying potential scheduling conflicts. It enables project managers to quickly spot where rigid deadlines may impact other aspects of the project, allowing for timely adjustments and negotiations. Moreover, in large-scale projects with numerous stakeholders, these indicators provide a straightforward way to communicate the urgency and importance of specific tasks, fostering a shared understanding of project priorities. In essence, the incorporation of graphical indicators for date constraints is not just a tool for simplification; it’s a strategic asset that enhances your ability to manage, adapt, and communicate the complexities of project timelines more effectively. Step 1: Define a Custom Field for Date Constraint Check Step 2: Crafting the Formula for Date Constraint Check Step 3: Configuring Graphical Indicators for Date Constraint Check Step 4: Implementing the Date Constraint Indicator in Views Real-World Application In complex projects or those with continuous task additions, these indicators serve as an essential tool for ensuring no task is overlooked, maintaining the integrity of your project’s timeline. The additional layer of date constraint indicators aids in highlighting potential rigidity in your schedule, allowing for proactive adjustments. Conclusion For the seasoned project manager, such customizations in Microsoft Project not only streamline the management process but also enhance the accuracy and efficiency of project execution. By implementing these graphical indicators, you ensure a proactive approach to task management, keeping your projects on track and aligned with planned timelines and dependencies.

Project Widgets: Where There’s A Widget, There’s A Way: Overcoming Real Life Project Management Challenges

Project Widgets: Where There’s A Widget, There’s A Way: Overcoming Real Life Project Management Challenges

Are you looking for a widget or add in that will support your MS Project reporting, scheduling, risks and issues? Look no further!

Where There’s a Widget, There’s a Way: Overcoming Real Life Project Management Challenges

Discover how Project Widgets' Task Validation Widget extends Microsoft Project's capabilities to overcome real-life project management challenges. Join our webinar for a real-life case study and Widgets Bonus Pack!

Best Kept Secrets for Microsoft Project Governance – PMO Edition

Best Kept Secrets for Microsoft Project Governance – PMO Edition

Have you wondered about the governance features included in MSP? This webinar teaches you tips and tricks for using MSP to your advantage!

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