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A team of project managers collaborating to solve a color puzzle.

Can Project Management Software Improve Team Collaboration?

Project management software can enhance team collaboration by providing a centralized platform where all team members can access project information in real-time. Such tools help keep everyone on the same page by enabling them to track progress, set deadlines, assign tasks, and communicate with one another quickly and easily.

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A bulletin board with items arbitrarily scattered around it; a sign that says small business is pinned to the board, representing all the companies that may benefit from exploring the best project management software for their specific needs.

Best Project Management Software for Small Businesses

Small businesses face a unique set of challenges that require effective management and organization skills. One of the most important aspects of ensuring success for small companies is proper project management. Project management software can help small business owners stay organized, track progress, and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

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A project manager applying Smartsheet COUNTIFS function for a client project.

Smartsheet COUNTIFS (Maybe a Little Too Oversimplified…)

Smartsheet COUNTIFS is a formula that helps users count the number of rows in a specified range that meet multiple criteria. This function is useful when you need to filter data based on several conditions or criteria simultaneously. It can be used to perform simple calculations such as counting the number of completed tasks, or more complex calculations such as identifying the number of overdue tasks for a specific project.

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A project developer analyzing code for a widget that will replace the Microsoft Project Task Inspector tool.

How to Use the Microsoft Project Task Inspector (Maximize Speed and Efficiency)

The Task Inspector is an important tool in Microsoft Project that helps to identify potential issues with project tasks. It provides a detailed overview of a selected task, including its start and finish dates, duration, resource assignments, and predecessors. Additionally, it offers suggestions for resolving any problems or conflicts that may arise during the course of the project.

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An intern of a large corporation wondering what project management is as he organizes tasks for project managers on sticky notes.

What Is Project Management?

Project management is the process of organizing, planning, and overseeing resources in order to achieve specific objectives within a defined timeline. It is a careful balance between managing people, time, budget, and scope while ensuring quality results. Project management involves setting clear goals and objectives for a project in order to ensure that it is completed efficiently and effectively.

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A project manager analyzing the multiple reasons why her team needs to use Microsoft Project.

6 Stupendous Reasons Why You Need Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project is an essential tool for project management, enabling managers to plan, schedule and execute their projects with ease. It provides a comprehensive range of features that allow project managers to create detailed plans and track progress from start to completion. Using Microsoft Project, managers can manage resources effectively by assigning tasks to team members and monitoring their progress in real-time.

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A workspace with the headphones, keyboard, and mouse connected to a computer that is on a Microsoft Teams call in which a project manager is discussing the role of predecessors in project management endeavors.

Predecessors in Project Management: What Are They and How to Use Them

The identification of predecessors is crucial in creating a logical sequence of activities and ensuring that each task flows smoothly into the next. The connection between two tasks is established by a dependency link, which shows how one task relies on another to be completed. A predecessor can have one or more successors, which are tasks that depend on its completion.

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A supply chain project manager salary can greatly affect the performance of transportation logistics like the efficiency of cargo on this cargo ship.

Supply Chain Project Manager Salary (How High Can You Climb?)

The supply chain project manager is one of the most crucial roles in a company. This position requires an individual who can oversee the entire supply chain process, from procurement to delivery. The salary for a supply chain project manager can vary depending on experience, education, and industry. In general, the average salary for this role falls within the range of $58,000 to $130,000 per year.

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A project manager teaching a coworker how to create a header in Microsoft Project.

How to Use a Header in Microsoft Project (The Only Guide You Need)

The header feature in Microsoft Project is a useful tool for project managers. It allows them to add key information about the project to the top of each page, including the project name, date, and any relevant notes or comments. This makes it easy for stakeholders and team members to quickly understand what they are looking at and where it fits into the larger picture.

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A project manager configuring PWA Timesheets using Microsoft Project.

What Is PWA Timesheet (Project Management Cheatsheet)

PWA Timesheet is a web application that allows employees to log their work hours electronically. It leverages the power of Progressive Web Apps (PWA) technology, which means that it can be accessed from any device with an internet connection without the need for downloading an app. This makes it convenient for remote and mobile workers who may not have access to a desktop computer.

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Two project managers developing a project management office (PMO) lifecycle for a client.

Awesome Guide to Project Management Office (PMO) Lifecycles

The PMO lifecycle brings numerous benefits to an organization. By establishing a PMO, companies can streamline their project management processes and improve decision-making by providing visibility into all ongoing projects. This helps ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and that projects are completed on time and within budget.

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A project manager training a coworker on configuring nested projects in project management tasks for a client.

Nested Projects in Project Management (How to Do It Right)

Nested projects refer to a project that is part of a larger project or program. The main project can be broken down into smaller sub-projects, each with its own objectives and deliverables. This approach is particularly useful in complex projects where there are multiple stakeholders or teams involved. One of the advantages of nested projects is that they allow for better management and coordination of resources.

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A business owner starting up his computer to learn Microsoft Project tips for his new project management venture.

6 Mind-Boggling Microsoft Project Tips All Project Managers Need to Know

Microsoft Project is a project management software that helps users plan, track, and manage projects effectively. It allows users to create project schedules, assign tasks to team members, allocate resources, and monitor progress throughout the project lifecycle. The software is widely used by businesses of all sizes in various industries to streamline project management processes and ensure timely completion of projects.

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Two project managers debating which software is better, Smartsheet vs Jira.

Smartsheet vs. Jira (Ultimate Head-to-Head Comparison)

Smartsheet and Jira are project management tools offering unique features to help teams streamline their workflows. However, Smartsheet emerges as the clear winner when choosing between the two. The reason behind this is simple: Smartsheet offers a more intuitive user interface and is easier to use than Jira. While both tools have their strengths and weaknesses, we believe Smartsheet offers more value for money with its more straightforward user interface and integration capabilities. Ultimately the choice between the two will depend on your team’s specific needs, but we highly recommend trying Smartsheet before making any final decisions.

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Blank notes waiting to be filled by a supply chain manager that ironically ponders the question, "is supply chain management hard?".

Honestly, Is Supply Chain Management Hard? Let’s Find Out!

Supply chain management is a complex and challenging process that requires careful planning, coordination, and execution. It involves managing the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance action. As businesses expand globally and competition intensifies, supply chain management becomes even more critical.

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A project manager learns how to configure Microsoft Project Online timesheets quicker than ever she had ever learned to do!

Quickly Set Up Microsoft Project Online Timesheets (In Just 5 Simple Steps!)

Configuring a timesheet in Microsoft Project Online involves defining periods for which timesheets are available (typically weekly), setting up the required fields such as hours worked or percentage complete, configuring approval settings so that managers can approve or reject submitted timesheets before they are included in reports or billing processes. Ultimately Microsoft Project Online helps organizations become more productive by providing an end-to-end solution for project management needs within a single platform.

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A project manager learning how to create a split view in Microsoft Project.

5 EASY Tips on How to Create a Split View in Microsoft Project

A split view in Microsoft Project is a great way to view two parts of your project simultaneously. This function allows you to have the Gantt chart on one side and the task list on the other, making it easier to manage your tasks. To create a split view, click on the “View” tab and then “Split View.” Once you do this, you can adjust the size of each window by dragging the divider line between them.

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A project manager learning how to auto schedule in Microsoft Project.

7 Tips to Auto-Schedule in Microsoft Project

Auto-scheduling in Microsoft Project is a powerful feature that helps project managers to create and manage their projects. It allows the software to automatically calculate task start and end dates based on dependencies, resources, and constraints. This helps ensure your project schedule is realistic, accurate, and up-to-date. To use auto-scheduling effectively in Microsoft Project, it’s essential to understand the different scheduling modes available: manual and auto-scheduling. Manual scheduling lets you set specific start and end dates for each task, while auto-scheduling calculates the dates based on various parameters defined in the project plan.

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A project manager learning Smartsheet Data Mesh.

How to Navigate Smartsheet Data Mesh Like a Pro!

Implementing a data mesh approach using Smartsheet can significantly improve your organization’s overall efficiency and productivity. You can achieve better collaboration and decision-making by breaking down data silos and empowering domain teams to take ownership of their data. With Smartsheet’s flexible and customizable platform, you can easily integrate with other tools and systems to create a seamless data ecosystem.

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Project managers reviewing Smartsheet milestones.

Awesome Tips for Smartsheet Milestones

Streamlining progress is a crucial aspect of project management. Smartsheet Milestones provide an efficient way to track and measure progress, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. By setting milestones, teams can break down larger goals into smaller achievable tasks, which can be easily tracked using the Smartsheet platform.

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Project managers discussing Microsoft Project Online resource management.

The Easy Way to Microsoft Project Online Resource Management

The benefits of using Microsoft Project Online for resource management are clear. By providing a centralized platform for managing resources, teams can collaborate more effectively and ensure that everyone is working towards common goals. Additionally, the ability to track progress in real-time means that project managers can quickly adjust plans to stay on track and meet deadlines.

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A project manager learning how to reference another sheet in Smartsheet.

Epic Way to Reference Another Sheet in Smartsheet

Streamlining your workflow with Smartsheet is crucial to improving productivity and efficiency. Referencing another sheet is just one of many features that can help you achieve this goal. By using cross-sheet references, you can easily access and update data across multiple sheets without manual copying and pasting. Incorporating these tools into your workflow increases productivity and reduces stress by eliminating tedious tasks.

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An HR manager for Smartsheet asking an interviewee Smartsheet interview questions.

An Awesome Resource for Smartsheet Interview Questions

Regarding Smartsheet-specific questions, be prepared for questions about project management methodologies such as Agile or Waterfall. You should also be familiar with different reporting tools, such as Pivot Tables or Graphs, and be able to demonstrate how you would use them in Smartsheet. By taking these steps to prepare for your Smartsheet interview questions, you’ll feel more confident going into the interview process!

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A project manager informing her client how to prevent overallocating resources in Microsoft Project.

How to Conquer Overallocated Resources in Microsoft Project

Overallocation occurs when a resource is allocated to more than one task simultaneously. This resource allocation type causes a project to have too much work assigned to too few resources, resulting in schedule delays and budget overruns. Microsoft Project has features designed to detect overallocation and help project managers resolve it.

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A project manager explaining overlapping schedules to a client.

Your Guide to Overlapping Schedules in Project Management

An overlapping schedule is a technique used in project management to manage timelines and resource utilization. It is also known as a “fast-tracking” approach because it enables an organization to complete tasks faster by allowing some project steps to be performed in parallel. This approach can help streamline process flow, reduce lead times, and maximize resources.

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A computer screen displaying how to merge cells in Smartsheet.

5 Exciting Tips to Merge Cells in Smartsheet

Merging cells in Smartsheet is a great way to reduce data entry time and increase work efficiency. Whether creating summary columns or combining data from multiple sources, merging cells can help simplify your workflow and make document organization a breeze. With these tips, you have all the knowledge necessary to combine cells quickly and successfully.

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A project management consultant reporting her monthly metrics.

7 Powerful Tips for Project Management Consultants

The key to successful project management consulting is to provide value for your clients. Understanding their needs and offering sound advice can build a strong foundation for long-term success. Additionally, staying organized and using the right tools are essential to successful project management consulting. With these seven powerful tips in mind, any consultant can set themselves up for success in project management consulting.

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A business owner researching project management consulting services.

Your Awesome Guide to Project Management Consulting!

Consultants provide expertise in risk management, project scheduling, forecasting, budgeting, resource allocation, and vendor selection. They also assist the organization in developing appropriate processes for managing projects from conception to completion. Additionally, consultants can guide monitoring progress and measuring results throughout the project life cycle.

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