Project Management Blog

Microsoft Project 2010 Beta Coming Soon

Michele McDonough — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 10:40:40 GMT

If you're a Microsoft Project user and are interested in trying out the upcoming release of Project 2010, now's the time to throw your name in the hat. Microsoft has announced that the beta of Project 2010 will be coming soon and is currently taking requests for those interested in being involved in the beta trials.

If you'd like to put in your request to be included in the beta, just visit the Microsoft Project 2010 web site and click on the Alert me when beta trials are available link. The web site also has an overview and a couple of demo videos that you can watch to find out more about what will be included in the new version of Project.

Microsoft claims that Project 2010 will be the biggest release for Project in over a decade, so even if you're not a current Project user, you may want to give the videos a look just to see some of the features that the new version will offer.

Confessions of a Project Manager

Deanna Reynolds — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:22:29 GMT

If you've managed any project (from business to personal), you'll know the feeling I'm experiencing today -- sheer and utter confusion.

This is normal, right? I mean, don't get me wrong. I have my good days, too. Even, brilliant days (every so often). But, today? Today just isn't one of those days. Instead, it's one of 'those' days.

Honestly, I think the many projects I'm managing are on time. And, the ones that aren't -- well, I just can't do anything about that right now except extend a few deadlines. But, I'd have to look it all up in my PM software to be sure.

You see, today is not a 'bad' day by definition. It's simply a day where I seem to have misplaced all of the little project details that are usually right on the tip of my tongue. You know, the kind of day when asked, "What do you think?" causes you to respond, only, "You know, I'm just not sure."

It's a funny feeling, to be sure, to know that you're managing several projects but you don't readily know the status of any of them. Every so often, I have one of these days and I try to pinpoint an excuse -- you know, "Mercury is in Retrograde." Or, "I think I'm coming down with something." But, today, none of those excuses work. It's just one of those days.

Please tell me I'm not alone. I'm looking for confessions of other project managers to possibly include in an upcoming Bright Hub article, but mainly so I know I'm not alone.

Project Management Media Gallery

Deanna Reynolds — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 21:50:34 GMT

Have you seen our Media Gallery? It's packed full of project management templates and forms our authors provide for your personal use. Just click the Download link next to any media file to download a copy to your computer.

Our Top Ten Articles (2/2009)

Deanna Reynolds — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:55:29 GMT

As of February 2009, these are our most popular articles:

PM Jokes

Deanna Reynolds — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:24:44 GMT

Insert a little levity in your day -- check out our Top 5 Project Management Jokes.

Scrum - Is it right for you?

Deanna Reynolds — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:22:43 GMT

When I first began learning about project management, I thought I must have surely come across a typo when I read the term "scrum." Certainly, I felt confident, that no such term could exist in such a professional field. After all, "Scrum?" It's strange, to say the least.

I've since learned that I was wrong - dead wrong. (Wrong about the existence of the methodology, but I still maintain that it's a strange word.)

As Misty Faucheux explains in her Bright Hub article, "Scrum Methodology: Coordinating Teams to Produce Quality Products,"

"Scrum Methodology can effectively increase the efficiency of and communication between teams to produce a quality, on-time product."

Increase efficiency and communication? You can't find a project manager that won't perk up when they hear that prospect.

Take a cue from software project managers, read Misty's article on implementing Scrum in your projects and let's take Scrum to the next level.

I wonder what strange project management term I'll come across next.

Project 2007 Certification

Deanna Reynolds — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:49:24 GMT

What was released in the Fall of 2007, but is gaining popularity among project managers now in 2008?

Answer: Exam 70-632, Managing Projects Using Microsoft Project 2007. We've got more information about this new exam who's successful test-takers earn the coveted MCTS certification. Check it out here.

Welcome to the Project Management Channel

Deanna Reynolds — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:40:43 GMT

More and more, effectively managing projects is becoming a necessary skills for many people. Here you will find the latest technology articles, tips and project management software reviews to help you improve your productivity and manage your projects with ease.

Managing Editor, Deanna Reynolds, is an experienced technical trainer and writer. Deanna also holds the MCTS certification for successfully navigating the Managing Projects with Microsoft Project certification exam.

Read in-depth software reviews and learn expert tips to help you juggle the many demands of project management.