In this scenario, the project manager can start by preparing a high level project schedule, and then ask team members to fill in their respective tasks. In such situations, it becomes necessary to use a generic tool like MS Excel along with MSP to maintain project schedules.

This keeps costs under control, but leaves team members without a way to track a project’s progress and schedule, which can be detrimental for project delivery. To save costs, many organizations buy licenses only for the project managers who are responsible for preparing and maintaining project schedules. MSP is an expensive tool and its licenses are costly. However, there are times where it becomes necessary to use Excel in conjunction with MSP. Here is a quote from senior MPUG author, Keith Wilson, “Using Excel to manage project information doesn’t make sense, since Project is set up to increase productivity and effectiveness.” (Read his full article here.) I, too, believe that Excel is a cumbersome tool and has serious limitations in creating and maintaining schedules. This is because Excel has some inherent disadvantages for creating and maintaining project schedules. It is generally believed that MS Project is a much better solution than Excel could ever be for project scheduling. In terms of project management, it is an average tool for preparing project schedules, at best. MS Excel is a generic tool that can be used in many situations. Project Portfolio Management (PPM) Training.Project Management Office (PMO) Training.Enterprise Project Management (EPM) Training.Project Management Certification Training.

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