Chapter 6: Work Breakdown Structure – the Single Critical Factor

Welcome to this next section of the book, where we discuss the role of Microsoft Project in the planning phase of a project. This is an exciting phase where the project manager takes complete command of the project, with the initiation stage complete and the execution stage yet to start. From a project perspective, your key objective for this planning stage is to create an effective schedule that can be executed by your team.

So, "What is an effective schedule?" you might ask. Well, a realistic schedule is a high-level scope that is translated into the technical language of your implementation, broken down into small enough activities to be comprehended, and worked upon by your team members. Additionally, it should also map to all your business world logic and constraints. Even more importantly, executing the schedule should deliver all the intended results of the project.

But there are many pitfalls...