Learning activities

Description

1) Instructions

Fill out the Excel document by following the steps and submit it as an attachment.

• Create a Line graph using one of the performance metrics.
• Column (or bar) graph using the same data from 1.
• Create a Radar chart using all the metrics during the most recent period.
• Create a Scatter (X,Y) plot — with data in columns side-by-side.
• Create a Scatter (X,Y) graphs — with data in columns that are not side-by-side.

Additional Resources

Please see the following additional resource to assist you:

• Graphing Activity — Excel Template

2)

Background

Let’s practice Project Management using Excel to help us with the computations.

Instructions

Use the “PORTA-VAC Project” Excel activity list to follow the steps first, then answer the following questions:

• What is the expected time to complete the project?
• Where is the slack in the project?
• What is the Critical Path?
• What is the probability that the Critical Path will be completed on time?
• What is the probability that the project will be completed on time?
• What is the probability that the project may be completed sooner?

Additional Resources

Please see the following additional resources to assist you:

• PORTA-VAC Project
• Step-by-Step Hints for PERT Diagram Completion

3)

Background

If you’d like to see how Excel can help you optimize complex projects, try out this example by using the embedded Solver function (see Data tab. Install under File, Options, Add-ins).

Instructions

Start by completing the LinkedIn Learning Activity “Microsoft Project 2019 Essential Training” to learn the foundations of Microsoft Project. This learning will give you further insight into managing your project with a specialized software tool. Once you have completed it, answer the following questions: the current construction project is planned to be completed in 30 days after reviewing the “EarthMover Project Plan” Excel attachment.

• What is the best way to meet the expedited request of 26 days?
• What is the cost of expediting the project?

Hints — To Install Solver

• Excel: Open a document; under File, select Options, then select Add-ins, then by “Manage…Excel Add-ins,” click Go, check the box for “Solver Add-In,” and finally click OK.
• Google Sheets: Open a document; in the top menu, select “Add-ins,” select “Get Add-ins”, search for Solver, and click Free.
• Apple Numbers: On the Tools menu, select Excel Add-Ins. In the Add-Ins available box, select the Solver Add-In check box, and then click OK. If Solver Add-in is not listed in the Add-Ins available box, click Browse to locate the add-in. If you get a prompt that the Solver add-in is not currently installed on your computer, click Yes in the dialog box to install it.
• After you load the Solver add-in, the Solver button is available on the Data tab.

You may add your questions directly into the Excel document and submit that. In addition to your Excel template, submit the completion certificate for your LinkedIn Learning.

Additional Resources

Please see the following additional resources to assist you:

• EarthMover Project Plan — Excel Template