Microsoft Project 2019–2024/365: Part 2 Course

Editorial Take

Microsoft® Project® 2019-2024/365: Part 2 delivers a focused, practical continuation of foundational training, targeting professionals who need to manage evolving project plans. Developed by Logical Operations and hosted on Coursera, this course assumes familiarity with basic project setup and dives directly into execution and control phases.

Standout Strengths

• Advanced Progress Tracking: Learners gain hands-on experience updating task statuses using % complete, actual start/finish dates, and remaining duration fields. This ensures realistic project monitoring and supports data-driven decision-making in live environments.
• Baseline Management Expertise: The course thoroughly explains how to set, save, and compare baselines against current schedules. This skill is critical for measuring project performance and identifying deviations early in the lifecycle.
• Resource Optimization Techniques: Detailed instruction on resolving overallocations and adjusting work contours helps project managers maintain team productivity without burnout. Realistic scenarios enhance practical understanding of resource leveling.
• Integrated Reporting Tools: Custom report creation and dashboard design are covered with clarity, enabling users to communicate project health effectively to stakeholders using built-in Microsoft Project reporting features.
• Earned Value Management (EVM) Application: The integration of EVM metrics such as CV, SV, CPI, and SPI provides learners with industry-standard tools for assessing project cost and schedule performance accurately.
• Seamless Software Compatibility: Content remains relevant across Microsoft Project 2019, 2024, and 365 versions, ensuring learners can apply skills regardless of their organization’s deployment model or update cycle.

Honest Limitations

Prerequisite Dependency: This course does not review basic concepts, making it inaccessible to beginners. Learners must already understand task creation, dependencies, and calendar settings from prior experience or Part 1 completion.
• Limited Interactive Practice: While the platform offers video instruction and demonstrations, actual hands-on practice requires external access to Microsoft Project software, which is not included or subsidized by Coursera.
• No Instructor Interaction: As a self-paced course, learners do not receive personalized feedback or support. This may hinder deeper understanding for those struggling with complex topics like resource leveling or EVM calculations.
• Narrow Scope Focus: The curriculum centers exclusively on Microsoft Project functionality, omitting broader project management methodologies like Agile or hybrid approaches that many modern teams use alongside the tool.

How to Get the Most Out of It

• Study cadence: Dedicate 3–4 hours per week consistently to absorb complex topics like earned value analysis and maintain momentum through the seven-week duration.
• Parallel project: Apply each module’s techniques to a real or simulated project plan to reinforce learning through practical implementation and contextual understanding.
• Note-taking: Document key shortcuts, menu paths, and reporting workflows to build a personal reference guide for future use in professional settings.
• Community: Engage with the Coursera discussion forums to exchange tips, troubleshoot issues, and learn from peers facing similar challenges in project execution.
• Practice: Use trial versions of Microsoft Project or organizational access to replicate exercises and experiment with advanced features like custom fields and graphical filters.
• Consistency: Maintain weekly progress to avoid knowledge gaps, especially between modules covering baseline setup and later performance analysis techniques.

Supplementary Resources

• Book: “Microsoft Project 2021 Step by Step” by Carl Chatfield and Tim Johnson offers comprehensive reference material that complements the course’s advanced topics.
• Tool: Microsoft’s free Project Online trial allows learners to practice cloud-based collaboration and reporting features beyond desktop application capabilities.
• Follow-up: Consider enrolling in PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP) prep courses to contextualize tool skills within broader project governance frameworks.
• Reference: Microsoft’s official documentation portal provides up-to-date guidance on feature changes and best practices across Project 2019–365 versions.

Common Pitfalls

• Pitfall: Skipping prerequisite knowledge can lead to confusion, especially when the course dives into variance analysis without reviewing basic Gantt chart interpretation.
• Pitfall: Relying solely on video content without practicing in the software results in weak retention and limited ability to apply skills in real projects.
• Pitfall: Misinterpreting earned value metrics due to insufficient practice with real data sets can undermine confidence in performance reporting accuracy.

Time & Money ROI

• Time: At approximately 7 weeks with moderate weekly commitment, the time investment is reasonable for gaining proficiency in advanced scheduling and control features.
• Cost-to-value: While paid, the course offers solid value for professionals needing formal training in Microsoft Project, though the lack of graded projects reduces certification weight.
• Certificate: The Course Certificate validates skill development but carries less weight than vendor-specific certifications; best used as a supplement to a resume or LinkedIn profile.
• Alternative: Free YouTube tutorials may cover similar features, but this structured curriculum ensures systematic learning with clearer learning outcomes and progression.

Editorial Verdict

This intermediate-level course successfully builds on foundational Microsoft Project knowledge, delivering practical, job-relevant skills in project tracking, resource management, and performance reporting. The curriculum is logically structured, progressing from baseline setup to advanced analysis techniques like earned value management. Learners benefit from clear explanations and real-world application scenarios that mirror typical project control challenges. While it doesn't innovate or include interactive grading, its focus on precision and software fluency makes it a reliable choice for professionals seeking to deepen their technical expertise in Microsoft Project.

However, the course is not without limitations. Its reliance on prior knowledge, lack of hands-on project submission, and absence of instructor feedback may deter some learners. It also stays narrowly focused on tool functionality rather than integrating broader project management principles. For those committed to mastering Microsoft Project specifically, this course delivers solid technical training at a reasonable cost. We recommend it for project coordinators, junior project managers, or PMO staff looking to enhance their scheduling and reporting capabilities—provided they have completed Part 1 or possess equivalent experience. Pairing this course with real-world practice will maximize its long-term value.