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Essential Excel for Project Managers

Name: Essential Excel for Project Managers
Rating: 4.1 (547 reviews)

A practical guide on how to use Excel for preparing and managing projects

Created byAsen Gyczew

Last updated 6/2026

English

What you'll learn

How to prepare a cost-benefit analysis
How to create a dynamic dashboard in Excel
How to create a Gantt chart in Excel
Create a ranking of different options
Select the right projects using Excel
Use Pivot Tables and Excel Tables to analyze performance of projects

Course content

10 sections • 124 lectures • 5h 58m total length

Introduction2:25
I will show you what you can expect from this course
A little bit about me1:47
A little bit about your humble teacher
How the course is organized2:03
How to deal with Blurry image2:04
Here I will show you what to do if a blurry image appears.
How to reach additional resources1:06
Here I will show you how to find additional resources attached to the course like Excel files, presentations, links, etc.

Basic concepts used in Excel – Introduction1:36
In this section, we will see how we can use essential functions to merge data from different sources. You will need them not only to analyze data but also to summarize results and create reports for the Steering Committee
How to merge data from different sources1:19
During consulting projects, you will have to merge data from different sources to create a nice presentation. In this section, we will discuss how to do it in practice, and what excel functions you should use. We will use in this section extensively functions like VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, MATCH, and many others.
VLOOKUP – Introduction3:46
In this lecture, I will show you how to use one of the most useful functions - the VLOOKUP.
VLOOKUP with approximate match – Introduction2:33
In this lecture, I will show you how to use one of the most useful functions - the VLOOKUP. We will look at the additional value coming from the so-called approximate match.
What you can use the VLOOKUP for?1:37
In this lecture, we show you what you can use the VLOOKUP function for. It is one of the most widely used functions that simplifies a lot of things
Basic VLOOKUP usage3:20
We start with basic VLOOKUP Usage just to show you the flavor and basic construction of VLOOKUP.
Some comments on basic VLOOKUp1:58
We start with basic VLOOKUP Usage just to show you the flavor and basic construction of VLOOKUP.
How to assign categories using VLOOKUP?2:58
VLOOKUP can be used to assign categories. This helps you easily by creating rules to divide data into segments, and cohorts and analyze them, drawing conclusions.
How to use HLOOKUP?1:37
HLOOKUP is a cousin of VLOOKUP. It is not that often used independently but has some serious application when combined with VLOOKUP.
The logic of MATCH function2:32
Another useful function is the so-called MATCH. We will see what it gives you.
How to assign categories based on 2 criteria using VLOOKUP and MATCH function?3:52
In this lecture, I will show you how to assign categories using VLOOKUP and MATCH. You have the categories described in the matrix and you want to use them
How to assign categories based on 2 criteria using HLOOKUP and VLOOKUP function2:44
In this lecture, I will show you how to assign categories using VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP. MATCH can be used as an alternative to the HLOOKUP
How to assign categories using SUMIFS function – Basic Usage4:50
To assign categories that are numbers you can also use Sumifs which works for many criteria. In this lecture, I will show you how to use it. Later on, I will use it to assign also categories that are not numbers but for example names
Assigning customers to segments – Case Introduction3:03
Now we will use the SUMIFS to assign to every person a segment that he belongs to. We will do it in 2 phases. First, we will assign a number that will represent a specific segment, and then using VLOOKUP we will change this into a name.
Assigning customers to segments – Data Available1:56
In this lecture, we will solve the previously introduced case study.
Assigning customers to segments – Solution4:38
In this lecture, we will solve the previously introduced case study.
The logic of INDEX function2:48
Some firms use heavily the INDEX function. Let's see how it can be used in practices
INDEX & MATCH function – Introduction4:21
Now let's combine INDEX and MATCH functions.
INDEX & MATCH function – Exercise – Case Introduction1:09
In this lecture, we will solve the previously introduced case study.
INDEX & MATCH function – Exercise – Case Solution5:50
In this lecture, we will solve the previously introduced case study.
SUMPRODUCT function5:45
SUMPRODUCT is a great function that you can use to calculate faster the revenues of the firm by weighted average. I will show you how to do it in Excel.
Conditional Formating4:42
Conditional Formatting helps your data be more understandable to people. This is a great tool for creating dashboards. I will show you how to use them.

To-do lists in Excel – Introduction0:58
In the next section, I will discuss how you can create an easy-to-navigate to-do list in Excel. I will show you some hacks, that will turn the to-do list into an effective tool for efficient project management.
Make to do list8:37
The To-do list – highly popularized by David Allen in Getting things done is a great tool to make sure that you do the right things at a fast pace. In this lecture, we will talk briefly about applying them in practice. I will show you the principles of using it, types of a to-do list as well as a practical example, including the one I am using.
Managing the team in practice5:56
To-do list in Excel – Case Introduction1:19
Imagine that you are the Project Manager responsible for implementing Private Labels in a drugstore chain. You have to improve your to-do list in Excel.
To-do list in Excel – Dropdown list4:22
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
To-do list in Excel – Table with slicers4:15
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
To-do list in Excel – Dynamic Dropdown List3:48
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
To-do list in Excel – Additional Comments3:28
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.

Costs and benefits of the project – Introduction0:29
Bottom-up approach7:53
In this lecture, you will get to know our favorite method for first rough estimation – the bottom-up method. We give you also 2 examples of Excel calculations and how to use them.
Estimating the costs of a wedding – Introduction1:10
Imagine that you have to estimate the costs of the wedding to help Tomasz plan his wedding. Use for that the bottom-up approach. We will use this case study to see how the bottom-up approach works in practice.
Estimating the costs of a wedding – Partial Solution5:09
In this lecture, I will show you the solution to the previously introduced case study.
Estimating the costs of a wedding – Excel Part 12:38
In this lecture, I will show you the solution to the previously introduced case study.
Estimating the costs of a wedding – Excel Part 22:58
In this lecture, I will show you the solution to the previously introduced case study.
Rearranging the Office – Case Introduction2:17
Imagine that you were asked to prepare an analysis to determine how the rearranging of the main office of the drugstore chain company will help reduce costs.
Rearranging the Office – Data Available4:36
In this lecture, I will show you the solution to the previously introduced case study.
Rearranging the Office – Coffee Points4:41
In this lecture, I will show you the solution to the previously introduced case study.
Rearranging the Office – Microwave Ovens3:32
In this lecture, I will show you the solution to the previously introduced case study.
Rearranging the Office – Stairs3:13
In this lecture, I will show you the solution to the previously introduced case study.
Cost reduction Investment – Ceramic Tiles – Introduction1:30
In the next lectures, we will see how to calculate whether an investment that will help us save costs makes sense or not. This time around we will do it for a ceramic tiles producer. We will see whether an investment in robots makes sense
Cost reduction Investment – Ceramic Tiles – Current Costs2:23
In this lecture, I will show you the solution to the previously introduced case study.
Cost reduction Investment – Ceramic Tiles – Future Costs2:41
In this lecture, I will show you the solution to the previously introduced case study.
Cost reduction Investment – Ceramic Tiles – NPV4:22
In this lecture, I will show you the solution to the previously introduced case study.
Cost reduction Investment – Ceramic Tiles – Solution in Power Point2:06
In this lecture, I will show you the solution to the previously introduced case study.

How to create a Project Charter using Excel – Introduction0:53
In this brief section, I will show you how to create a project charter, project card in Excel.
Project Card / Charter – Example3:32
Here I will show you an example of a project charter/project card that you can use to manage a project. It will take the form of a list of tasks/to-dos that you assign to specific team members.
Project Summary Tool – Example3:02
In this lecture, we will have a look at how you can summarize projects in Excel as well as PowerPoint
Project Charter in Excel – Case Introduction0:37
Let’s try to improve the project charter that you have created around the to-do list for the Private Label Project.
Project Charter in Excel – Data Available4:29
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Project Charter in Excel – Solution2:08
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.

How to create a dashboard – Introduction0:51
In this brief section, I will show you how to create a dashboard in Excel.
Pivot tables – Introduction1:24
Pivot Tables help you group data and analyze them fast. You can go from general to specific within seconds thanks to pivot tables. I will show you in this lecture how to use pivot tables, and what you can use instead
How to use pivot tables?5:28
We start with basic usage of pivot tables
How to use pivot charts?2:39
A cousin of pivot tables is a pivot chart. I will show you how to use the pivot charts and how does it relate to pivot tables
How to combine pivot tables with regular calculations?2:17
It is not easy to get data from pivot tables. I will show you how to do it without any complications and special formulas
How to use slicers?2:07
Slicers are a nice add-on to pivot tables and pivot charts that enable you fast filtering without any knowledge of pivot tables. They can be successfully used to create i.e. dashboards
How to replace pivot tables with sumifs and countifs3:17
Sometimes you need more Excel-like to build on the basis of this. I will show you how to get the same results without pivot tables
Going from general to specific with pivots1:57
Pivot tables enable you to go from general to specific. I will show you how to do it.
Combining slicers with Pivot Charts4:09
I will show you how to combine Pivot Chart with slicers and how to make the slicer impact more than one Pivot Chart.
Building a Dashboard – Part 11:40
Now we will build using the slicers and Pivot Charts from the previous lecture Dashboard.
Building a Dashboard – Part 21:46
Now we will build using the slicers and Pivot Charts from the previous lecture Dashboard.
Look & Feel of Pivot Chart3:26
In this lecture, I will discuss how to impact the look & feel of Pivot Charts.

Gantt Chart in Excel – Introduction0:35
In this brief section, I will show you how to create a Gantt chart in Excel.
Gantt Chart – Case Introduction0:56
We are back to our example – the Private Label Projects. You have decided to create a Gantt Chart to visualize the tasks.
Gantt Chart – What we want to get1:11
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Gantt Chart – Timeline2:36
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Gantt Chart – Chart Lines4:01
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Gantt Chart – Slicers3:28
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Gantt Chart – Final1:52
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.

Rankings in Excel – Introduction0:53
In some cases, you may also need to present different options to solve certain problems. Your Supervisor will expect you to somehow rank those options. That’s why in this section, I will show you how to create rankings in Excel.
Rankings – Introduction3:27
Quite often you have options that you want to somehow compare and rank. Thanks to the ranking you not only give points but you can sort them from the most wanted to the least desired. In this lecture, I will show you how to use rankings and when
How to expand the brand – Introduction2:38
Let’s have a look at a milk producer that wants to expand its product range. In this case, you will be asked to analyze and find the best candidates for brand expansions.
How to expand the brand – Solution – Part 13:29
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
How to expand the brand – Solution – Part 22:58
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
How to expand the brand – Scatter Graph3:12
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Expansion strategy into other countries – Introduction2:48
Creating an expansion strategy requires you to do a number of things. I will show you in this lecture how to approach this subject.
Expansion strategy into other countries – Case Introduction2:17
In this lecture, I will start the case study that we will be solving for the next few lectures. Imagine that you are a Spanish fashion retailer and you want to figure out which countries you should enter. Therefore, you prepare a ranking of countries that show attractiveness and the size of each and every market.
Expansion strategy into other countries – Data for the case study3:44
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Expansion strategy into other countries – Which function to use4:53
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Expansion strategy into other countries – Solution in Excel3:32
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Expansion strategy into other countries – Solution in Power Point2:30
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.

Project selection – Introduction0:17
In the last section, we will see how you can select which projects should be started. We will look at strategic, portfolio, and bottleneck approaches
Strategic alignment framework – Introduction3:32
In the strategic alignment framework we divide projects into 4 groups using 2 criteria:
Is it aligned with the overall strategy?
Estimated impact
I will show you in the next lectures how to use this in practice
Strategic alignment framework – Case Introduction2:02
Imagine that you have to help a producer of products from milk to decide which projects he should implement and which to neglect
A few information about the firm
They want to 3x EBITDA in 5 years
They have defined a strategy for the next 5 years
They have 10 projects that they consider
Let's help them select projects given their strategy
Strategic alignment framework – Overiew of Projects4:53
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Strategic alignment framework – Did we achieved the goal2:49
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Strategic alignment framework – When it makes sense to use it2:15
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Value proposition alignment framework – Introduction3:12
Here we will discuss the second method we will use for project selection.
Value proposition alignment framework – Cases Introduction0:53
Now let’s help Fast Food Salad Chain pick the right projects to improve the customer value proposition.
A few information about the salad chain
100 locations in Eastern Europe
Their NPS is currently 30%
They want to improve the NPS to 50%
They are analyzing 6 different projects
Value proposition alignment framework – Data Available2:51
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Value proposition alignment framework – Overview of Projects Part 13:54
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Value proposition alignment framework – Overview of Projects Part 23:47
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Value proposition alignment framework – Solution Summary3:24
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Value proposition alignment framework – When it makes sense to use it3:07
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Bottleneck Framework – Introduction1:07
The bottleneck framework is a mix of 2 methods
Low hanging fruit framework
Theory of constraints / Removing bottlenecks
To help you better understand the bottleneck framework we will go through the following things in this section:
The process of using the bottleneck framework
Low hanging fruit
Bottlenecks
Bottleneck Framework – Case Study
When it makes sense to use the bottleneck framework
Low-hanging fruits2:27
In this lecture, we will talk briefly about applying the low-hanging fruits in practice. I will show you the principles of using it as well as a practical example
Theory of constraints and bottlenecks3:07
In every company, you have bottlenecks that limit your ability to go forward and deliver more goods and services. Here I will show you how to estimate what is the impact on the whole system and how you can remove and improve them. I will use a simple production example to show you the effect on the whole system. You will see how the bottleneck can shift from 1 shift to another. You will also learn how to prioritize where it makes sense to invest to get the best results.
Before doing this lecture I strongly encourage you first to take the OEE lecture – we use the OEE concept here so if you are not familiar with it please start with the OEE lecture as a warm-up.
Removing bottlenecks – Content marketing agency – Introduction1:29
Your friend Ivan works in a content marketing agency and wants to improve the work of his team. Help him use the bottleneck framework
Removing bottlenecks – Content marketing agency – Solution2:17
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Bottleneck Framework – The Process2:16
Below is how you should use the bottleneck framework to select projects
List potential projects you consider
Estimate their potential impacts & resources needed
Identify low-hanging fruits
Check bottlenecks for projects & try to remove them
Pick the projects & Execute
Bottleneck Framework – Case Introduction1:17
Imagine that you have to identify which projects should be done for an international chain of drugstores. Use the bottleneck framework to select projects.
A few information about the firm that we will be analyzing
They have 4 000 stores
They have named 9 projects
They mapped which people they need for the projects
Select the projects you think they should do
Bottleneck Framework – Data for the Case2:30
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Bottleneck Framework – Case – Summary of Projects4:09
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Bottleneck Framework – Case – Analysis of Bottlenecks4:06
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Bottleneck Framework – Case – the Approach to solving the case2:46
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Bottleneck Framework – Case – Project New Format4:09
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Bottleneck Framework – Case – Project Private Label3:10
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Bottleneck Framework – Case – Project Rebranding2:39
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Bottleneck Framework – Case – Project Hospitals2:43
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Bottleneck Framework – Case – Project Marektplace3:12
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Bottleneck Framework – Case – Project Loyalty Program2:49
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Bottleneck Framework – Case – Project Foreign Expansion4:11
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Bottleneck Framework – Case – Project BI1:52
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Bottleneck Framework – Case – Project MA3:27
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Bottleneck Framework – Case – Summary2:17
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.
Bottleneck Framework – When it makes sense to use it3:03
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we introduced in the previous lectures.

Requirements

Basic Excel

Description

This course contains the use of artificial intelligence.

What is the aim of this course?

Nowadays, project managers have plenty of apps and software that support their work on a daily basis. Nevertheless, Excel still remains an important tool used to estimate the costs and benefits of the project. In some cases, Excel can be used to manage the project. In this course, I will teach how to use fast and efficiently Excel as a Project Manager.

In the course, you will learn the following things:

Essential Excel functions that will be useful during your work as a Project Manager
How to conduct cost-benefit analysis using Excel
How to select projects using Excel
How to create and use rankings in Excel
How to create Gantt Charts, dashboards, and project cards in Excel.
How to summarize progress in Excel

This course is based on my 15 years of experience as a consultant in top consulting firms and as a Board Member responsible for strategy, performance improvement, and turn-arounds in the biggest firms from the Retail, FMCG, SMG, B2B, and services sectors that I worked for. I have carried out or supervised over 90 different performance improvement projects in different industries that generated a total of 2 billion in additional EBITDA. On the basis of what you will find in this course, I have trained in person over 100 consultants, business analysts, and managers who are now Partners in PE and VC funds, Investment Directors and Business Analysts in PE and VC, Operational Directors, COO, CRO, CEO, Directors in Consulting Companies, Board Members, etc. On top of that, my courses on Udemy were already taken by more than 315 000 students, including people working in EY, Walmart, Booz Allen Hamilton, Adidas, Naspers, Alvarez & Marsal, PwC, Dell, Walgreens, Orange, and many others.

I teach through case studies, so you will have a lot of lectures showing examples of analyses and tools that we use. To every lecture, you will find attached (in additional resources) the Excel files, as well as additional presentations, and materials shown in the lectures, so as part of this course, you will also get a library of ready-made analyses that can, with certain modifications, be applied by you or your team in your work.

Why have I decided to create this course?

Project Managers will have to use Excel in a different way than Analysts. Moreover, in some cases, you cannot use more advanced tools for project management as your team is obsessed with Excel. Project Sponsor will also ask you to create dashboards, Gantt charts, and a summary of the results of projects. Therefore, I have decided to make this course that will help students work fast and efficiently in Excel before and during projects. The course will give you the knowledge and insight into real-life case studies that will make your life easier. Thanks to this course, you will know what and how to prepare and manage efficiently any projects with the help of Excel.

To sum it up, I believe that if you want to become a world-class Project Manager, you have to have a pretty decent understanding of Excel. That is why I highly recommend this course to Project Managers, especially those who have to report to the Steering Committee the results of many projects. The course will help you become an Excel expert at the level of McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and other top consulting firms.

In what way will you benefit from this course?

The course is a practical, step-by-step guide loaded with tons of analyses, tricks, and hints that will significantly improve the speed with which you understand and analyze businesses. There is little theory – mainly examples, a lot of tips from my own experience, as well as other notable examples worth mentioning. Our intention is that, thanks to the course, you will learn:

Essential Excel functions that will be useful during your work as a Project Manager
How to conduct a cost-benefit analysis using Excel
How to select projects using Excel
How to create and use rankings in Excel
How to create Gantt Charts, dashboards, and project cards in Excel.
How to summarize progress in Excel

You can also ask me any questions either through the discussion field or by messaging me directly.

How is the course organized?

The course is currently divided into the following sections:

Introduction. We begin with a little introduction to the course, as well as some general information on how the course is organized
How to merge data from different sources. In this section, we will see how we can use essential functions to merge data from different sources. You will need them not only to analyze data but also to summarize results and create reports for the Steering Committee
To-do lists in Excel. In the next section, I will discuss how you can create an easy-to-navigate to-do list in Excel. I will show you some hacks that will turn the to-do list into an effective tool for efficient project management.
Cost-Benefit Analyses in Excel. As a Project Manager, you will quite often have to see whether the project makes sense or not. That’s why I will explain to you how to create a cost-benefit analysis. We will look at useful frameworks, and we will apply them to case studies.
How to create a Project Charter using Excel. In this brief section, I will show you how to create a project charter and a project card in Excel.
How to use the IF function and what you can do instead? The IF function is not always the best choice. That’s why in this section I will show you what other, more flexible functions you can use instead.
Gantt Charts in Excel. In this brief section, I will show you how to create a Gantt chart in Excel.
How to create a dashboard in Excel. In this brief section, I will show you how to create a dashboard in Excel.
Rankings. In some cases, you may also need to present different options to solve specific problems. Your Supervisor will expect you to somehow rank those options. That’s why in this section, I will show you how to create rankings in Excel.
Project selection in Excel. In the last section, we will see how you can select which projects should be started. We will look at strategic, portfolio, and bottleneck approaches.

You will also be able to download many additional resources

1. Useful frameworks and techniques

2. Analyses shown in the course

3. Additional resources

4. Links to additional presentations, articles, and movies

5. Links to books worth reading

At the end of my course, students will be able to…

How to prepare a cost-benefit analysis
How to create a dynamic dashboard in Excel
How to create a Gantt chart in Excel
Create a ranking of different options
Select projects using Excel
Use Pivot Tables and Excel Tables

Who should take this course? Who should not?

Project Managers
Managers
Startup Founders

Who this course is for:

Project Managers
Managers
Startup Founders

Essential Excel for Project Managers

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction5 lectures • 9min

How to merge data from different sources22 lectures • 1hr 9min

To-do lists in Excel8 lectures • 33min

How to estimate the costs and benefits of projects16 lectures • 52min

How to create a Project Charter using Excel6 lectures • 15min

How to create a dashboard in Excel12 lectures • 31min

Gantt Charts in Excel7 lectures • 15min

Rankings in Excel12 lectures • 36min

Project selection in Excel35 lectures • 1hr 38min

Conclusions1 lecture • 1min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: