Microsoft Project B.A.S.I.C.S.

Your simple guide for building and executing project schedules

About the Book

This practical manual is your definitive guide for mastering Microsoft Project! You'll learn to build and execute traditional and agile schedules using B.A.S.I.C.S. — our proven 6-step scheduling process.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned project manager looking to sharpen your skills, this book delivers a clear path to success—one step at a time.

You'll learn the Microsoft Project software features, plus important project management fundamentals, using real-world scenarios.

Well annotated, clear graphic images guide you through the Project interface. Learn-by-doing practice exercises help reinforce learning through active engagement. 

You'll learn to:

  • Break down any project into manageable parts
  • Create a schedule outline
  • Build a task-based schedule
  • Create and use task dependencies
  • Initialize a project
  • Create and manage resources and assignments
  • Allocate resources and resolve over-allocations
  • Manage calendars
  • Analyze and track schedules and costs
  • Use and explain Earned Value Management
  • Use the Critical Path to get projects done faster
  • Communicate project information using engaging status reports
  • Correctly close projects for future reference
  • Use the agile features to build and manage sprints-based
    project schedules

You’ll also learn to use Project for the Web, Microsoft’s newest cloud-based project management app, to manage lightweight projects

Book and Video Course Bundle

The book also has a version that includes 4-months access to the "Microsoft Project B.A.S.I.C.S." video course.

Bundle and save!

*scroll down to learn more about the video course

Microsoft Projec B.A.S.I.C.S.
On-Demand Video Course 

"Microsoft Project  B.A.S.I.C.S." is also available in a video course — each video provides a comprehensive, easy to follow tutorial for each chapter of the book. 

Stunning design and vibrant graphics bring the Microsoft Project interface to life. Perfect for visual learners!

Adopt Microsoft Project B.A.S.I.C.S. for Your Course

Instructors,

Looking for a practical, student-friendly resource to teach Microsoft Project? Our book, Microsoft Project B.A.S.I.C.S., is now available for adoption on the Follett BookstoreBarnes & Noble College and eCampus platforms.

We offer exclusive Instructor Discounts for educators who adopt the book for their courses, plus bulk order discounts for larger classes or departmental use.

Choose the format that fits your teaching style:

  • Book only
  • Book + Video Course Bundle — includes 4 months of access to companion "Microsoft Project B.A.S.I.C.S." video course

Whether you're teaching project management fundamentals or preparing students for real-world application, Microsoft Project B.A.S.I.C.S. delivers the tools they need—and the support you deserve.

Use the form below to send us a message. Include the name of your university, college, school or organization. 

Instructor Discounts and Bulk Order Discounts Available!

Testimonials

"This course exceeded my expectations and provided me with very valuable
professional skills
."

Video Course Student

"I feel I now have all the basic tools needed to successfully run projects using  MS Project.

Thank you, Instructor Reed!”

Reader

" ... the content was extremely up to date. The lessons (visuals) were very well done: organized, creative, colorful, easy to follow"

Video Course Student

"Clearly you have provided your students with an outstanding learning experience, and you have provided UCLA Extension with the quality of instruction that we seek in all our programs.”

UCLA EXtention, Depart of Engineering

"PMs in my company need to be taught by Jerry Reed. I do not believe even the most recently hired Associate PM knows MS Project, particularly with detailed projects.”

Participant

"Jerry Reed has a strong and excellent command of the PMP foundation, concepts and provided a great deal of practical topics. I would give him excellent rating.”

Participant

"I would not hesitate to recommend his course to anyone looking to gain a good understanding of how to use Microsoft Project”.

Participant

“This class is helpful to anyone that works as a project manager.
The instructor was extremely positive, patient and encouraging .....Always good at explaining concepts.”

Participant

"Jerry Reed is the best instructor I've ever had, both with expertise and personality!
This course was extremely informative... I am certain that this is going to help me on my career path.”

Participant

"This book and course is helpful to anyone that works as a project manager.”

Reader

"Professor Reed is clearly knowledgeable about project management and shared many relevant examples from his career throughout the course.”

Participant

" I got MS Project installed on my work laptop a month ago and I'm already using project to manage all my projects. It's already helping and I'm so glad to not be using excel like everyone else."

Participant