Getting prepared, ahead of leading a team through an assignment, is key to its success and Microsoft (MS) Project is available for this purpose.

After being given the green light to launch an initiative, as a manager you are probably keen to start making arrangement to get it off the ground. Using innate knowledge at this point will seem like the natural way to tackle projects, although implementing special software could see assignments run even more effectively. Inputting facts and figures regarding a workplace task may feel like it is more time than it is worth to those who wish to get stuck into their latest campaigns.

However, you are likely to find that making these kinds of preparations via MS Project you save time in the long run. This application requires you to enter data regarding the task at hand and the resources available to you. Although this is likely to be information that is already well-known to you and perhaps stored elsewhere, the advantage of using the software is that it can link the statistics together.

For example, if you are assigned with the job of writing materials for an e-learning project, you will be required to enter information on certain aspects of the initiative. Such as, the deadline work has to be inputted by, the resources available, and including editors of the submissions.

By putting all this data into the application, you only have to visit one location in order to get an overview of your project.

Another huge benefit of utilising MS Project is that it is designed to show the impact of one task and resources on another, and the campaign in general.

The application has a range of inbuilt functions that give you the opportunity to generate charts and graphs to get a picture of the progression of the assignment.

Many managers find it helpful to break down the overall objective into a series of smaller tasks, each with their own timelines. For instance, the first task in the previous example might be to hire a group of writers and editors who are responsible for putting together the materials required.

This can be given a set time and budget, so there are solid goals to work towards. This smaller task could be affected by others, such as launching the internet portal in time for the completion of material. If this is the case, in order to see potential conflicts, MS Project reveals how a delay in the latter goal could push deadlines forward beyond their remit.

This interlinking of smaller sub-tasks is a great way to avoid obstacles and shows the importance of taking the time to enter details into MS Project. As well as proving to be useful in revealing issues that may crop up during campaigns, the application is used by many who like its integrated functions that aim to make project management as simple as possible.

For instance, the software has an array of in-built templates that allow you to get started as quickly as possible. In addition, continually used functions can become automated so you do not spend time doing the same actions, which could eat up resources. The application also boasts workgroup features, meaning you are free to give others the responsibility of overseeing some of the tasks, so you can focus your attentions elsewhere.