Optimizing Project Management: Planning, Scheduling, and Cost Estimation Using Microsoft Project

Sep 12, 2026

Computer-based event and activity management is used to improve planning, scheduling, and secluding workflows with tools such as Primavera, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Project. This study applies MS Project scheduling and organization to a residential construction case in Baghdad/Abi Ghraib, Iraq. A detailed work schedule is built from excavation to completion, highlighting the critical path while allocating resources for every task and material. The approach also computes material and labor costs to support planning decisions and budget, time, and deadline control.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

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Pages8

Reading Time3 min

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Abstract

Introduction

Research Methods

Case study

Optimizing Project Management: Planning, Scheduling, and Cost Estimation Using Microsoft Project Saja Hadi Raheem Al-Dhamada, Sahar Ismael Baker Kurwib, Ibrahim Farouq Varouqac, Gasim Hayderd, Aseel H. Obaide, Faiq M. S. Al-Zwainyf, * aDepartment of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Al-Iraqia University, Baghdad, Iraq bCivil and Architectural Engineering Section, Department of Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman cDepartment of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, lsra University, Amman, Jordan dDepartment of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Kajang 43000, Malaysia eMinistry of Education, General Directorate of Education Baghdad Rusafa II, Iraq fDepartment of Forensic Engineering, Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, 10070, Baghdad, Iraq Abstract Event or activity management is done with computer-based software built especially for planning and secluding, such Primavera, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Project. The MS project's scheduling and organization are the goals of this study. Software of this type is easier to use and more efficient than manual methods. Although this program is based on manual approaches, it is more accurate and takes less time. Scheduling should be created for this investigation. The project case study focuses on the planning and scheduling of residential construction. In this instance, a two-story, 200-square-meter residential building in Baghdad/Abi Ghraib, Iraq, was selected. A work schedule should be created in the Microsoft project from excavation to completion, alerting the crucial path. Every task and piece of material should have its resources allocated. The MS project should include a calculation of the material and labor costs. According to this study, the scheduling and Planning benefits should be clarified. This study aims to investigate and inform the appropriate planning and selection for project management using Microsoft Project. It will also inform the budget, material, time, and deadline. Keywords: cost management; Microsoft Project 2021; project planning; scheduling techniques. Received: 5 July 2025 Revised: 8 August 2025 Published: 31 August 2025 1. Introduction To meet project requirements, project management entails applying knowledge, skills, and operational methodologies to project activities (Al-Zwainy and Al-Marsomi, 2016) . The ability of companies to achieve something successfully, allowing them to align project outputs with organizational goals and improve their market competitiveness, is linked toa goal-achieving strategy (Othman, 2006) (Jaber et al, 2020). Additionally, it can be described as organizing, planning, and managing important resources, procedures, and standards of conduct to (achieve or attain with effort) certain goals in scientific or everyday situations (Anantatmula, 2010). A project is a short-term endeavor that aims to create a unique product, service, or outcome with a defined beginning and end (usually time-held back) and frequently involves withholding funds or providing funds (to) or other items that may be used to achieve odd goals, which are typically intended to bring about complete change or significant value (Project Management Institute, 2021) . In contrast to business as usual (or operations), which are recurring, permanent, or semi-permanent functional activities to create goods or services, projects are only temporary in nature (Hoang & Shrestha, 2014) (Jasim et al, 2021) . It has always been practiced (revealing a small corner in a casual manner), but in the middle of the 20th century, it began to evolve (and improve) as a popular career path. In reality, these two systems' management is frequently rather distinct and clear, * Corresponding author. Faiq M. S. Al-Zwainy E-mail address: [faiq.m.al-zwainy@nahrainuniv.edu.iq](faiq.m.al-zwainy@nahrai

FAQs

What is the main objective of the study using Microsoft Project?

To investigate and support appropriate project management planning and selection by using Microsoft Project for scheduling, planning benefits, and decision support for budget, material, time, and deadlines.

What case study building and location were used?

A two-story, 200-square-meter residential building in Baghdad, Abi Ghraib, Iraq was selected for scheduling and planning analysis.

How do Plan A and Plan B differ in the research?

Plan A represents conventional execution using manual scheduling and tracking, while Plan B uses project management methods and Microsoft Project for planning and scheduling comparison.

Sep 12, 2026

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