Exercise A-4: Project Tracking Database

Expand the Project Tracking Database example. Assume that XYZ Company wants to create a

history of project information, and the Project Tracking Database example is the best format for

this type of history. The company wants to track information on 20 past and current projects

and wants the database to be able to handle 100 projects total. The company wants to track the

following project information:

Project name

Sponsor name

Sponsor department

Type of project

Project description

Project manager

Team members

Date project was proposed

Date project was approved or denied

Initial cost estimate

Initial time estimate

Dates of milestones (e.g., project approval, funding approval, project completion)

Actual cost

Actual time

Location of project files

Project Scope Management

Open scope.mpp and add more detail to Executing tasks, using the information

in Table A-6.

2. Project Time Management

a. Enter realistic durations for each task, and then link appropriate tasks. Make the additional

tasks fit the time estimate: 20 days for analysis tasks, 30 days for design tasks,

and 20 days for implementation tasks. Assume that all of the executing tasks have a

total duration of 70 days. Do not overlap analysis, design, and implementation tasks.

b. Print the Gantt Chart view and Network Diagram view for the project.

c. Print the Schedule table to see key dates and slack times for each task.

3. Project Cost Management

a. Use the resource and cost information provided in resource.mpp.

b. Assign resources to the new tasks. Try to make the final cost about the same as that

shown in the Project Tracking Database example: about $50,000.

c. Print the budget report for the project.

4. Project Human Resources Management

a. Two months after the project begins, give everyone on the team a 10 percent raise.

Document the increase in costs that these raises cause.

b. Use the Resource Usage view to see each persons work each month. Print a copy of

the Resource Usage view.

5. Project Communications Management

a. Adjust the timescale on your Gantt chart to enable the chart to fit on one page. Then

paste a copy of the Gantt chart in PowerPoint. You can use your Print Screen button to

copy the image and paste it into PowerPoint. Also add key milestones to the Timeline

and copy it into a second PowerPoint slide. Copy and print out both slides in Power-

Point on one page.

b. Print a Top-Level Tasks report.

c. Review some of the other reports, and print out one that you think would help in managing

the project.

TABLE A-6 Company XYZ Project Tracking Database executing tasks (continued)

Analysis Tasks Design Tasks Implementation Tasks

Develop simple prototype of

database

Create full table structure in

database prototype

Train users on the system

Review prototype with

customer

Create data input screens

Make adjustments based on

customer feedback

Write queries

Create reports

Create main screen

Review new prototype with

customer

Cengage Learning 2014

A.78

Appendix A

Copyright