More experiences with Microsoft PROJECT in senior design classes

An update is given on experiences with the use of project scheduling software in a sequence of design classes. In addition to reviewing a previous approach (T.W. Schultz, 1994), it describes new steps taken to improve the student acceptance of the software. The initial learning process has been eased by "Cue Cards" included in the new version of PROJECT. Student acceptance has improved remarkably. The PERT chart has become unnecessary since task dependencies can now be shown directly on the Gantt chart. Homework to teach the concepts of tasks, dependencies, and scheduling now precedes the introduction of the software. This develops a clearer idea of task and scheduling concepts so the software becomes a simple tool rather than an inflexible master. Requiring weekly tracking Gantt charts increases the students' perception of the software's value. The paper concludes with fresh student comments and plans for future changes and improvements.