Top 5 Most Important Reports - microsoft.public.project

Hi, I was wondering ( based on ALL of your experiences) if you could share the top 5, lets say, reports that people want to see or know about from the Project Manager? And I understand that different stakeholders are going to want different things and that no one organization is the same. However, I have to guess that there have to be "Best Practice" methods for reporting project information right? Thanks for your help. -jp

Earned Value Reports (includes PV, EV, AC, SPI, CPI and their variances) Critical Path & Total Slack Analysis Poor performing tasks based on Variance Analysis (Both cost and schedule) risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations) -- If this post was helpful, please consider rating it. Jim Aksel, MVP Check out my blog for more information: http://www.msprojectblog.com "jp" wrote: > > Hi, > > I was wondering ( based on ALL of your experiences) if you could > share the top 5, lets say, reports that people want to see or know > about from the Project Manager? > > And I understand that different stakeholders are going to want different > things and that no one organization is the same. However, I have to guess > that there have to be "Best Practice" methods for reporting project > information right? Thanks for your help. > > -jp

Thanks Jim for your reply, Question: "risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations)" Is that in MS Project 2003 or possibly in 2007? I don't know that I've seen that before in MSP. -jp "Jim Aksel" wrote: > Earned Value Reports (includes PV, EV, AC, SPI, CPI and their variances) > Critical Path & Total Slack Analysis > Poor performing tasks based on Variance Analysis (Both cost and schedule) > risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations) > > > -- > If this post was helpful, please consider rating it. > > Jim Aksel, MVP > > Check out my blog for more information: > http://www.msprojectblog.com > > > > "jp" wrote: > > > > > Hi, > > > > I was wondering ( based on ALL of your experiences) if you could > > share the top 5, lets say, reports that people want to see or know > > about from the Project Manager? > > > > And I understand that different stakeholders are going to want different > > things and that no one organization is the same. However, I have to guess > > that there have to be "Best Practice" methods for reporting project > > information right? Thanks for your help. > > > > -jp

Hi Jim, Would you also know how to best get cost savings and schedule variances out and into a nice graph created in MS Excel? I'm working with MSP 2003. I'm almost positive Executives like to see graphs showing them cost savings and schedule speed based on planned vs actuals in a graph format. As you can see, I also like graphs... ;-) -jp "Jim Aksel" wrote: > Earned Value Reports (includes PV, EV, AC, SPI, CPI and their variances) > Critical Path & Total Slack Analysis > Poor performing tasks based on Variance Analysis (Both cost and schedule) > risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations) > > > -- > If this post was helpful, please consider rating it. > > Jim Aksel, MVP > > Check out my blog for more information: > http://www.msprojectblog.com > > > > "jp" wrote: > > > > > Hi, > > > > I was wondering ( based on ALL of your experiences) if you could > > share the top 5, lets say, reports that people want to see or know > > about from the Project Manager? > > > > And I understand that different stakeholders are going to want different > > things and that no one organization is the same. However, I have to guess > > that there have to be "Best Practice" methods for reporting project > > information right? Thanks for your help. > > > > -jp

jp, Project out of the box does not have risk register or Motel Carlo Simulations. Risk Register done lots of ways in different organisations. Monte Carlo schedule simulations are doing with third-party add-in products. IMHO, this sort of thing is nearly if not the most valuable aspect of making and maintaining a model of the project to enable building a discussable point of view about the future. --rms www.rmschneider.com On 09/04/10 14:37, jp wrote: > > Thanks Jim for your reply, > > Question: "risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations)" > Is that in MS Project 2003 or possibly in 2007? I don't know that I've seen > that before in MSP. > > -jp > > "Jim Aksel" wrote: > >> Earned Value Reports (includes PV, EV, AC, SPI, CPI and their variances) >> Critical Path& Total Slack Analysis >> Poor performing tasks based on Variance Analysis (Both cost and schedule) >> risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations) >> >> >> -- >> If this post was helpful, please consider rating it. >> >> Jim Aksel, MVP >> >> Check out my blog for more information: >> http://www.msprojectblog.com >> >> >> >> "jp" wrote: >> >>> >>> Hi, >>> >>> I was wondering ( based on ALL of your experiences) if you could >>> share the top 5, lets say, reports that people want to see or know >>> about from the Project Manager? >>> >>> And I understand that different stakeholders are going to want different >>> things and that no one organization is the same. However, I have to guess >>> that there have to be "Best Practice" methods for reporting project >>> information right? Thanks for your help. >>> >>> -jp

oh ok. Yes, I hadn't seen anything on my MSP 2003 that resembled a Risk Register or a Monte Carlo Model. Is the "IMHO" a really good product? "Rob Schneider" wrote: > jp, > > Project out of the box does not have risk register or Motel Carlo > Simulations. Risk Register done lots of ways in different > organisations. Monte Carlo schedule simulations are doing with > third-party add-in products. IMHO, this sort of thing is nearly if not > the most valuable aspect of making and maintaining a model of the > project to enable building a discussable point of view about the future. > > > --rms > > www.rmschneider.com > > > > > On 09/04/10 14:37, jp wrote: > > > > Thanks Jim for your reply, > > > > Question: "risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations)" > > Is that in MS Project 2003 or possibly in 2007? I don't know that I've seen > > that before in MSP. > > > > -jp > > > > "Jim Aksel" wrote: > > > >> Earned Value Reports (includes PV, EV, AC, SPI, CPI and their variances) > >> Critical Path& Total Slack Analysis > >> Poor performing tasks based on Variance Analysis (Both cost and schedule) > >> risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations) > >> > >> > >> -- > >> If this post was helpful, please consider rating it. > >> > >> Jim Aksel, MVP > >> > >> Check out my blog for more information: > >> http://www.msprojectblog.com > >> > >> > >> > >> "jp" wrote: > >> > >>> > >>> Hi, > >>> > >>> I was wondering ( based on ALL of your experiences) if you could > >>> share the top 5, lets say, reports that people want to see or know > >>> about from the Project Manager? > >>> > >>> And I understand that different stakeholders are going to want different > >>> things and that no one organization is the same. However, I have to guess > >>> that there have to be "Best Practice" methods for reporting project > >>> information right? Thanks for your help. > >>> > >>> -jp > . >

It's the best product available in the world. I'm humble. "IMHO" is an internet abbreviation for "In My Humble Opinion" You might also see "AFAIK" which is "As Far As I Know". --rms www.rmschneider.com On 09/04/10 17:11, jp wrote: > > oh ok. Yes, I hadn't seen anything on my MSP 2003 that resembled > a Risk Register or a Monte Carlo Model. Is the "IMHO" a really good > product? > > > "Rob Schneider" wrote: > >> jp, >> >> Project out of the box does not have risk register or Motel Carlo >> Simulations. Risk Register done lots of ways in different >> organisations. Monte Carlo schedule simulations are doing with >> third-party add-in products. IMHO, this sort of thing is nearly if not >> the most valuable aspect of making and maintaining a model of the >> project to enable building a discussable point of view about the future. >> >> >> --rms >> >> www.rmschneider.com >> >> >> >> >> On 09/04/10 14:37, jp wrote: >>> >>> Thanks Jim for your reply, >>> >>> Question: "risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations)" >>> Is that in MS Project 2003 or possibly in 2007? I don't know that I've seen >>> that before in MSP. >>> >>> -jp >>> >>> "Jim Aksel" wrote: >>> >>>> Earned Value Reports (includes PV, EV, AC, SPI, CPI and their variances) >>>> Critical Path& Total Slack Analysis >>>> Poor performing tasks based on Variance Analysis (Both cost and schedule) >>>> risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations) >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> If this post was helpful, please consider rating it. >>>> >>>> Jim Aksel, MVP >>>> >>>> Check out my blog for more information: >>>> http://www.msprojectblog.com >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> "jp" wrote: >>>> >>>>> >>>>> Hi, >>>>> >>>>> I was wondering ( based on ALL of your experiences) if you could >>>>> share the top 5, lets say, reports that people want to see or know >>>>> about from the Project Manager? >>>>> >>>>> And I understand that different stakeholders are going to want different >>>>> things and that no one organization is the same. However, I have to guess >>>>> that there have to be "Best Practice" methods for reporting project >>>>> information right? Thanks for your help. >>>>> >>>>> -jp >> . >>

The answer depends on how you're using the plan. If you have a fully resourced plan with accurate actual and remaining work, and an accurate basline then I'd say: 1. earned value or some derivative thereof that gives a clear measure of progress and estimate at complete 2. Report that shows problem activities, tasks, milestones, etc. such as tasks with variances 3. Resource utlization But if you're managing the plan according to tasks and dates, and not work hours then your options are more limited. "jp" wrote: > > Hi, > > I was wondering ( based on ALL of your experiences) if you could > share the top 5, lets say, reports that people want to see or know > about from the Project Manager? > > And I understand that different stakeholders are going to want different > things and that no one organization is the same. However, I have to guess > that there have to be "Best Practice" methods for reporting project > information right? Thanks for your help. > > -jp

Wow, you really like hah! So, where is it found on the Web? Is it mainly used for the Monte Carlo analysis? -jp "Rob Schneider" wrote: > It's the best product available in the world. I'm humble. > > "IMHO" is an internet abbreviation for "In My Humble Opinion" > > You might also see "AFAIK" which is "As Far As I Know". > > > --rms > > www.rmschneider.com > > > > > On 09/04/10 17:11, jp wrote: > > > > oh ok. Yes, I hadn't seen anything on my MSP 2003 that resembled > > a Risk Register or a Monte Carlo Model. Is the "IMHO" a really good > > product? > > > > > > "Rob Schneider" wrote: > > > >> jp, > >> > >> Project out of the box does not have risk register or Motel Carlo > >> Simulations. Risk Register done lots of ways in different > >> organisations. Monte Carlo schedule simulations are doing with > >> third-party add-in products. IMHO, this sort of thing is nearly if not > >> the most valuable aspect of making and maintaining a model of the > >> project to enable building a discussable point of view about the future. > >> > >> > >> --rms > >> > >> www.rmschneider.com > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> On 09/04/10 14:37, jp wrote: > >>> > >>> Thanks Jim for your reply, > >>> > >>> Question: "risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations)" > >>> Is that in MS Project 2003 or possibly in 2007? I don't know that I've seen > >>> that before in MSP. > >>> > >>> -jp > >>> > >>> "Jim Aksel" wrote: > >>> > >>>> Earned Value Reports (includes PV, EV, AC, SPI, CPI and their variances) > >>>> Critical Path& Total Slack Analysis > >>>> Poor performing tasks based on Variance Analysis (Both cost and schedule) > >>>> risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations) > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> -- > >>>> If this post was helpful, please consider rating it. > >>>> > >>>> Jim Aksel, MVP > >>>> > >>>> Check out my blog for more information: > >>>> http://www.msprojectblog.com > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> "jp" wrote: > >>>> > >>>>> > >>>>> Hi, > >>>>> > >>>>> I was wondering ( based on ALL of your experiences) if you could > >>>>> share the top 5, lets say, reports that people want to see or know > >>>>> about from the Project Manager? > >>>>> > >>>>> And I understand that different stakeholders are going to want different > >>>>> things and that no one organization is the same. However, I have to guess > >>>>> that there have to be "Best Practice" methods for reporting project > >>>>> information right? Thanks for your help. > >>>>> > >>>>> -jp > >> . > >> > . >

oh ok. Thanks lbethel -jp ;-) "lbethel" wrote: > The answer depends on how you're using the plan. If you have a fully > resourced plan with accurate actual and remaining work, and an accurate > basline then I'd say: > 1. earned value or some derivative thereof that gives a clear measure of > progress and estimate at complete > 2. Report that shows problem activities, tasks, milestones, etc. such as > tasks with variances > 3. Resource utlization > > But if you're managing the plan according to tasks and dates, and not work > hours then your options are more limited. > > "jp" wrote: > > > > > Hi, > > > > I was wondering ( based on ALL of your experiences) if you could > > share the top 5, lets say, reports that people want to see or know > > about from the Project Manager? > > > > And I understand that different stakeholders are going to want different > > things and that no one organization is the same. However, I have to guess > > that there have to be "Best Practice" methods for reporting project > > information right? Thanks for your help. > > > > -jp

See http://project.mvps.org/comprods.htm Also can search Google on "project monte carlo" to get some leads. --rms www.rmschneider.com On 09/04/10 22:55, jp wrote: > > Wow, you really like hah! > So, where is it found on the Web? > Is it mainly used for the Monte Carlo analysis? > > -jp > > "Rob Schneider" wrote: > >> It's the best product available in the world. I'm humble. >> >> "IMHO" is an internet abbreviation for "In My Humble Opinion" >> >> You might also see "AFAIK" which is "As Far As I Know". >> >> >> --rms >> >> www.rmschneider.com >> >> >> >> >> On 09/04/10 17:11, jp wrote: >>> >>> oh ok. Yes, I hadn't seen anything on my MSP 2003 that resembled >>> a Risk Register or a Monte Carlo Model. Is the "IMHO" a really good >>> product? >>> >>> >>> "Rob Schneider" wrote: >>> >>>> jp, >>>> >>>> Project out of the box does not have risk register or Motel Carlo >>>> Simulations. Risk Register done lots of ways in different >>>> organisations. Monte Carlo schedule simulations are doing with >>>> third-party add-in products. IMHO, this sort of thing is nearly if not >>>> the most valuable aspect of making and maintaining a model of the >>>> project to enable building a discussable point of view about the future. >>>> >>>> >>>> --rms >>>> >>>> www.rmschneider.com >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On 09/04/10 14:37, jp wrote: >>>>> >>>>> Thanks Jim for your reply, >>>>> >>>>> Question: "risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations)" >>>>> Is that in MS Project 2003 or possibly in 2007? I don't know that I've seen >>>>> that before in MSP. >>>>> >>>>> -jp >>>>> >>>>> "Jim Aksel" wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Earned Value Reports (includes PV, EV, AC, SPI, CPI and their variances) >>>>>> Critical Path& Total Slack Analysis >>>>>> Poor performing tasks based on Variance Analysis (Both cost and schedule) >>>>>> risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations) >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> If this post was helpful, please consider rating it. >>>>>> >>>>>> Jim Aksel, MVP >>>>>> >>>>>> Check out my blog for more information: >>>>>> http://www.msprojectblog.com >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> "jp" wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Hi, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I was wondering ( based on ALL of your experiences) if you could >>>>>>> share the top 5, lets say, reports that people want to see or know >>>>>>> about from the Project Manager? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> And I understand that different stakeholders are going to want different >>>>>>> things and that no one organization is the same. However, I have to guess >>>>>>> that there have to be "Best Practice" methods for reporting project >>>>>>> information right? Thanks for your help. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> -jp >>>> . >>>> >> . >>

Use the Export to Excel on the Analysis toolbar. Make sure you select the variance items. -- If this post was helpful, please consider rating it. Jim Aksel, MVP Check out my blog for more information: http://www.msprojectblog.com "jp" wrote: > > Hi Jim, > > Would you also know how to best get cost savings and schedule variances > out and into a nice graph created in MS Excel? I'm working with MSP 2003. > I'm almost positive Executives like to see graphs showing them cost savings > and schedule speed based on planned vs actuals in a graph format. As you > can see, I also like graphs... > ;-) > > -jp > > "Jim Aksel" wrote: > > > Earned Value Reports (includes PV, EV, AC, SPI, CPI and their variances) > > Critical Path & Total Slack Analysis > > Poor performing tasks based on Variance Analysis (Both cost and schedule) > > risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations) > > > > > > -- > > If this post was helpful, please consider rating it. > > > > Jim Aksel, MVP > > > > Check out my blog for more information: > > http://www.msprojectblog.com > > > > > > > > "jp" wrote: > > > > > > > > Hi, > > > > > > I was wondering ( based on ALL of your experiences) if you could > > > share the top 5, lets say, reports that people want to see or know > > > about from the Project Manager? > > > > > > And I understand that different stakeholders are going to want different > > > things and that no one organization is the same. However, I have to guess > > > that there have to be "Best Practice" methods for reporting project > > > information right? Thanks for your help. > > > > > > -jp

There are a couple out there ... I presonally use Deltek Risk Plus (http://www.deltek.com/products/riskplus/) There is another called RiskyProject that is pretty good, and the ones Rob referred you to on the MVP site. -- If this post was helpful, please consider rating it. Jim Aksel, MVP Check out my blog for more information: http://www.msprojectblog.com "jp" wrote: > > Wow, you really like hah! > So, where is it found on the Web? > Is it mainly used for the Monte Carlo analysis? > > -jp > > "Rob Schneider" wrote: > > > It's the best product available in the world. I'm humble. > > > > "IMHO" is an internet abbreviation for "In My Humble Opinion" > > > > You might also see "AFAIK" which is "As Far As I Know". > > > > > > --rms > > > > www.rmschneider.com > > > > > > > > > > On 09/04/10 17:11, jp wrote: > > > > > > oh ok. Yes, I hadn't seen anything on my MSP 2003 that resembled > > > a Risk Register or a Monte Carlo Model. Is the "IMHO" a really good > > > product? > > > > > > > > > "Rob Schneider" wrote: > > > > > >> jp, > > >> > > >> Project out of the box does not have risk register or Motel Carlo > > >> Simulations. Risk Register done lots of ways in different > > >> organisations. Monte Carlo schedule simulations are doing with > > >> third-party add-in products. IMHO, this sort of thing is nearly if not > > >> the most valuable aspect of making and maintaining a model of the > > >> project to enable building a discussable point of view about the future. > > >> > > >> > > >> --rms > > >> > > >> www.rmschneider.com > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> On 09/04/10 14:37, jp wrote: > > >>> > > >>> Thanks Jim for your reply, > > >>> > > >>> Question: "risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations)" > > >>> Is that in MS Project 2003 or possibly in 2007? I don't know that I've seen > > >>> that before in MSP. > > >>> > > >>> -jp > > >>> > > >>> "Jim Aksel" wrote: > > >>> > > >>>> Earned Value Reports (includes PV, EV, AC, SPI, CPI and their variances) > > >>>> Critical Path& Total Slack Analysis > > >>>> Poor performing tasks based on Variance Analysis (Both cost and schedule) > > >>>> risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations) > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>>> -- > > >>>> If this post was helpful, please consider rating it. > > >>>> > > >>>> Jim Aksel, MVP > > >>>> > > >>>> Check out my blog for more information: > > >>>> http://www.msprojectblog.com > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>>> "jp" wrote: > > >>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>>> Hi, > > >>>>> > > >>>>> I was wondering ( based on ALL of your experiences) if you could > > >>>>> share the top 5, lets say, reports that people want to see or know > > >>>>> about from the Project Manager? > > >>>>> > > >>>>> And I understand that different stakeholders are going to want different > > >>>>> things and that no one organization is the same. However, I have to guess > > >>>>> that there have to be "Best Practice" methods for reporting project > > >>>>> information right? Thanks for your help. > > >>>>> > > >>>>> -jp > > >> . > > >> > > . > >

Do you know the URL for IMHO? Does it cost alot of money? Is it really good and useful? -jp "Rob Schneider" wrote: > jp, > > Project out of the box does not have risk register or Motel Carlo > Simulations. Risk Register done lots of ways in different > organisations. Monte Carlo schedule simulations are doing with > third-party add-in products. IMHO, this sort of thing is nearly if not > the most valuable aspect of making and maintaining a model of the > project to enable building a discussable point of view about the future. > > > --rms > > www.rmschneider.com > > > > > On 09/04/10 14:37, jp wrote: > > > > Thanks Jim for your reply, > > > > Question: "risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations)" > > Is that in MS Project 2003 or possibly in 2007? I don't know that I've seen > > that before in MSP. > > > > -jp > > > > "Jim Aksel" wrote: > > > >> Earned Value Reports (includes PV, EV, AC, SPI, CPI and their variances) > >> Critical Path& Total Slack Analysis > >> Poor performing tasks based on Variance Analysis (Both cost and schedule) > >> risk register/Schedule Risk Assessment (Monte Carlo Simulations) > >> > >> > >> -- > >> If this post was helpful, please consider rating it. > >> > >> Jim Aksel, MVP > >> > >> Check out my blog for more information: > >> http://www.msprojectblog.com > >> > >> > >> > >> "jp" wrote: > >> > >>> > >>> Hi, > >>> > >>> I was wondering ( based on ALL of your experiences) if you could > >>> share the top 5, lets say, reports that people want to see or know > >>> about from the Project Manager? > >>> > >>> And I understand that different stakeholders are going to want different > >>> things and that no one organization is the same. However, I have to guess > >>> that there have to be "Best Practice" methods for reporting project > >>> information right? Thanks for your help. > >>> > >>> -jp > . >

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8/13/2012 5:30:58 PM