Microsoft Project - software for project management
[edit] Introduction
Microsoft Project is project management software first published by US-based Microsoft in 1984, since when it has become a market leader in PC-based project management software.
Microsoft Project (‘MS Project’) has been designed to enable project managers to track the progress of projects, manage budgets, develop schedules, allocate resources to tasks and scrutinise workloads. It is available to purchase either as software or as an online tool – Project Online. Available in ‘Standard’ and ‘Professional’, Project has never been included as part of the Office suite of software. It comes in either 32- or 64-bit options.
[edit] Project management software
It is generally accepted that the use of project management software can increase the productivity of project managers and their teams. Generally, project management software (PMS) has the power to help plan, organise and manage resource tools and develop estimates.
The Microsoft Windows-based application is claimed to help project managers, key stakeholders and teams stay productive through the use of built-in templates, familiar scheduling tools and reports. Typically, MS Project can manage tasks, including:
- Portfolios
- Resources
- Schedules
- Administration
- Estimating and planning
- Budgets
- Cost control
- Timesheets
- Decision making
- Communications
- Share documentation
- Quality
- Save projects to the Cloud.
Some of these can be shared between projects using the shared resource pool. The software can also create critical-path schedules that can be presented in Gantt chart format.
With Microsoft Project, project managers can break down the tasks of a project into a ‘work breakdown structure’ (WBS) and assign workers (called ‘resources’) to those tasks. The user can also create reports that communicate the status and progress of a project.
The ability of the software to recognise different classes of user means that varying access levels to project and other data can be ascribed according to need.
Studies have found that the most desired planning tools in project management include file sharing, time tracking, email integration and Gantt charts. However, this does not take into account communication in all its social media forms – video chat, real-time chat, social media integration and mobile access. This is pertinent given that a Project Management Institute (PMI) report found that poor communication is one of the top causes of project failure. Such communication abilities are integrated into Microsoft Project.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Adapting your technology to the new working normal.
- Bill of quantities software
- Client design advisor.
- Code of practice for project management.
- Computers in construction tendering.
- Construction project management software.
- Construction project manager - morning tasks.
- E-procurement.
- Excel and construction.
- Game theory.
- Guide to managing construction projects.
- Houzz Pro business software.
- Information and communications technology in construction.
- Interview with Stephen Trench - Project manager.
- MS Project in construction.
- Project manager's report.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.