Microsoft Project Server Technical Boot Camp (50558)

Overview
Outline

About this Course

Project Server implementers taking this intensive 5-day hands-on course learn how to properly install SharePoint Server and Project Server 2010, prepare the system for configuration, and configure and maintain Project Server 2010 using both Project Professional 2010 and the Project Web App interface. Administrators also learn how to perform common SharePoint administrative tasks, how to manage the integration points between Project Server 2010 and SharePoint Server 2010, and how to configure project collaboration sites and business intelligence features. Learn from instructors who have real-world experience in deploying Project Server across many industries.

Audience Profile

We have designed the course for technical Project Server implementers, and we tailored it to the business application owner who serves as the organization’s primary or backup business application administrator.

At Course Completion

After completing this course, students will be able to:

Understand Project Server terminology and core system components
Describe the project communication life cycle used with Project Server
Understand the administration interface in Project Web App
Create a Project Server login account in Project Professional 2010
Configure custom enterprise fields, Lookup Tables, and calendars
Configure the Project Server demand and lifecycle management features
Add resources to the Enterprise Resource Pool
Specify the initial configuration options for Project Server
Configure time and task tracking settings
Configure Project Server security using Groups and Categories
Import enterprise templates and existing projects into Project Server
Build OLAP Cube and resource availability information
Create custom views in both Project Web App and Project Professional 2010
Manage Microsoft SharePoint Server and Project Sites
Modify Project Web App pages and create new Project Site templates
Configure Business Intelligence features and build custom Excel-based reports and interactive dashboards
Manage the Project Server database
Understand the Project Server technology stack and installation types
Understand hardware and software requirements
Install SharePoint Server 2010 and Project Server 2010
Configure necessary SharePoint farm components for Project Server
Create instances of Project Web App
Configure SQL Server Analysis Services for OLAP functionality
Understand the process of migrating data from Project Server 2007
Perform Project Server monitoring and troubleshooting
Perform common SharePoint administrative tasks
Pass the 70-177 MCTS exam

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction and Project Server Overview

This module provides an overview of Project Server.

Lessons

Project Management Overview
Project Server 2010 Overview
Project Server Communication Cycle
Installation Overview

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Be familiar with the components in the Microsoft EPM platform
Understand Project Server’s enterprise project management terminology
Be familiar with the Enterprise Resource Pool and the Enterprise Global file
Describe the new features in Project Server 2010
Understand the EPM platform technology stack
Understand the Project Server 2010 installation types
Name the databases used by Project Server 2010 and Windows SharePoint Services
Describe the project communications life cycle used in Project Server
Be familiar with Project Server team collaboration tools
Understand the concept of publishing with Project Server
Acquire an overview understanding of OLAP cubes and Data Analysis views

Module 2: Understanding the Project Web App Interface

This module explains how to use the Project Web App interface.

Lessons

Exploring Tools for Configuration
Exploring the Project Web App User Interface
Using the Site Actions Menu
Using the Browse Tab and Personal Settings
Logging into Project Web App from another Workstation
Using the Quick Launch Menu
Using Ribbon Menus
Exploring the Approval Center
Understanding Workflow Approvals
Using the Tasks Page
Using the Timesheet Page
Exploring the Resource Center
Understanding Resource Assignments and Resource Availability
Understanding the Driver Library and Driver Prioritization
Understanding Portfolio Analyses
Manipulating and Printing the Date Grid
Exporting the Data Grid to Excel
Understanding the Administration Interface

Lab : Understanding the Project Web App Interface

Create a Project Professional Logon

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Understand and use the Project Web App user interface
Log in to Project Web App from the workstation of another user
Become familiar with Project Server ribbon navigation
Use the new grid objects in Project Web App pages
Access the Project Web App administration features

Module 3: Creating System Metadata and Calendars

This module explains how to create custom fields and lookup tables and calendars.

Lessons

Understanding Metadata Changes: Departments, Project Types, Business Drivers
Understanding and Creating Custom Enterprise Fields
Understanding Built-in Fields and Lookup Tables
Understanding the Resource Breakdown Structure
Exploring the Health Lookup Table
Understanding Fields Controlled by Workflow
Understanding and Creating a Custom Field with Formula
Understanding Rollup Methods
Deleting a Custom Field
Synchronizing Working Time with Project Options
Importing a Base Calendar

Lab : Creating System Metadata and Calendars

Create Teams Lookup Table
Modify a Lookup Table
Associate a Field and Lookup Table
Create Regions Lookup Table
Create High-Medium-Low Lookup Table
Modify Cost Type Lookup Table
Modify the RBS Lookup Table
Modify Departments Lookup Table
Create a Free Entry Custom Field
Create a Project Region Office Field
Create a Project Risk Field
Create a Resource Region Field
Create a Project Low Estimate Field
Create a Project High Estimate Field
Create a Formula using Project Professional
Create a Formula using Project Web App
Use Graphical Indicators
Set Indicators in Project Professional
Import Additional Fields
Match Generic Resources
Modify the Standard Calendar
Create a New Base Calendar

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Understand project types
Understand department filtering
Understand the importance of custom enterprise fields
Edit built-in lookup tables
Create a custom lookup table
Create custom enterprise fields using lookup tables, formulas, and graphical indicators
Edit custom enterprise fields and lookup tables
Delete custom enterprise fields and lookup tables
Set the working schedule on the enterprise standard calendar
Create custom enterprise base calendars
Import a base calendar from a non-enterprise project

Module 4: Configuring Lifecycle Management

This module explains how to use and create Enterprise Project Types, workflows, project templates and provides an overview of demand management scenarios.

Lessons

Understanding Lifecycle Management
Understanding Demand Management
Understanding Decision Management
Understanding Project Types
Understanding Departments
Understanding Phases and Stages
Understanding Project Detail Pages
Understanding Lifecycle Configuration Process
Understanding a Proposal Lifecycle
Understanding the Project Strategic Impact Web Part
Configuring Workflow Phases
How to Create Enterprise Templates
How to Adapt a Workflow for your Needs
How to Configure Project Workflow Settings

Lab : Configuring Lifecycle Management

Create Business Drivers
Create a New Sample Proposal
Approve a Sample Proposal
Create Fields for Project Type
Create Training Overview Page
Create Additional Project Detail Pages
Configure Workflow Stages
Import a Project Template
Create Enterprise Project Types

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Understand Lifecycle Management
Understand Demand Management
Understand Decision Management
Understand the configuration process for Lifecycle Management
Create and manage new Enterprise Project Types
Create Project Detail Pages (PDPs)
Create new Phases and Stages
Understand the Sample workflow
Create and Manage Dynamic workflows

Module 5: Building and Managing the Enterprise Resource Pool

This module explains how to build and manage the Enterpriser Resource Pool.

Lessons

Enterprise Resource Pool Overview
Understanding Enterprise vs. Local Resources
Understanding Enterprise Resource Types
How to Edit Resources using Project Professional 2010
Understanding Booking Types
How to Change Working Time
How to Enter Nonworking Time
How to Enter Cost Information
Understanding Generic Resources
How to Create Material Resources
Understanding and Using Cost Resources
Understanding Team Resources
Using Project Web App to Create an Enterprise Resource
How to Set Assignment Attributes Option
How to Add a Resource to a Team
How to Bulk Edit Enterprise Resources
How to Batch Edit Enterprise Resources
Using Active Directory Synchronization
How to Add Resources from the Active Directory
How to Deactivate an Enterprise Resource

Lab : Building and Managing the Enterprise Resource Pool

Create a Resource
Set Work Schedule Changes
Change Cost Rates
Create a Generic Resource
Create a Material Resource
Create a Cost Resource
Create a Team Resource
Import Resources

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Understand the importance and purpose of the Enterprise Resource Pool
Understand the difference between enterprise and local resources
Understand resource types
Create Work, Material, Generic, Cost, and Team resources
Open the Enterprise Resource Pool and check out resources
Edit existing enterprise resources
Mass edit enterprise resources from the Resource Center
Prepare resource data for import into the Enterprise Resource Pool
Import resource data
Deactivate enterprise resources

Module 6: Initial Project Server Configuration

This module explains how to configure common settings in Project Server.

Lessons

Understand Recommended Order for Configuring Project Server 2010
Using the Additional Server Settings Page
Using Project Server 2007 Compatibility Mode
Using Enterprise Settings Using Currency Settings
Using Resource Capacity Settings
Using the Resource Plan Work Day Section
Understanding Exchange Server Details
How to Set Task Mode Settings
How to Configure Exchange Server Synch
Understanding and Using Alerts and Reminders
How to Set Options for the OLAP Cube
How to Delete an Existing OLAP Database
How to Configure Event Handlers

Lab : Initial Project Server Configuration

Set OLAP Cube Options
Configure OLAP Database
Build and Verify OLAP Cube
Add a Link to the Quick Launch Menu
Edit Links in the Quick Launch Menu

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Understand the functional approach for configuring Project Server 2010 options
Set options for Enterprise Features
Configure Project Server’s notification engine
Configure Exchange Server synchronization
Set options for OLAP cube building and resource availability information
Configure custom Event Handlers
Configure Quick Launch menus

Module 7: Configuring Time and Task Tracking

This module explains how to configure the system for time and tasks tracking.

Lessons

Understanding Time and Task Tracking Entities
How to Configure Project Server 2010 for Tracking
Understanding Timesheet Options
Understanding Single Entry and Double Entry Modes
How to Disable Timesheet Functionality
How to Set the Task Tracking Method
How to use Percent Complete Method
Using Actual Work Done and Work Remaining Methods
Set Up the Timesheet Page

Lab : Configuring Time and Task Tracking

Define Financial Periods
Define Time Reporting Periods
Create Line Classifications
Set Timesheet Options
Configure Administrative Time
Set Task Tracking Method

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Understand the difference between task tracking and time tracking
Define financial periods
Define Timesheet periods
Configure Timesheet options
Configure the use of Administrative time
Specify the default method for tracking task progress

Module 8: Configuring Project Server Security

This module explains how to configure and manage Project Server security and active directory synchronization for groups.

Lessons

Understanding Organizational Permissions
Understanding Project Web App Permissions
Understanding Users vs. Resources
Understanding Groups and Categories
Overview of Permissions
How to Manage Security
How to use the Add or Edit Category Page
Recommended Settings for Configuring a Security Category
How to Delete a Group
How to Delete a Category
Using and Managing Security Templates
Managing Active Directory Synch for Groups

Lab : Configuring Project Server Security

Modify the My Projects Category
Modify the Project Managers Group
Create a New Category
Create a Security Template
Create a New Group

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Understand each aspect of Project Server 2010 security
Set Organizational permissions Manage individual User accounts
Deactivate a User account
Understand the relationship between Groups and Categories
Understand the Allow, Deny, and Not Allow permission states
Manage security with Groups Create a custom Group
Manage security with Categories
Create a custom Category
Use Categories in conjunction with the RBS field
Set permissions with security templates
Create a new security template
Manage Active Directory synchronization for Groups

Module 9: Building the Project Environment

This module explains how to load the Project Server environment with project data.

Lessons

Changing the Status Manager

Lab : Building the Project Environment

Prepare to Import Projects
Import a Project
Publish an Imported Project
Import Additional Projects
Change the Project Owner
Build the OLAP Cube

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Set permissions with security templates
Create a new security template
Manage Active Directory synchronization for Groups

Module 10: Creating and Managing Views

This module explains how to create and manage enterprise views in Project Web App and Project 2010.

Lessons

Eleven types of Project Web App views
Creating Gantt Chart formats
Creating Grouping Formats
Creating Views in Project Web App
Anatomy of Project Web App views
Managing Project Web App views
Other Types of PWA Views
Deleting a View
Understanding Project Client Views
Working with the Enterprise Global File
Adding Views to the Enterprise Global
Step Method to Create a New View
Creating Useful Enterprise Views

Lab : Creating and Managing Views

Create a Custom Gantt Format
Customize a Grouping Format
Copy a View
Modify a View
Create a Grouped View
Create a Filtered View
Create a Milestone Task View
Create a View with Indicators
Create a Duration Table
Create a Custom Filter
Create a Custom View
Create an Enterprise Publishing View

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Set permissions with security templates
Create a new security template
Manage Active Directory synchronization for Groups

Module 11: Managing Project Sites

This module explains how to manage Project Server collaborative workspaces known as Project Sites.

Lessons

Introducing SharePoint
Project Site Provisioning Process
SharePoint Content Types
SharePoint Architecture
SharePoint Storage Hierarchy
SharePoint Administration
SharePoint Security
Project Server to SharePoint Synchronization
SharePoint Templates and Features
Project Sites Toolbar Options
Bulk Update Project Sites
Customizing Project Sites

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Understand the SharePoint content management model
Set Project Site provisioning options
Manage Project Sites and their contents
Create a new Project Site template

Module 12: Configuring Business Intelligence and Reporting

This module explains how to configure and use SharePoint BI tools for Project Server.

Lessons

Business Intelligence – The What
Business Intelligence – The Why
Business Intelligence – The How
Analytical Tools
Traditional vs. Periodic Reporting
Reporting Architecture Overview
Relational Database vs. OLAP
Key Terms
OLAP Cube Categories
Business Intelligence Delivery Methods
Business Intelligence and Reporting
Primary Microsoft Business Intelligence Tools
Microsoft SharePoint Excel Services Overview
Working with Built-in Microsoft Excel Reports
Sample Reports
Project Key Performance Indicators
Dashboard Best Practices
Dashboard Development Process

Lab : Configuring Business Intelligence and Reporting

Explore the Business Intelligence Center
Open Sample Excel Reports
Create a Custom Report from a Sample Report
Create an Excel Report from a Template
Publish a Report
Use a Data Connection File
Create a Dashboard Page
Add Non-Project Server Users as Report Viewers

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Understand Business Intelligence concepts and apply them to Project Server
Understand the Business Intelligence Center and the Project Server reporting architecture
Use the built-in Microsoft Excel assets for Project Server reporting
Build custom Microsoft Excel reports using the built-in Excel assets
Build dashboard pages for aggregating various types of reporting content
Control access to the Business Intelligence Center

Module 13: Installing Project Server 2010

This module explains how to install SharePoint and Project Server.

Lessons

Understanding the WFE/App Server
Installation Process
Installation Overview
Minimum Hardware Requirements
Minimum Software Requirements
Understanding Service Accounts
How to Create Domain Global Groups for Reporting
Understanding Software Prerequisites
Creating Service App Manually

Lab : Installing Project Server 2010

Prepare SQL Server
Add SQL Login for Farm Account
Prepare SSAS
Add the Farm Admin to SSAS
Apply Proxy Server Settings
Install Prerequisites
Install SharePoint
Install Project Server
Run the Configuration Wizard
Create a Site Collection
Create Project Web App

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Identify hardware and software requirements for a Project Server 2010 installation
Understand service accounts required for installation and operation
Configure SQL Server and Analysis Services for SharePoint Server and Project Server
Install SharePoint Server and Project Server
Create A Project Server Web App
Create SharePoint Service Applications Manually

Module 14: Post-Installation Configuration

This module explains how to perform post-installation configuration for SharePoint and ProjectServer.

Lessons

Understanding the New Service Application Model
Understanding Service Applications and their Benefits
Understanding Service Application Proxy and Proxy Groups
How to Configure Excel Services
How to Configure the Secure Store Service Application
How to Configure the Cube Building Service
Understanding Optional SQL Server Enhancements
Configuring your New Instance
Understanding the New Excel Services Application
Pointing Data Connections to the New Secure Store Target Application
Using PSCONFIG
Upgrading and Migrating to Project Server 2010
Technical and Non-Technical Considerations for Upgrading
Planning for Project Client Coexistence
Relinking Project Sites
Migrating Project Portfolio 2007

Lab : Post-Installation Configuration

Report Authors Group Access
Harvest URLs
Configure Excel Services
Configure Trusted Data Connections
Add a Trust File Location
Generate a New Encryption Key
Create a Secure Store Target Application
Install SQL Server Native Client
Install SQL Management Objects
Create an SQL Login
Verify Project Web App
Log on to Project Professional
Perform Basic Functional Tests
Verify Cube Building
Verify the Business Intelligence Center
Create Additional Instances
Relink Project Sites

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Configure Excel Services and PerformancePoint Services for your new Project Server site
Configure Secure Store Services for Reporting
Install the SQL Server Native Client and Analysis Management Objects
Tune SQL Server for best performance
Verify Project Server Functionality

Module 15: Managing Project Server Day to Day

This module explains how to use many resources and techniques to manage, tune and troubleshoot the Project Server environment.

Lessons

Performing Database Management through PWA
Deleting an Enterprise Resource
Deleting Status Report Responses
Deleting Timesheets
Deleting User Delegates
Performing Manual Admin Backups
Using Administrative Restore
Changing or Restarting Workflows
Configuring and Managing the Queue
Understanding the Queue Process
Understanding Queue Optimization
Understanding Job States
Managing Queue Jobs Page
Troubleshooting the Queue
Configuring the Queue
Monitoring Project Server Licenses
Working with Unified Logging Service
Using the Reliability and Performance Monitor
SQL Server 2008 Maintenance Plan
Enabling SharePoint Developer Dashboard
Using PSCONFIG
Using SharePoint Health Analyzer
Adjusting Active Cache Settings
Cleaning Up the Local Cache
Resolving Local Cache Corruption
SharePoint Farm Backup and Recovery
Backing Up Site Collections
Backing Up Sites and Lists
Unattached Content Database Data Recovery

Lab : Managing Project Server Day to Day

Check in Enterprise Objects
Delete an Enterprise Object
Perform Automatic Daily Backup

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Check in enterprise objects such as projects and resources
Clean up the Project Server database
Backup and restore a single project
Configure and manage the Queue
Monitor Project Server licenses
Monitor server health
Set up and schedule a SQL Server Database Maintenance Plan
Run a SQL Server Database Maintenance Plan
Work with the ULS logs
Backup and Restore a Farm
Backup and Restore a Site Collection
Enable and Use the Developer Dashboard