Week 1 Activity – Introduction to Project Management Tools

Overview

The purpose of this activity is to expose you to the Microsoft Project tool for the purpose of developing a project plan and Gantt chart for a hypothetical 30-day hobby project of your choice. Examples include building a deck, painting the garage, or planting a vegetable garden. Completing this activity will help to jump-start your successful completion of the project deliverables throughout the course.This activity consists of two parts:Part 1: Project Introduction or Project Plan
You will outline the project specifics, such as its key objectives, scope, functional requirements, technical requirements, and key components.Part 2: Gantt Chart
You will use Microsoft Project to create a Gantt chart for your hobby project. Download Microsoft Project to your computer if you don’t already have it installed and familiarize yourself with its features.

• Note: Microsoft Project is available at no cost to Strayer University students. For more information, refer to the left-hand menu option titled “Microsoft Azure for Education.” This information is also available via iCampus.
• You are to create or assume all necessary assumptions to successfully complete this activity.
• You must submit both parts as separate files to the assignment area. Label each file name according to the appropriate part.

Instructions

Part 1: Project Introduction or Project PlanWrite a 3–5 page document in which you:

1. Document the hobby project’s key objectives and scope.
2. Develop the hobby project’s functional and technical requirements.
3. Design the hobby project’s components, including size, shape, and quality.
4. Implement the project according to the chosen design and components.

Part 2: Gantt ChartUse Microsoft Project to create a Gantt chart in which you:

1. Identify the major and minor tasks, illustrating dependency relationships between activities.

Formatting

This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Note the following:

• The preferred method is for the project plan portion of your activity to be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
• Include a cover page containing the assignment title, your name, your professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
• You are not required to include a source list page for this introductory activity. You will, however, be responsible for citing sources and including a source list page for all of the assigned course project deliverables.