Optimize Your MS Project Schedule: A Comprehensive Checklist Before Setting the Baseline. No. 22

Welcome to my channel! In this video, I’ll walk you through a detailed checklist to optimize your MS Project schedule before setting the baseline. This essential checklist ensures your project is well-organized, accurate, and ready for successful execution.
You can download the checklist and MS Project start point file from these google drive links:
drive.google.com/file/d/1QvZH...,
docs.google.com/document/d/1i...
Here are the key topics we’ll cover:
☐ No Open Ends: Ensure all tasks have defined predecessors and successors to avoid scheduling conflicts.
☐ Review Predecessors and Successors: Double-check task dependencies for accuracy.
☐ Network Diagram: Visualize task relationships and dependencies for clarity.
☐ Holidays All Correct: Verify the project calendar includes all relevant holidays and non-working days.
☐ WBS in Correct Alignment: Ensure the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is correctly aligned, with activities housed appropriately.
☐ No Links to WBS: Remove any links on summary tasks to maintain a clean schedule structure.
☐ Milestones Positioned for Motivation: Strategically place milestones to motivate and track progress effectively.
☐ Review Schedule from End to Beginning: Conduct a backward review to catch any scheduling issues.
☐ Review Schedule from Beginning to End: Perform a forward review to ensure all tasks are correctly sequenced.
☐ Check Relationship Types: Ensure correct relationship types are used (avoid Start-to-Finish links).
☐ Review Network Diagram: Re-examine the network diagram for any discrepancies or improvements.
☐ Review Resource Sheet and Applications: Confirm resource allocations and availability.
☐ Spell Check: Eliminate spelling errors for professional documentation.
☐ No Constraints or Approved Constraints: Ensure there are no unnecessary constraints or that any applied constraints are approved.
☐ All Activities in Auto-Schedule: Verify that all tasks are set to auto-schedule unless specified otherwise.
☐ Review Indicator Column: Check the indicator column for any potential issues or alerts.
This checklist works for all projects but is particularly useful for construction based projects.
Following this checklist will help you set a solid baseline in MS Project, paving the way for a successful project execution. If you find this video helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more project management tips and tutorials. Don't forget to hit the bell icon to stay updated with our latest content!
Link to video MS Project files, use the Baseline fall to follow from begining:
drive.google.com/drive/folder...
MS Project The Course
Video 1 Intro and Task Entries • MS PROJECT THE COURSE,...
Video 2 WBS • MS PROJECT THE COURSE,...
Video 3 Calendars • MS PROJECT THE COURSE,...
Video 4 Tables, Sheets, and Screens • ACCESSING & MANEUVERIN...
Video 5 Resources Part 1 • MS PROJECT THE COURSE,...
Video 6 Resources Part 2 • MS Project The Course:...
Video 7 Updating Part 1 • MS Project The Course,...
Video 8 Updating Recovery Part 2 • MS Project The Course,...
Video 9 Updating, Recovery, File Naming • MS Project The Course:...
Video 10 CCO Part 1 • MS PROJECT THE COURSE,...
Video 11 Direct Method • MS PROJECT THE COURSE,...
Video 12 Baselines Checks and Review • MS PROJECT THE COURSE,...
Video 13 CPM, Batching and Durations • MS Project The Course,...
Video 14 Update, Revise, Recovery 30,000’ • MS Project The Course,...
Video 15 Short Term Schedules • HOW TO DEVELOP SHORT T...
Video 16 Calendar View • USE CALENDAR VIEW TO F...
Video 17 Checklist • HOW TO USE A CHECKLIST...
#MSProject #ProjectManagement #ProjectPlanning #BaselineChecklist #ProjectScheduling #PMTips #MSProjectTutorial

[@nahshongraumann6815]

Thank you! Your channel is an excellent resource that I recommend to all of our PMs and Superintendents.

[@TomStephensontraining]

Thanks so much I’m happy to help! I appreciate your referrals!

[@suhailasuleiman]

Hi Prof. Could u pls make a video on weightage calculation in MSP. Please.... thank you

[@yusufcans]

Thanks

[@KhalidKhan-yc4yu]

thanks Sir

[@TomStephensontraining]

Thanks for watching, happy to help!

[@bryonpotter558]

I just started a trial period on MS Project and mine doesn't like this at all. The top tool bar is missing completely. It looks very simplified down to just task lists in the grid, board, timeline and chart views. There is no plethora of tools and no excel chart to inform the timeline and critical path the way you're showing here. Do you know the reason?? Did they completely change the design of MS Project recently?

[@TomStephensontraining]

I think what is going on is you have the online version and you are just going into the MS project stripped down online version without accessing the version that gets downloaded to your laptop. I had this happen to me and it’s very frustrating. Check your laptop and type in project and see if MMS project is an icon that comes up by check I mean just do a search if it does click on it and you should be good to go. If not, then you should talk to Microsoft rep and see how to download that with your subscription. I hope that helps.

[@bryonpotter558]

@@TomStephensontraining I see. I am using a Macbook Pro and I'm not certain if I can download MS Project directly onto the laptop and didn't see that option while clicking on the trial version. I will look into it and see what my options are.