3 resources we like about using Excel for project management

Microsoft Excel may not be the best tool for organization-wide online project management, but it is the most common so we might as well learn to use it effectively.  Here are three resources we like about using Excel for project management:

1.  Creating a Gantt Chart in Excel

Ralph Phillips created a video on how to create a Gantt Chart in Excel.  This would work well if you need to track the progress of an individual project.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW_wGSFavTc

2.  Time Tracking Templates

Microsoft has some downloadable templates for creating various types of timesheets in Excel.  The timesheets can be used to track work spent on projects, tasks, and clients.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/weekly-time-sheet-by-client-and-project-TC006088884.aspx

3.  Project Action Items (Issues)

Ronda Levine wrote an article on how to use Excel to track project action items (you may refer to these as issues).

http://www.brighthub.com/office/project-management/articles/14642.aspx

If you are stuck with using Microsoft Excel for the time being, use these resources to become more effective!