How does Project differ fudnamentally from Outlook/PIM?

[John]

Im a newbie so this may be a dumb question

But Im trying to understand the diff between a "project
manager" vs a PIM like Outlook?

In what circumstances would a person use on app over
the other?

 

[Trevor Rabey]

Well, they are completely different things.
If you are managing a project you need:
the schedule of starts and finishes for each task, each group of tasks and
each resource
the costs for each task, each group of tasks and each resource
the critical path

if you don't have a critical path then you have nothing to manage. MSP shows
the critical path. Outlook is just a fancy diary.

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

In one phrase, so hat you won't be surprised when you start using it:

Project CALCULATES dates, Outlook only REPRESENTS them

HTH

--
Jan De Messemaeker
Microsoft Project Most Valuable Professional
Project Management Consultancy
Prom+ade BVBA
32-495-300 620

 

[John]

if you don't have a critical path then you have nothing to manage. MSP shows

the critical path. Outlook is just a fancy diary.

I see..... I think. lol

So...... it is not possible to only have MS Project to
manage BOTH scenarios..... projects....and just a daily
calendar and todo list

In other words...an effective manager... will need BOTH
a project app...... and a calendar and PIM app.....
Project and Outlook?

Just as a screw driver will drive screws but NOT
tighten a nut..... and a wrench will tighten a nut but
NOT drive a screw..... you will need BOTH a screw
driver and wrench to do the job

It is also the same with a PIM app.... and a project
app..... you will need BOTH "tools"..... to do the job.
True?

If yes..... then how does a "contact manager" like ACT
fit into the picture?

Please bear with me OK? <G> Im trying to wrap my head
around the differences between these "tools".... and
lean what is needed to become a better "manager"

THANKS for any advice!

 

[Mike Glen]

Hi John,

Welcome to the Microsoft Project newsgroup

A project can be defined as a unique undertaking with clearly defined start
and finish dates that requires management of time, cost and quality. A
one-off undertaking. It is thus something special that requires a Project
Manager to manage it to fruition.

A production line is producing many identical items. A production manager
is required to manage the flow of products coming off the production line -
a multi product undertaking with no clear start or finish.

The project manager needs a project management software package and the
production manager needs a production management package. Both need a
calendar to help organize their individual lives.

FAQs, companion products and other useful Project information can be seen at
this web address: <http://www.mvps.org/project/>

Hope this helps - please let us know how you get on

Mike Glen
MS Project MVP

 

[me63401]

A project can be defined as a unique undertaking with clearly defined start

and finish dates that requires management of time, cost and quality. A
one-off undertaking. It is thus something special that requires a Project
Manager to manage it to fruition.

OK..... that definition does help.

A project has a definite start and stop time.
Example..... Im thinking abt having a home built or
building it myself.... this is a good situation where
project management software apples. Correct?

The project manager needs a project management software package and the
production manager needs a production management package. Both need a
calendar to help organize their individual lives.

There really does exist production manager software? I
didn't know that. Is that is what is typically called
ERP or MRP software and is used in running a business?

John

 

[Mike Glen]

Comment in line, Mike

OK..... that definition does help.

A project has a definite start and stop time.
Example..... Im thinking abt having a home built or
building it myself.... this is a good situation where
project management software apples. Correct?

=================
Yes, definitely.
==============

There really does exist production manager software? I
didn't know that. Is that is what is typically called
ERP or MRP software and is used in running a business?

===============================
I don't think there is a generic package for production, each production
line will be different - I was just using this as an example.
================================