Summary
In this chapter, we have seen how the global practice of professional project management has evolved and crystallized over the ages into global standards such as the PMBOK. We have gone over the basic framework of definitions and concepts that will enable us to navigate the rest of this book. Microsoft Project is a powerful tool that draws upon the same theory, techniques, and best practices of project management knowledge. At its heart is a powerful scheduling engine that works on the Critical Path method. We have also touched upon other essentials, such as the Iron Triangle, WBS, and Gantt charts. There is a sweet spot to which Project is best suited and it is not ideal for every type of project management.
Armed with this foundational knowledge, we are now ready to take on MS Project. In the next chapter, you will quickly get familiar with Project's user interface, so that the long arrays of buttons and features will not intimidate you in the future. We will also create a simple but functional project schedule! I look forward to meeting you in the next chapter.
