In this episode, Yasmine Brooks breaks down the intricacies of Microsoft Project, focusing on the key tools available: Project Desktop, Project Online (or Project Web App), and Project for the Web. Let's explore the differences and find out which tool suits your project management needs.
1. Classic Version: Project Desktop is the go-to classic version, akin to Microsoft Word's longevity.
2. Standalone Application: It's a desktop application requiring installation similar to Excel.
3. User-Friendly Challenges: Despite its power, Project Desktop may seem intimidating initially, much like Excel was for many users.
4. Project Visualization: Brooks showcases a single-story construction project plan, emphasizing task lists, durations, and a Gantt chart.
5. Resource Management: Detailed exploration of generic resources, work resources, cost resources, and material costs.
6. Cost Tracking: Demonstrates how Project Desktop allows tracking of estimated costs, actual costs, and variances.
1. Collaboration Necessity: To collaborate, move from Project Desktop to Project Online (or Project Web App).
2. Publishing Project: Yasmine explains the steps to save and publish a Project Desktop project to Project Online for online access.
3. Additional Features: Project Online offers features like approval centers, risk management, and strategic planning.
1. User-Friendly Evolution: Microsoft addresses the less user-friendly nature of Project Desktop with Project for the Web.
2. Direct Online Access: Unlike Project Desktop, Project for the Web is an online version accessible at project.microsoft.com.
3. Simplified Steps: No need for publishing; users can directly create and manage plans.
4. Try New Project Feature: Brooks highlights Microsoft's plan to discontinue Project Web App in favor of Project for the Web.
1. User-Centric Design: Project for the Web is designed to be more user-friendly than its predecessors.
2. Project Creation: A demonstration of creating a project plan directly in Project for the Web without the need for additional steps.
3. Eliminating Confusion: Emphasizes the simplicity of Project for the Web compared to the sometimes-confusing steps in Project Web App.
4. Accessible Online: Users can access and manage projects directly through project.microsoft.com.
Yasmine Brooks wraps up the exploration of Microsoft Project tools, providing a clear understanding of Project Desktop's robust capabilities, the collaborative features of Project Online, and the user-friendly approach of Project for the Web.
As Microsoft phases out Project Web App, Project for the Web emerges as the future of online project management, streamlining processes for a more intuitive and efficient user experience.
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