[Begin Week 1]

Joel: Hello, my name is Joel, and I’ll be walking you through each week’s Microsoft Project exercise. In this week, we’ll be changing the Microsoft Project standard settings. I’ve accessed Microsoft Project through the DeVry iLab. You can find a link to the DeVry iLab in the weekly iLab pages or in the “Course home.” Let’s get started.

The first thing that we’ll do is set some project information variables. This ensures that we are all using the same settings. First, change the start date and the current date. From the menu, choose “Project,” then “Project information.” Change the start date to January 1, 2006. Then change the current date to January 1, 2006. We’re using this date for the assignment, so that everyone’s simulated project looks the same. Click, “Okay.”

Now, let’s change some of the options. From the menu toolbar, select “Tools,” then “Options.” A new window will appear. Select the general tab and type your name in the user name field.

Next, let’s set the workweek. Select the calendar tab, then choose, “Saturday.” Since the workweek begins on Saturday and timekeeping data starts on the same day of the week here at the Arc Company, where we manufacture the Zuma scooter product line. Making this the default starting workday for the workweek will better align the actual work hours to the scheduled tasks. We will keep Saturdays and Sundays as non-workdays. Select the “Set as default” button for the changes to take effect for all projects.

Next, let’s set the project start date. Select the schedule tab, then choose, “Start on project start date” next to new tasks. All schedules will be developed and maintained by defining the date the project begins. This includes any planning or initiation activities. By setting the start date, we can better estimate how long a project will take. Set the task