Microsoft Project 2010 Step by Step (Microsoft)

If you are looking for a simple, easy way to teach yourself Project 2010 Step by Step by Carl Chatfield and Timothy Johnson is a good choice. Step by Step (SBS) is a series of textbooks published by Microsoft for learning the applications in the Microsoft Office Suite. The format is hands-on with brief explanations of concepts followed by step by step exercises demonstrating key tasks. Most students can work through the book and its exercises in about 2-3 days of solid study. Disciplined students often find a chapter-a-day to be a reasonably workable pace.

You can very effectively skip through the text taking a chapter at a time to learn specific tasks. However, don't plan on using the SBS series for reference book or quick how-to guide. In Project 2010 SBS you will cover the core skills needed for using Project as a standalone application but helps are sprinkled throughout on using Project Server. SBS assumes the reader is already comfortable with the computer and has some experience with the Microsoft Office 2007 or 2010 Ribbons.

Project 2010 SBS is a great book for learning the application and does contain many tips and tricks on the project management methodology. However, SBS is not a book on methodology. The brief appendix "Short Course in Project Management" is helpful but not a replacement for training and experience in project management. While the SBS series is best suited for individual study it can be used in the classroom in a pinch. I have used SBS series texts for several applications in classes but they are far from the best option. The price point of around $19.79 on Amazon is appealing for classrooms. The new appendix on using SBS in the classroom is unfortunately not at all helpful for an experienced instructor.

Disclaimer: As is common practice in book reviews I was given a free copy of Project 2010 SBS for review. This review was originally published on my blog at [...]

George Sawyer is Technology Coach & CEO of Sawyer Training & Technologies

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This textbook provides a seamless introduction to MS Project. The text and practice files dovetail perfectly. This has been the most painless introduction to a computer program I have ever experienced. This book was written to be friendly to beginning users, but offers a lot to more advanced PC users like myself without wasting my time. If I had to recommend a book for learning MS Project 2010, this would be the one.