Case Study
Australian Taxation Office Strengthens Scheduling Capability Through a Customised Microsoft Project Program
Australian Taxation Office
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) delivers a broad range of programs and initiatives that support Australia’s taxation and superannuation systems. Effective scheduling practices play a critical role in ensuring these initiatives are planned, monitored and delivered successfully.
To strengthen scheduling capability, the ATO established a dedicated Scheduling Services Hub responsible for providing scheduling expertise, supporting project managers and promoting scheduling best practice across the organisation. To support this capability uplift, the ATO partnered with Certitude Australia to design and deliver a highly customised Project Scheduling program using Microsoft Project.
Rather than focusing solely on software functionality, the program combined project scheduling theory, project controls principles and practical application within the ATO environment. As a result, participants developed both technical scheduling skills and a stronger understanding of how scheduling supports project delivery outcomes.
The Challenge
The ATO’s newly established Scheduling Services Hub was designed to act as a centre of excellence for scheduling practices. The team would support project managers through schedule development, schedule monitoring, forecasting, reporting and ongoing schedule maintenance.
Consequently, the organisation required a capability development solution that extended beyond basic Microsoft Project training. Team members needed to understand contemporary scheduling practices, develop robust schedules and apply consistent approaches across multiple projects and stakeholders.
Furthermore, the training needed to align with the ATO’s internal environment, systems and scheduling practices to maximise workplace relevance and practical application.
The Solution
Certitude worked closely with the ATO to customise its Project Scheduling Fundamentals program and align it with the organisation’s operating environment. The resulting program blended scheduling theory, project controls practices and hands-on Microsoft Project application.
Scheduling Best Practice
Participants developed capabilities in:
- Schedule development and maintenance.
- Work breakdown structures.
- Activity sequencing and dependencies.
- Resource planning and allocation.
- Critical path analysis.
- Schedule monitoring and forecasting.
- Schedule health checks and reporting.
Importantly, the program emphasised how to build mature schedules that support effective project decision-making rather than simply creating schedules within software.
The workshop provided practical experience using Microsoft Project, including schedule creation, resource management, reporting, dashboards and project controls functionality. Consequently, participants improved both their technical proficiency and their ability to apply scheduling practices within live project environments.
Contextualisation to the ATO Environment
Certitude worked with ATO stakeholders to tailor the course to the organisation’s Scheduling Services Hub and Enterprise Project Management environment.
As a result, participants could directly relate the learning to their day-to-day activities and identify opportunities to improve internal scheduling practices.
A unique aspect of the engagement focused on strengthening how schedulers interacted with project managers and stakeholders. The training incorporated practical guidance on communication, relationship building and establishing trusted advisor relationships.
The Outcomes
The customised scheduling program helped strengthen scheduling capability across the ATO’s Scheduling Services Hub while supporting the adoption of consistent scheduling practices.
Key Outcomes
- Delivered a highly contextualised Project Scheduling program using Microsoft Project.
- Aligned training content with the ATO’s scheduling environment and EPM systems.
- Strengthened capability across the Scheduling Services Hub.
- Improved understanding of scheduling best practice, forecasting and reporting.
- Enhanced Microsoft Project proficiency and workplace application.
- Supported the development of trusted advisor skills for schedulers working with project managers.
Participant feedback demonstrated strong satisfaction with both the content and delivery:
“The content addressed ATO needs and provided an understanding of MSP functionality, allowing us to identify opportunities to strengthen ATO practices.”
“The course was an excellent structure with context setting and then practice in the software application.”
“I was extremely satisfied with the course pacing, material, and breakup of theory and practice.”
Building Scheduling and Project Controls Capability
Certitude Australia partners with government agencies, Defence organisations and industry clients to strengthen capability in project scheduling, project controls and project delivery.
By combining scheduling best practice with practical application using tools such as Microsoft Project, Certitude helps organisations improve planning, forecasting, governance and project performance outcomes.
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