Project Management Resources: Tools for Processes

The life span and the level of difficulty of a project require a Project Manager (PM) to plan carefully and to maintain effective delivery to achieve superior results. A PM will need to have the ability to control coexisting processes while keeping the project moving forward as planned. To help a PM achieve optimal results they depend upon tools that support them through the project phases, the planning phase being the most critical.

The many tools that are available range from very basic tools to extremely efficient tools. Ranging from the basic end to the elaborate end is Microsoft Excel, Gantt charts, PERT charts and even the use of Primavera Project Management, respectively.

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel offers a simple way for Project Managers (PM) to store project information and retrieve appropriate charts to aid in the processes of the project. Information can be entered into the spreadsheet, such as tasks, responsible members, length of time, costs, resources, and so on. Formula driven cells can calculate cost variances by comparing actual costs to budgeted costs and timelines can be formed as well. The data entered into the spreadsheet can also be converted to charts and graphs.

Microsoft Excel is good for small projects that are not lengthy in time. For a small project all phases of the project management processes can be tracked in excel.

Microsoft Project