Crashing a Project using Microsoft Excel (Coursera)

Crashing a Project using Microsoft Excel (Coursera)

Project Scheduling is an essential aspect of Project Management. In most case, after the Project Schedule has been prepared or during the Project execution, the Project Schedule needs to be crashed. Crashing a Project means to reduce the total duration of the Project. Crashing a Project involves a cost called the Crash Cost. So, while Crashing a Project, we need ensuring that we increase the Project Cost by the least amount.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Crashing a Project optimally can be conducted using Linear Programming. As Microsoft Excel has support for Linear Programming, we can use Microsoft Excel to Crash a Project.
Using Microsoft Excel for Project Scheduling has 2 more advantages. The first advantage is that the nuances involved in Project Scheduling becomes clear (This is hidden by tools like Microsoft Project). The second advantage is that we do not need additional license for tools like Microsoft Project. Most importantly, we will discuss aspects of Project Scheduling which cannot be conducted using tools like Microsoft Project and Primavera.
In this Project, we will use Microsoft Excel to prepare a Project Schedule and then we will see how we can Crash the Project Schedule.
This Guided Project was created by a Coursera community member.

In this Guided Project, you will:

  • Schedule a project using Microsoft Excel.
  • Learn about crashing a project.
  • Crash a project using Solver.

Learn step-by-step

  • Create the Project Schedule Network
  • Create a Project Schedule Network Yourself
  • Calculate the Project Duration
  • Prepare for Crashing the Project
  • Set up Solver to Crash the Project
Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Statistics and Data Analysis with Excel, Part 1 (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Statistics and Data Analysis with Excel, Part 1 (Coursera)

Designed for students with no prior statistics knowledge, this course will provide a foundation for further study in data science, data analytics, or machine learning. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, and discrete and continuous probability distributions. Assignments are conducted in Microsoft Excel (Windows or Mac versions). Designed to be taken with the follow-up course, “Statistics and Data Analysis with Excel, Part 2.”

Nov 23rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Construction Project Management (Coursera) Coursera
Columbia University

Construction Project Management (Coursera)

Construction Project Management introduces you to Project Initiation and Planning. Industry experts join Columbia University professor, Ibrahim Odeh, to give an overview of the construction industry. Professor Odeh teaches the fundamentals of the Project Development Cycle while guest lecturers discuss Lean Project Delivery method and Lean Design Behaviors.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks
An Introduction to Logic for Computer Science (Coursera) Coursera
University of Leeds

An Introduction to Logic for Computer Science (Coursera)

Logic plays a fundamental role in computer science. This course is designed to equip you with a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of logic and their relevance in the field of computer science. In this course, you'll explore proposition logic and discover its practical applications in problem-solving, algorithm design, and the development of intelligent systems. By engaging in hands-on exercises, exploring real-world examples, and participating in discussions, you'll develop strong logical reasoning and critical thinking skills.

Nov 16th 2026
2 Weeks
Reviews & Metrics for Software Improvements (Coursera) Coursera
University of Alberta

Reviews & Metrics for Software Improvements (Coursera)

This course covers techniques for monitoring your projects in order to align client needs, project plans, and software production. It focuses on metrics and reviews to track and improve project progress and software quality. What you will learn: apply techniques to measure and visualize project progress, integrate Agile review practices to increase project visibility; reflect on lessons learned in software projects through retrospective exercises; improve project and process quality through ongoing measurement

Nov 23rd 2026
4 Weeks
Iniciación y Planificación de Proyectos (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, Irvine,Tecnológico de Monterrey

Iniciación y Planificación de Proyectos (Coursera)

En este curso, aprenderás los principios fundamentales de la gestión de proyecto en las etapas de iniciación y planificación, lo cual incluye la identificación y mapeo de los interesados e involucrados clave en el proyecto, la definición de los alcances del proyecto y la construcción de la estructura desglosada del trabajo.

Nov 16th 2026
4 Weeks
Data Visualization with Advanced Excel (Coursera) Coursera
PwC

Data Visualization with Advanced Excel (Coursera)

In this course, you will get hands-on instruction of advanced Excel 2013 functions. You’ll learn to use PowerPivot to build databases and data models. We’ll show you how to perform different types of scenario and simulation analysis and you’ll have an opportunity to practice these skills by leveraging some of Excel's built in tools including, solver, data tables, scenario manager and goal seek.

Nov 9th 2026
4 Weeks
Development of Real-Time Systems (Coursera) Coursera
EIT Digital

Development of Real-Time Systems (Coursera)

This course is intended for the Master's student and computer engineer who likes practical programming and problem solving! After completing this course, you will have the knowledge to plan and set-up a real-time system both on paper and in practice. The course centers around the problem of achieving timing correctness in embedded systems, which means to guarantee that the system reacts within the real-time requirements.

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Recuperación de proyectos en crisis (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad de los Andes

Recuperación de proyectos en crisis (Coursera)

Te damos la bienvenida al curso Recuperación de proyectos en crisis. Este es el cuarto, y último, curso que forma parte del Programa Especializado en Gerencia de Proyectos Complejos de Ingeniería, ofertado por la Universidad de los Andes, disponible en la plataforma Coursera. Soy Andrés Felipe Gómez y durante las próximas 8 semanas te invito a que me acompañes a ver cómo podemos recuperar proyectos en crisis. Es necesario aceptar que, sin importar las condiciones, todos los proyectos pueden presentar problemas hasta el punto de decir que entran en una “crisis”.

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Statistics and Data Analysis with Excel, Part 2 (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Statistics and Data Analysis with Excel, Part 2 (Coursera)

This course is meant to be a direct continuation of "Statistics and Data Analysis with Excel, Part 1." Therefore, it is not recommended to take Part 2 unless you've also taken Part 1. Building on the topics learned in Part 1 of the course (probability, probability mass and density functions, the normal and standard normal distributions), this course dives into a more applied side of statistics.

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Initiating and Planning Projects (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, Irvine

Initiating and Planning Projects (Coursera)

Successful projects require careful upfront planning. In this course, you’ll learn the key roles and responsibilities of the project manager and project team. You’ll also learn to answer some key questions upfront to help you meet project objectives: What will this project accomplish? Why is this project important? Who benefits from this project? How will we plan for successful outcomes?

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Approximation Algorithms Part II (Coursera) Coursera
École normale supérieure

Approximation Algorithms Part II (Coursera)

This is the continuation of Approximation algorithms, Part 1. Here you will learn linear programming duality applied to the design of some approximation algorithms, and semidefinite programming applied to Maxcut. By taking the two parts of this course, you will be exposed to a range of problems at the foundations of theoretical computer science, and to powerful design and analysis techniques.

Nov 23rd 2026
4 Weeks
Forecasting Models for Marketing Decisions (Coursera) Coursera
Emory University

Forecasting Models for Marketing Decisions (Coursera)

How will customers act in the future? What will demand for our products and services be? How much inventory should we order for the next season? Beyond simply forecasting what customers will do, marketers need to understand how their actions can shape future behavior. In Developing Forecasting Tools with Excel, learners will develop an understanding of the basic components of a forecasting model, how to build their own forecasting models, and how to evaluate the performance of forecasting models.

Nov 9th 2026
4 Weeks