Webinar: Using Agile Features in Microsoft Project Like a Pro

Introduction

• Speaker: Amanda Matthews, Marketing Coordinator at AdviseCon.
• Overview: AdviseCon is a team of authors, teachers, consultants, and technologists focused on helping organizations achieve results using methodology and technology.
• Webinar Details:
  • Part of AdviseCon's bi-weekly 'Webinar Wednesdays'.
  • Topics include Microsoft Project, Power BI, Visio, SharePoint, and project management methodologies.
  • Offers PDUs as a registered education provider with PMI.
  • Recorded webinars are available on AdviseCon's YouTube channel.
  • Interaction through questions window; audience muted.

Introduction to Michael Rimmer

• Role: Project Scheduler at AdviseCon.
• Experience:
  • Microsoft Certified Professional.
  • Expert in Microsoft Project.
  • Passion for technology and one-on-one training.
• Focus: Project Online and Power BI deployments.

Agenda for the Webinar

1. Overview of Agile and key terms.
2. Demonstration of Agile features in Microsoft Project.
3. Summary and Q&A.

Understanding Agile

• Agile Definition: Iterative approaches focused on delivering customer-prioritized results.
• Key Terms:
  • Kanban: Visual task progression using boards from incomplete to complete.
  • Sprints: Time-boxed periods for ensuring delivery.
  • Backlog: Collection of reprioritized tasks and features for future scheduling.

Microsoft Project's Support for Agile Features

• Roadmap:
  • Announced at Microsoft Ignite.
  • Combines info from waterfall and Agile projects for team sharing.
  • Currently in development.
• Office 365 Planner Integration:
  • Links tasks to planner boards.
  • Future enhancements for board creation from project tasks.
• Power BI: Facilitates data analysis and sharing across organizations with Office 365.

Demonstration of Agile Features

• Software Requirement:
  • Agile features are available in the Click-to-Run version of Microsoft Project Pro.
  • Not supported in Microsoft Project 2016 desktop client.
• Task Board View (Kanban):
  • Drag-and-drop functionality.
  • Customize task cards with fields like baseline finish, work, and deadlines.
  • Filter tasks by summary or resource.
  • Option to use a sheet view for organization.
• Creating New Projects with Agile:
  • Options for Sprints or Waterfall projects.
  • Seamless transitions between Kanban and Sprint views.
  • Managing sprints and tasks within the project.

Implementing Agile in Existing Projects

• Adding Sprints: Use the manage sprints button under the project ribbon tab.
• Sprint Planning and Task Board Customization:
  • Use view ribbon to access task board.
  • Use tables for sprint planning and backlog organization.

Q&A Highlights

• Agile Features:
  • Only available in Click-to-Run version.
  • Use manage sprints button to incorporate Agile in existing schedules.
• Custom Group and Filters:
  • Create custom groups for burndown and filters for specific views.
• Backlog Tasks:
  • Use backlog table to manage and change tasks efficiently.

Conclusion

• Contact Information: Email AdviseCon at [email protected].
• PDUs: Complete a survey post-webinar to receive PDUs.
• Follow-Up: Recorded sessions available on YouTube; reminders to like and subscribe.

Thank you for attending and hope to see you in future webinars!