Microsoft Project 2010 (MSP 2010) is much more complex than Microsoft Project 2007 (MSP 2007) due to the introduction of manual scheduling in MSP 2010. In MSP 2007, it was only automatic scheduling where one had to learn the nuances of how the software scheduled for you based on factors like work effort, resources, dependencies, and constraints. In MSP 2010, even though it’s easier to get started because you have to simply document your plan ‘as is’ in terms of estimates, etc. When it’s time to let MSP 2010 schedule for you, converting the tasks from manual to automatic scheduling leads to unpredictability.

So my strategy was to turn off manual scheduling for the moment and master automatic scheduling first. This helped me understand the basic differences between MSP 2007 and MSP 2010. Later on, I focused on how to go from a plan that was manually scheduled to a plan that was automatically scheduled.

The primary book I used was “Ultimate Study Guide: Foundations Microsoft Project 2010 (Exam 70-178)” by Dale A. Howard and Gary L. Chefetz – http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Study-Guide-Foundations-Microsoft/dp/1934240133/ref=pd_sim_b3 (around $38 after a 37% discount when I last checked the price).

I also read and used another book Project 2010 Project Management: Real World Skills for Certification and Beyond (Exam 70-178) by Robert Happy – http://www.amazon.com/Project-2010-Management-Skills-Certification/dp/0470561106/ref=pd_sim_b3 (around $32 after a 37% discount).

Between these 2 books, I felt very comfortable taking the exam, especially since I already passed the MSP 2007 exam a few months back.

My first few years in Project Management were rocky and I experienced everything from elation at launching a project to extreme stress when I thought nothing in the world would help launch the project successfully. I took every success and failure very personally and gained wisdom in the process.

Simple equation in Life and Career: Knowledge + Pain + Suffering = Wisdom.

My goal here is to share this wisdom so hopefully, you can minimize the pain you have to experience in your career.

I hope you enjoy these posts and find them valuable!