ProjectLibre Review - An Open Source Replacement of MS Project?

Project Libre is being positioned as an open source replacement of MS Project, as the website says. As it has a number of downloads - over a million and a good amount reviews, it stoked my curiosity. Here, the review of ProjectLibre tool will be in comparison with MS Project 2013. 

I downloaded the latest version 1.5.9 and worked in Windows-7 environment with Java 7 running in the background. Installation was smooth and it started up without any issues. Uninstallation is to be done from the Control Panel: Control Panel – Programs - Programs and Features.

On launch, you get the “Tip of the Day … Did you know” thing. Next you get “Create Project” or “Open Project option” and when selected former, the screen is as shown below. I liked the way, it asks the creator to fill in the initial information of Project Name, Manager, Start Date and Forward scheduling as noted here. 

Creating a New Project in ProjectLibre

The tabs shown are – "File", "Task", "Resource" and "View". When compared with MS Project, the “Project” tab has been merged with “File” and there are no “Format” or “Report" tab as in MS Project 2013.

File Tab and Its Groups/Commands

Task Tab Its Groups/Commands

Resource Tab Its Groups/Commands

View Tab Its Groups/Commands

What is Working:

• Project Creation,  Project information details fill up
• Save, Save As, Undo, Redo, Open, Close 
• Task Creation, Deletion, Indentation, Outdentation, Linking, Unlinking
• Resource addition, assignment
• Forward scheduling. Backward scheduling is with a Check box enablement/disablement, which is decent, but not very user friendly. 
• Calendar – Standard, Working, Non-working time (briefly checked)
• Baseline – Save Baseline and Clear Baseline
• Basic reporting – checked on a few reports
• Integration with Microsoft Project (couple of times it threw error though) and Integration with Oracle Primavera 

What I Liked:

An impressive amount of functionality has been made in this free software. A number of features are available and it is a good start. Graphical Reporting is not this software's strong suite, but some of the reports are new - graphical views of Resource Breakdown Structure and Work Breakdown Structure.

What is Missing:

• Manual scheduling of tasks
• Resource Overloading indication is not there.
• No way to know which baseline is saved on which day. While clearing the baselines While you have multiple baselines, it becomes a problem.
• Export to Image for the Project Plan (PDF can be replacement)
• Currency option cannot be set
• Variance tracking – Variance values for time and cost (alternative is to check via reports)

Issues Noticed:

• Importing a MPP file (have an option to import): Got an Out of Memory Error

• When I linked a Task to a Summary, it correctly threw an error message and in the console threw an exception. 

• When linking with a FS dependency with a lead of 2 days, gave a space FS + “space” – 2, it threw an error in the window (does not take any space) and in the console an InvocationTargetException.
• Memory Tuning - I had created two projects and by that time, the runtime memory was shooting up to 100 MB whereas the MS Project was in the range of 40MB. 
• Responsiveness is slow when the number of tasks increases
• Not all window commands are enabled - Like Ctrl + F4 does not work. I would love to have that as I use key shortcuts frequently. 

This can be a good tool:

• For small projects with relatively less number of tasks and resources
• Projects where visual reporting is not of high importance
• If you are familiar with MS Project, it will help as the look and feel is quite like the MS Project
• You do not need customization functionality for your Baseline, Tasks, Indicators, Milestone etc.
• You do not need resource pooling and/or multi-project management

Of course, the appeal is there because it is free. It needs few Java exception management, in its code, to make you feel that the software is very healthy.

'Formula Bar' and 'Entry Bar' - Two Different Functionalities in MS Project, Not Same!

Takeaway – Frequently entry bar and formula bar are considered to be same, whereas they are completely two different functionalities in MS Project 2013. Both serve different purposes and are differently enabled in MS Project. While on former, many articles you would find on the web or other publication, the latter remains a relatively unknown item. In this post, both will be explored.

In many articles, journals and even by professionals on MS Project, you would find that Entry bar is frequently considered to be the Formula bar. They are not same! Formula Bar is a separate command available in MS Project 2013 (and also in MS Project 2010). As Entry bar looks like the Formula Bar in MS Excel and provides some functionalities of it, there is interest in finding out this bar. But, it is NOT same as the Formula Bar. Let us see.

Entry Bar in Project 2013/2010/2007:

Entry bar is long available in Microsoft Project.  As the name suggests, entry in cell of a table can be given through this bar. You can edit the contents of a selected cell in the entry bar. This gives you the functionality of a popular shortcut key – "F2", which is to edit the content of the cell. 

By default, Entry bar is not enabled in Project 2013. You have to enable it. For that: Go to File (Backstage View) – Options – Display – 'Show these elements' and enable the “Entry bar”.

Enabling Entry Bar in MS Project 2013

After you enable, it will be available below the Ribbon in MS Project. 

Entry Bar in Project 2013 - Below the Ribbon

You can enter texts in the Task Sheet below and can edit/delete it – like you do in Excel. 

How does it happen for MS Project 2010?It is similar to that of MS Project 2013. It is available under File – Options – Display – 'Show these Elements' – and then enable "Entry bar".

How about MS Project 2007? MS Project does not have the Ribbon or Backstage view concept. It is available under Tools – Option from the menu list.  Then go to the View tab in the Options dialog box.

Enabling Entry Bar in MS Project 2007

Above, left side is for selection of Option from Tools menu and right side is for enabling in the View tab. It will be shown in MS Project 2007 just below the menu options, as Project 2007 does not have a ribbon concept.

Entry Bar in Project 2007 - Below the Menus

Now let us get to Formula Bar. This is where it gets interesting. As mentioned before, it is not same as Entry Bar, but many say so!

Formula Bar in Project 2013/2010:

Formula Bar again is not available in the Ribbon by default in MS Project. However, it is one of the commands which can be added to your Ribbon or Quick Access Toolbar (QAT). Note that I have mentioned Formula Bar is available as a command – like other commands that are available in various Groups under multiple Tabs of the Ribbon,e.g., Indent, Outdent, Link, Unlink etc.

For this post, I am going to add the Formula Bar command to the QAT, not the ribbon, though that too can be done. And we will see shortly – it is a great utility. 

Go back to again File (Backstage View) – Options – Quick Access Toolbar. Now, select “Commands Not in the Ribbon” from “Choose commands from:” drop down menu. 

Formula Bar from the List of Commands - Project 2013

Now, scroll down the list of commands and select the “Formula bar” command. Add this command through “Add>>” button available as shown. And then click “OK” below in the dialog box.

Adding the Formula Bar to QAT in Project 2013

Once you do that, it will be available as an icon in your QAT as shown below. 

Formula Bar in QAT; Entry Bar Below the Ribbon - Project 2013

That is it. You are done. As you can see, both Entry Bar and Command Bar are now available for your view in MS Project 2013 and they are NOT same. So, what is the utility of Formula Bar?

Just click on it. It will launch "Options" directly! You do not have to go to Backstage view and then select option – anytime you want to make any global change. Is not that a great utility – to directly access Options in place of going through multiple clicks?

Now, how does it happen in MS Project 2010? It is quite similar to MS Project 2013. You have follow the same steps as mentioned above and you will have an icon in your QAT (or if you want to have it in your ribbon). It will look the one as shown below.

Formula Bar in QAT - MS Project 2010

It has the same functionality. It will launch the Global options directly without going through the Backstage view.


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• How to Create an Agile BurnUp Chart with MS Project (Part 2)
• Agile Cumulative Flow Diagram (CFD) with MS Project 2013/2016 
• 'Formula Bar' and 'Entry Bar' - Two Different Functionalities in MS Project
• Five Important Tips - Setting Up MS Project 2013

PMP Success Story: Only Winning Strategy - Have Thorough Understanding of All Concepts and Process Interactions

Ratnakar Baggi prepared on PMBOK 4^th edition, but had to postpone his exam preparation due to personal commitments. Finally, he had to give the exam on PMBOK 5^th edition. Though it has been over 16 months, I remember that he was one of the most active participants – a keen listener throughout, worked hands on, asked a number of questions on conceptual understanding - while preparing. When the coaching was conducted, I talked about the changes in 5^th Edition, which was also then available, so that candidates can be prepare and give exam in either of the two editions.

It is not that easy – moving from PMBOK 4th edition to 5th edition – and getting certified. There are substantial differences between 4th and 5th edition. However, Ratnakar made it happen and is a proud PMP today.


Below, Ratnakar shares his learning experience in a unique way – or shall I say the PMI way. He prepared as a project management professional would and should do, i.e., via IPECC - Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and finally Closing, which as he has noted “in the true spirit of a PMP certified professional”.

Go on and read his unique experience.

*****

Dear all:

It is my immense pleasure to share my experiences and learning from my PMP journey. Last year I was thrilled to successfully pass the PMP examination on my first attempt. In the true spirit of PMP certified professional I would like to elaborate my journey from the standpoint of the 5 process areas of the PMBOK framework.  

Initiating

In Jan 2013 I decided to take up formal PMP certification after many years of on-the-job experience as a project manager in different organizations.  There were two main motivating factors for this late decision: 

1. To understand the PMBOK framework as espoused in theory and how could it be mapped and applied to practical situations on the day to day project execution. 
2. To add the ‘PMP certification’ feather to my cap since it was one of the most sought after qualifications to apply for project management job positions.

Once I made up my mind I enrolled for the 35 hours PDU program in April 2013.

Planning

It is mandatory to attend 35 hours contact session to gain the pre-requisite number of PDUs to appear for the PMP exam. This contact session was spread over 2 weekends and conducted by Mr. Satya Narayan Dash. Mr. Satya is extremely thorough and passionate about the subject. We could grasp the fundamental concepts quickly through his interactive style and interesting analogies to real life situations. He was remarkable in giving individual attention and identifying gaps in our understanding which he could address effortlessly. He took care to stress upon the various process interactions and Inputs, Tools, Techniques, Outputs (ITTO). Never once did I feel bored or lackluster during these sessions.    

The assessment exercises and quiz questions at the end of each Knowledge Area helped us internalize the key terms and techniques. Satya could make us recall all the Process Groups, Knowledge Areas and processes and the most important ITTO. Never before had I assimilated so much knowledge and confidence from any training session. Full credit is due to Mr. Satya for his guidance and coaching.  

Executing

My first impression after the mandatory sessions was that the PMBOK framework was anything but closer to the real life project management experience. Hence one cannot rely on one’s project management experience alone to crack the examination. It required thorough text book preparation. It is also extremely important to prepare and write the examination soon after the 35 hour PDU session so that one’s memory is fresh and mindset is right. However due to personal commitments I had to wait till August to start my preparation. The examination was now based on PMP Fifth Edition instead of the Fourth Edition which I attended in Satya’s class. Undeterred I started my preparation in right earnest by first re-reading the classroom material and concepts three times over and over. Next I approached two primary reference books by Rita Mulcahy and Andy Crowe apart from the PMBOK handbook. My strategy is to focus on couple of reference material and not spread myself across too many books. Both the books make excellent reading and very helpful.

Monitoring and Control

The last one week before the exam is crucial period that should be invested in recap of all concepts and practice as many tests as possible for better evaluation for one’s preparedness for the main exam. Anyone who ignores this critical step can do so at his/her own risk of failing the exam. My target was to score at least 85% in the mock tests/quizzes available online and in the reference books in order to feel confident. The Andy Crowe book comes with access to Velociteach web site where I completed full length examinations. These mock tests also gave an insight to the actual exam experience which could help me to formulate my own strategy for the D-day.  

Closing

Finally 12th October 2013 arrived when I found myself at the Prometric centre at Domlur. During the initial 15 mins of being seated in front of the computer screen I noted down the entire process framework on the rough sheet for ready reference. I ensured that I made a first pass through entire question set in the first 3 hours, answered the easy ones and those I was absolutely sure of and marked few questions that I wanted to attempt later or review my answers. In the last one hour I completed my responses to all marked questions. Few questions were very lengthy but the answers were straightforward and few others were tricky and confusing. The only winning strategy is to have thorough understanding of all concepts and process interactions to achieve success. At the end of four hours and few minutes I was relieved and ecstatic to see pass result flash on my screen!

I wish all future aspirants the best of luck.

-- Ratnakar Baggi, Technical Manager, Alcatel Lucent

*****

Brief Profile: Ratnakar Baggi is a senior management professional and has years of project, program, and technical management experience in IT industry. He is a Bachelor of Engineering from National Institute of Technology, Karnataka and a Master in Business Administration from ICFAI Business School, Bangalore. Currently he works as a Technical Manager with Alcatel Lucent, Bangalore, India. His online PMP profile is available at PMI Online Credential Registry. 

After getting certified on PMP, Ratnakar informed me via Twitter. It was indeed a great pleasure to be able to help in his journey in getting PMP. 

I am thankful to Ratnakar for sharing his unique experience on PMP exam – preparing earnestly, not loosing focus on his goal even when it transitioned from 4th Edition to 5th Edition of PMBOK and above all, coming out certified in one of toughest certification programs on management. I believe his experience will guide others in their quest for PMP. 

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