Project Setup

Project setup is a crucial task in using the PSL Excel Template. This task involves the following sub-tasks: (i) perform general setup actions, which are accessible through the ribbon tab, and (ii) fill the “Integration.Definition” worksheet.

The command “Sheets Visibility” (available from “PSL | General”) allows to select the sheets that shall be visible within your workbook. It enables you to tailor your workbook to focus on specific aspects when needed. For instance, you can show or hide sheets based on your project's interests, for example, hide quality, risk and communication-related sheets if your project only focuses on the integration, scope, and schedule aspects.

The command “General Settings” (available from “PSL | Settings”) allows you to fine-tune general configuration options to align the template with your project's requirements. That dialog box enables you to define parameters that influence your project's operation:

Project Name: Enter the official name of your project.
Project Acronym: Enter the acronym or abbreviation of your project.
Start Date and End Date: Enter the project's start and end dates to establish the project timeline.

The “ProjectDefinition” sheet is where you define the general information of your project in detail. It serves as a comprehensive reference for your project's general properties, including the following properties.

Project Acronym: Enter the acronym or abbreviation of your project.
Project Name: Enter the official name of your project.
Project Status: Select the progress status of your project, e.g., Not Planned, Planned, On Progress, Concluded.
Version: Enter the current project version or iteration.

Project Type: Select the type of project you are undertaking, e.g., Research, System Development, Sales and Marketing, or Training.
Nationality Type: Identify the nationality type of the project, e.g., National, International.
Application Domain: Identify the domain or industry of your project, e.g., Engineering, Consulting, Health, Finance and Banking.

For each line of the table “Entities Involved” you may add:
Type: Select the type of entity involved, e.g., Customer, Performing, Sub-Contractor.
Organisation: Select the organisation participating in the project with the previously selected type. The chosen organisation shall be previously entered in the StakeholdersOrganizations sheet.
Sponsor: Select the project's sponsor from that respective organisation. The selected person shall be entered previously in the StakeholdersPeople sheet and assigned to that individual organisation.
Project Manager: Select the project's project manager from that respective organisation. The selected person shall be previously entered in the StakeholdersPeople sheet and assigned to that individual organisation.

Planned dates: Enter the planned start and end dates for your project.
Actual dates: Enter the actual start and end dates for your project.
Variance (WorkDays): The PSL calculates and shows the variance between planned and actual dates.

Planned: Enter the planned total cost and income tax of the project.
Actual: Enter the actual total cost and income tax of the project. The PSL calculates and shows the planned and actual suggested price and project profit.
Variance: The PSL calculates and shows the variance between planned and actual costs and income tax.

Purpose - Why: Enter the purpose and objectives of the project.
Purpose - What: Enter a summary of the project scope to achieve.

Business Benefits: Enter the business benefits of the project, including descriptions, logical expressions, and associated values.
Success Criteria: Define the success criteria for the project, including descriptions, logical expressions, and associated values.
Success Factors: Identify key success factors for the project.

This comprehensive project setup ensures that all the parameters are defined and organised within the “IntegrationDefinition” sheet, offering a clear and structured foundation for your project management journey.