Step-by-Step Guide: Install, Set-up and Run MS Project 2019/2021 with Agile Features (Online Desktop Client)

Summary: MS Project has full in-built Agile features available for the Online Desktop Client version. When customers purchase my courses of Mastering MS Project Agile and/or Certified Hybrid-Agile Master Professional (CHAMP) courses, the first question that comes up is: how to see these features in MS Project? 

In fact, many struggle to install and hence can't use the Agile and Hybrid-Agile features. In this post, you will learn how to install, set-up and run MS Project in a step-by-step manner.

Note: Though I've mentioned MS Project 2019/2021 software with Agile Features, it’ll work with the latest version of MS Project. I personally use the software. The software is released continuously and when you download, you will get the latest version. You have to just follow the below steps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

First and foremost, I receive the below questions frequently from the customers, users and aspiring users who want to buy the courses. Hence, I’ll address them first.

Question – 1: I already have a licensed version of MS Project installed. It does NOT have Agile features. What should I do?

Answer – 1: Simply uninstall the existing software. Go ahead and install MS Project 2019 Online Desktop client. You can try for one month and more. 

If you want to revert back to your earlier version, then simply uninstall the current Online Desktop Client and install your earlier version. It’ll work as you have the licensed version.

Question – 2: I do NOT have any version of MS Project software installed. But I want to use the Agile features. What should I do?

Answer – 2: Follow the steps mentioned in this post. After the MS Project Online Desktop Client is installed, you can run and check the Agile features.

Question – 3: How do I know that the MS Project Online Desktop Client has installed properly with its Agile features?

Answer – 3: Follow the steps mentioned in this post. I’ve shown a clear demonstration on how to install, run and check the Agile features. In the final step, I've informed on the verification with respect to Online Desktop Client.

Question – 4: Will I get a PDF version for installation steps when I go for the courses of Mastering MS Project Agile and/or Certified Hybrid-Agile Master Professional (CHAMP)?

Answer – 4: Yes, absolutely. You will have detailed step-by-step instructions with complete explanation, when you subscribe to the either or both of the above courses. You will also have detailed video explanations on how to check the Scrum, Kanban, ScrumBan, Hybrid-Scrum, Hybrid-Kanban, Hybrid-ScrumBan with these courses. 

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MS Project Agile/Hybrid-Agile Installation, Set-up and Run

MS Project Agile features for installed software in your computer is only available in the Online Desktop Client edition. It’s not available in any other version of the software. The MS Project for the Web, a new version of MS Project, is fully online or web-based. But it’s completely different. Hence, we will start with downloading the MS Project Online Desktop version and proceed with the below steps.

Step – 1: Know where the software is available

The software is available at the below link:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/project/compare-microsoft-project-management-software?activetab=tabs%3aprimaryr1 

As you can see there are three plans:

• Project Plan 1:
• Available for free one-month trial and then nominal payment.
• This plan does NOT have Online Desktop Client.
• Project Plan 3: [Use this plan]
  
• Available for free one-month trial and then a bit more nominal payment
• This version has an Online Desktop Client as shown in the column (check the next figure). 
• Project Plan 5:
• This plan also has an Online Desktop Client. 

You can learn more on these plans at the below link:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/project/microsoft-project-faq

Specifically, in our case, we will take Project Plan 3. This has the least cost and maximum number of features available. Also, unlike Plan 5, for Plan 3 we don’t have to contact any partners.

As you can see the Desktop Client and its features can be used on upto 5 PCs.

Step – 2: Create an account at https://office.com

The office portal the one where you have all the office related software available for download, such as MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel etc. If you don’t have an account here, you can create an account at office.com. 

I assume you already have licensed version of the software available. That way, you can export easily to MS Excel or MS PowerPoint from MS Project software. Yes, MS Project software has a number of features, which you can work with or export to other office software.

After you have created an account at the Office Portal and logged-in, you will have following view. 

As shown, when you login:

• On your left side, you will have the software available such as MS Word, MS Excel, among others.
• On your right, you can install all the software as apps.

When you have a subscription for MS Project Plan 3 software, you can use the “Install apps” command on the right and install the MS Project software. This is another way to install the software.

Step – 3: Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/project/compare-microsoft-project-management-software

As informed earlier, we are going to use Project Plan 3, which has the Online Desktop Client. Hence, in the link, we will use that plan.

The below view will be available for you.

In the above view, use the “Try free for one month” option (highlighted above). Later-on, you can pay to continue with the software. 

Step – 4: Provide the needed details to use Project Plan 3 

When you try free option in the previous step, it'll lead you to another page with the below view. 

                 

There are a few steps involved such as providing your email id, verification and minimal business information. Once you are done you are subscribed to Project Plan 3!

Step – 5: Ensure to have the latest release at: https://admin.microsoft.com/AdminPortal/Home#/homepage 

It’s a good idea to have the latest release available for your software. The software gets updated frequently and with the latest release, you will have the latest features available. 

In the above link (https://admin.microsoft.com/AdminPortal/Home#/homepage), you will have the following view. 

In the above view, go to Settings > Org settings, which are highlighted. Here, we can have the latest software release setting.

In the Org Settings, select Release preferences under the Name column, as shown below. 

As you click on Release preferences, you will have the following view.

 

Ensure that the checkbox of "Targeted release for everyone" is selected. 

Now, you are fully ready to download the software and install.

Step – 6: Go to https://portal.office.com/account#installs

As you click on the above link, we will find the following view. 

It’s possible that you may get the Download option instead of an Install option. In such a case, don't worry at all. It’s perfectly fine. Just download the software. Ensure that it’s compatible with your OS.

You can go for a 32-bit or 64-bit version of this software. 

Note: If you have purchased an office edition in 32-bit, then use the 32-bit version for Project Online Desktop client. 

Step – 7: Install the Project (Plan 3) software

Do remember that you are now effectively installing a subscription version of the software, with the Online Desktop Client feature as we have seen earlier.

In other words, you downloaded the client side of the software on your desktop via online. This will look exactly like Desktop editions with a slight twist, which we will see in the final step. 

As you install the software and continue, it’ll look as shown below, post installation. 

Step – 8: Check Agile (Scrum and Kanban) Functionality

Now that the software is installed on your desktop, you can run it. 

As shown, the software is now available on Windows Start command. It’s highlighted as Project. As you run the software, the following view comes-up. 

As shown, now you have, capability to run:

• A Traditional Project,
• A Sprints (Scrum) Project,
• A Waterfall project, and also
• A Kanban Project (it can used from the Waterfall project mode)

In-depth, hands-on videos are available on how to check on such projects with Mastering MS Project Agile and/or Certified Hybrid-Agile Master Professional (CHAMP) courses.

When you click on the Sprints Project command above, you will have the following view. 

Step – 9: Check the Account Information

Finally, you can check that the installed version is Microsoft Project Online Desktop Client.  

This can be seen by going to File > Account > and checking the Product Information as shown above. This is the twist I had mentioned in step - 7 earlier. If you want to have the latest updates, have it enabled to get the latest updates for this software.

References

[1] NEW Online Course: Mastering MS Project 2019 Agile (Scrum, Kanban and ScrumBan), by Satya Narayan Dash

[2] NEW Certification Course: Certified Hybrid-Agile Master Professional with MS Project, by Satya Narayan Dash

Unknowable-unknowns Vs. Unknown-unknowns in Risk Management with Emergent Risks and Novel Risks

As I frequently interact with project and risk management practitioners, the below two questions on unknowable-unknowns and unknown-unknowns come up. They are quite confusing for many. The existing literature doesn’t help as they are written with complicated language and/or complex explanations. The questions are:

• What are the differences between Unknowable-unknowns and Unknown-unknowns? 
• Where does emergent risk actually fit in (in the above context)?

To understand, let’s simplify. 

The Fundamentals

First, let’s understand, what is the difference between unknowable and unknown?

• Unknown: You really don’t know. It’s definitive. 
• Unknowable: You are not likely (or unlikely) to know. It’s probabilistic. 

When we say definitive, it’s certain that you don’t know. For example, it’s possible you don’t know some new technologies, design or frameworks.

When we say probabilistic, a chance factor comes in. There is a chance (usually high) that you don’t know. For example, when disruptive technologies start to pervade, you are unlikely to know the impact. 

Simply put:

• When we say unknown, it means there is a lack of knowledge or untapped knowledge.
• When we say unknowable, it means there is not only lack of knowledge, but also exploration is not probable. In this case, it’s untappable knowledge. 

Now, let’s see what are emergent risks and novel risks? 

Emergent Risks

As per PMI’s Standard for Risks in Portfolios, Programs and Projects, this is the definition of emergent risks:

“A risk that arises which could not have been identified earlier on.”

I agree with this definition, but not the subsequent explanation of PMI on emergent risks in the context of the unknowable, though I’ve adopted them in my books and courses. In this case, one can say these risks could not be identified because they were unknown at that time, but later on, the risks emerged.

When one says “emerge”, a pattern is forming, but not clear. It’ll emerge. 

Novel Risks

I provide this definition for novel risks:

“A risk that arises which was not probable (improbable) to be identified earlier on.”

Here you can say, these risks were improbable to be determined and later it came-up unexpectedly, hence the term “novel” or completely new – not emerging! 

When one says “novel”, there is no pattern formation at all. It is completely new. 

Also, did you notice the distinction in the definitions?

For an emergent risk, we could not have identified earlier, which can be due to many factors such as lack of knowledge, understanding or considering various scenarios. 

For a novel risk, we have a probability factor coming into play. It was improbable to be identified earlier because exploration of such a risk was improbable. 

Unknown-unknowns Vs. Unknowable-unknowns

Now, let’s see the difference between these two:

• Unknown-unknowns: You don’t know that you don’t know. This is pure ignorance. Knowledge wise, it’s untapped knowledge. It’s part of the Complex domain.
• Unknowable-unknowns: You are unlikely to know that you don’t know. This is not pure ignorance. Knowledge wise, it’s untappable knowledge. It’s part of the Chaos domain.

The emergent risks are actually unknown-unknown risks or simply unknown risks, whereas novel risks are actually unknowable-unknown risks or simply unknowable risks. Again, do note that my explanation differs from many, including PMI. The figurative representation is shown below.

I’d also strongly recommend that, you read the followings articles:

Cynefin Framework, Risks and Agile: Known-unknowns, Unknown-unknowns, and Unknowable-unknowns

Risk Classification: Known-knowns, Known-unknowns, Unknown-unknowns, and Unknown-unknowns

Conclusion

Combining all that I've explained:

• Known-known is conscious knowledge or facts. You know that you know.
• Known-unknown is conscious ignorance. You know that you don't know.
• Unknown-unknown means unconscious ignorance. You don't know that you don't know.
• Unknowable-unknown means unexplorable and unconscious ignorance. You are unlikely know that you don't know.

If you have understood so far in this article, then you have understood the difference between unknowable-unknowns, unknown-unknowns and the associated risks such as emergent risks and novel risks. 

References: 

[1] RMP Live Lessons - Guaranteed Pass or Your Money Back, by Satya Narayan Dash

[2] RMP 30 Contact Hours, with Full Money Back Guarantee, by Satya Narayan Dash

[3] Book - I Want To Be A RMP: The Plain and Simple Way To Be A RMP, Second Edition, by Satya Narayan Dash 

[4] The Standard for Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs and Projects, by Project Management Institute

Risk Register and Risk Report: What Are The Differences?

  

Risk Register and Risk Report are two key artifacts in Risk Management. Risk Report has been introduced for the first time in the PMBOK Guide, 6th edition and continues to be there in the PMBOK Guide, 7th edition. Also, the Risk Register will be used in projects, programs and portfolios as well as in Agile management.

In fact, in the latest PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, Risk Report is informed to be one of the commonly (and frequently, emphasis mine) used reports, if you are really doing risk management. The commonly used reports noted in the PMBOK 7th edition are:

• Risk Report, 
• Quality Report, and 
• Status Report. 

Needless to say, reporting is an important aspect of management.

Also, if you are preparing for the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam or Risk Management Professional (RMP) exam, you have to clearly know the contents of both the register and report. Specifically for the RMP exam, from 2022, the PMBOK Guide 7th edition (and tacitly 6th edition) will be one of your reference sources. 

In this article, we will see the differences between these two key project and risk management artifacts in an exercise format. We will also see in which processes the content of these two project documents are populated. 

Content of this article have been taken from the following video courses, where in-depth explanation and guidance are available:

• RMP Live Lessons – Guaranteed Pass or Your Moneyback
• PMP Live Lessons – Guaranteed Pass or Your Moneyback

Now, let’s start with the differences between Risk Register and Risk Report. 

Differences (Exercise): Risk Register and Risk Report

As shown below, we have a table with Risk Register in the second column and Risk Report in the third column. Try to note down the differences between the Risk Register and Risk Report on your own first, before checking the answers. 

Were you able to find out at least five differences?

Scroll down to see the answers.

. . .

. . .

. . . 

In the below table, we have the differences noted.

Next, let’s try another exercise. 

Processes (Exercise): Risk Register and Risk Report

In this exercise, we have the Process Name(s) noted in the third column. You have to inform in which process (or processes), the content of the Risk Register and Risk Report are noted.

Following are the processes in Risk Management:

• Plan Risk Management
• Identify Risks
• Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis (Perform QLRA)
• Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis (Perform QTRA)
• Plan Risk Responses
• Implement Risk Responses
• Monitor Risks

I believe you have tried it first on your own, before checking the answers.

Scroll down to see the answers.

. . .

. . .

. . . 

In the below table, we have the process names noted for the contents of the Risk Register and Risk Report.

A Sample Risk Register

Below is a sample of a real risk register.

As shown above, in the Risk Register, we have Risk ID, Risk SWOT value (threats or opportunities), Risk Title, Risk Pre-mitigation parameters such as probability, impact on schedule, cost, performance etc., and risk score.

A Sample Risk Report

Below is a sample of a real risk report.

As shown above, in the Risk Report, we have information about overall project risk, the project chances of success with respect to schedule and cost with probabilistic analysis, sensitivity analysis, summary information about individual project risks, risk audit information and a summary conclusion.

You can learn more on the flow of risk register and risk reports, and how they are populated as they pass through the risk management processes in the following article.

Fundamentals of Project Risk Management Framework

Conclusion

In my interactions, few managers, who understand the value of risk management, use Risk Register! On the other hand, Risk Report is almost unheard of, because organizations don’t take risks seriously. It creates problems later with many change requests (CRs) or issues overwhelming the projects, programs or portfolios. Do also note that issues are risks, which have already occurred. I’ve seen many such instances and projects running into real trouble. 

When you clearly know the content of these two project artifacts and know how they are prepared, it’ll help you immensely in not only managing the risks, but also scope management, schedule management and cost management aspects of a project. 

PMP Live Lessons and RMP Live Lessons:

• PMP Live Lessons - Guaranteed Pass or Your Money Back
• RMP Live Lessons – Guaranteed Pass or Your Money Back

PMP 35 Contact Hours and RMP 30 Contact Hours:

• PMP 35 Contact Hours Online Course - Full Money Back Guarantee
• RMP 30 Contact Hours Online Course - Full Money Back Guarantee

PMP Book and RMP Book:

• Book: I Want To Be A PMP, The Plain and Simple Way, Second Edition
• Book: I Want To Be A RMP, The Plain and Simple Way, Second Edition