With FastTrack Schedule 10, the new version of the award-winning project More information. Deadlines don’t usually affect task scheduling.
 
 

 

– Microsoft project 2010 link tasks free

 

For example, if you decide to adjust the project plan to: Bring in the scheduled finish date, you might end up with increased costs and a decreased scope. Meet the project budget, the result might be a longer schedule and a decreased scope. Increase scope, your project might take more time and cost more money in the form of resources, such as workers. Changes to your plan can affect the triangle in various ways, depending on your specific circumstances and the nature of your project.

For example, in some instances, shortening your schedule might increase costs. In other instances, it might actually decrease costs. In terms of the project triangle, resources are considered a cost item. So as you adjust resources to accommodate more or less work or to reflect their availability, your costs go up or down correspondingly. These costs are based on resource pay rates. You also may notice that as you adjust resources, your schedule changes. For example, if you have several resources over allocations and you level the project, the schedule might now include split tasks and delays that extend the finish date.

In most projects, at least one side of the triangle is “stuck,” meaning that you can’t change it. On some projects, it’s the budget. No matter what, you won’t get more money for the project. On others, it’s the schedule;; the dates can’t change. Or it’s the scope;; there will be no change in deliverables The trick is in finding the “stuck” or fixed sides of your project’s triangle.

That tells you what you can change and where you can adjust if there’s a problem. Phrasing the problem as a statement can help you clarify which side of the triangle is in trouble. Knowing which side of your triangle can’t be changed will help you know where you can adjust. So when you begin optimizing, consider the following order of decisions.

First, decide which of the three elements is fixed. This is typically the element most important to the success of your project finishing on time, on budget, or with the agreed-upon scope. Then, determine which side your current problem occurs on. Once you’ve done that, you’ll know what elements you have to work with to get your project back on track. If the problem side and the fixed side are the same, you have the remaining two sides of the triangle to work with.

For example, if your project has to finish on time and your problem is that it’s taking too long, you can adjust resources or adjust scope to get the project back on track. If the problem side is different from the fixed side, you’ll want to optimize by adjusting the remaining side. For example, if your project has to finish on time and it’s grown in scope, you only have the cost side to play with by, for example, by adding resources.

Know that when you adjust one side of the triangle of time, money, and scope, the other two sides are likely to be affected. They can be affected positively or negatively, depending on the nature of your project. For example, if you adjusted your plan to bring in costs, check whether your finish date is still acceptable Lead and Lag Times Edit tables by adding and removing columns Change column labels Create a table The system will allow the user to organise these tables so they can be used to maximum effect.

The content of the table is also dependent on the area of project management they are used for. There is a difference between tables for Tasks and table for Resources.

Modifying Or Editing An Existing Table The idea of changing a table structure is to make its use more appropriate to the needs in terms of what information the user needs to view. For a task table there are over one hundred possible columns from which the structure can be chosen.

For Resources the number of possible columns is approximately thirty. The following dialog box Figure will show a list of the fields that make up the table.

A space will appear and the new field can be selected. The structure of the table is built up by selecting the fields in the appropriate order. When you decide which type of table you would like to create click on the NEW button. OR Another option which saves time is to copy an existing table and add or remove fields as necessary and rename it. Add, edit or delete fields as covered in the previous section.

Click OK to save the table. There is no need to recreate them in other files we have the organiser tool to allow us to transfer these objects for reuse elsewhere The global template is the file that is used every time you create a new project file this works similarly in word and excel. It stores all the objects necessary to create a file with no data. Using the organiser to transfer any of the objects we create into it every time we create a new project those objects will be available for use in the new file.

This includes tables, views, filters, groups, reports, macros, calendars tasks or resource objects Even better when these objects are in the global template any file you open created from another source that lacks the useful objects you have been using you simply transfer them from the global template into the new file and they are then available for use. If you have several project files open use the drop down arrows in the boxes to correctly identify the files.

MPT file if a file from another source is being used copy the other way for your objects to be used in other files. When the transfer of objects is complete click the cross in the top right hand corner of the dialog to close the organiser. Creating any new project now will include the objects you have transferred ready for immediate use. It is also possible to define in what way these dependencies exist.

For example, if you have two tasks, “Dig foundation” and “Pour concrete,” the “Pour concrete” task cannot begin until the “Dig foundation” task is complete. The dependent task can begin any time after the task that it depends on begins. The SS link type does not require that both tasks begin simultaneously.

For example, if you have two tasks, “Pour concrete” and “Level concrete,” the “Level concrete” task cannot begin until the “Pour concrete” task begins. The dependent task can be completed any time after the task that it depends on is completed.

The FF link type does not require that both tasks be completed simultaneously. For example, if you have two tasks, “Add wiring” and “Inspect electrical,” the “Inspect electrical” task cannot be completed until the “Add wiring” task is completed.

The dependent task can be completed any time after the task that it depends on begins. The SF link type does not require that the dependent task be completed concurrent with the beginning of the task on which it depends.

For example, the roof trusses for your construction project are built offsite. Two of the tasks in your project are “Truss delivery” and “Assemble roof. The FS link is by default not shown in the predecessors column but add one of the other link type contractions after the predecessor number and press enter the link will change and the result shown in the Gantt chart.

The picture below shows a start to start relationship. Click OK when you have made the necessary adjustments More Links, Lead And Lag Times From the previous examples you have seen in the task information dialog, predecessors tab and in the task dependency dialog a box called lag this is a box allows you to fine tune these Link relationships by specifying Lag or Lead times as required.

You enter the lead time as a negative value Lag A Lag time is a delay between two tasks that are linked by a dependency. For example, if there must be a two-day delay between the finish of one task and the start of another, you can establish a finish-to-start dependency and specify two days of lag time for the successor task.

You enter the lag time as a positive value. Applying lead and lag time in the dialog boxes should now be easy but the method of entering it in the predecessors column may not be so obvious although it is the most efficient way of working with your links You may return to the standard Gantt view at any time by using the VIEW button and selecting a different view.

From this form the data relating to the specific task can be changed which includes progress information. Where progress data is being entered, Actual should be selected. Actual Start Date and time for the Task. Actual Completion date and time for the Task, if completed. This box can set up a specific constraint on the start or end date for the task.

There are a fixed number of choices which are shown in a list for selection. The priority relates to which tasks can be delayed. If nothing is entered, ID number is shown. This will be looked at in more depth later. It also includes boxes for Rollup and Hide Gantt Bar. Predecessors Shows any predecessors set and allows you to add others, change the relationship and introduce Lag or Lead time.

Resources You can add or modify resources plus change the task from being resource driven to fixed duration. Notes This allows you to add a note. This could be a fuller description of the task, allowing you to use a cryptic title. Custom Fields This allows you to add custom fields to the task. We have already seen the use of the general and predecessors tabs in detail.

In this section we will have a look at the advanced tab. Flexible Constraints Are constraints that are flexible and does not tie a task to a single date. The default for most projects would be ASAP. Work with task dependencies to make a task occur as soon or as late as the task dependency will allow. For example, a task with an As Soon As Possible ASAP constraint and a finish-to-start dependency will be scheduled as soon as the predecessor task finishes. By default, all tasks in a project that is scheduled from the start date have the ASAP constraint applied.

If you change a task scheduling mode from manually scheduled to automatically scheduled, the task constraint will be set to As Late as Possible ALAP. Semi Flexible Constraints Constraints with moderate scheduling flexibility will restrict a task from starting or finishing before or after a date you choose.

For example, a task with a Start No Earlier Than SNET constraint for June 15 and a finish-to-start dependency to another task can begin June 15 if its predecessor is finished by June 15 or later if its predecessor finishes after June 15 , but it can’t be scheduled before June With a SNET constraint applied, the successor task cannot begin before the constraint date, even if as shown here the predecessor task is completed before the constraint date.

Inflexible Constraints Inflexible constraints are constraints that are inflexible because it ties a task to a date. They override any task dependencies by default and restrict a task to a date you choose. For example, a task with a Must Start On MSO constraint for September 30 and a finish-to-start dependency to another task will always be scheduled for September 30 no matter whether its predecessor finishes early or late.

Find the Predecessors or Successors column and select the cell for the task you want to link. Note: The Successor column is not shown by default.

To show it, go to the last column in the row, and select Add New Column. Choose Successors. In the hierarchical list of all of your tasks, scroll up or down to find the task you want, select the check box next to it, and then click anywhere outside of the drop-down box. The task ID of the task you’re linking to will appear in the cell. Selecting links from the drop-down is especially useful if the task you want to link to is not located close to the task you’re linking from.

You can set up Project so that when you insert a new task between linked tasks, the new task is automatically linked to the surrounding tasks. In the Project Options dialog box, choose Schedule and scroll to the Scheduling options in this project section. When you link a manually scheduled task to another task, Project places the manually scheduled task relative to the other task. You can configure Project so that a manually scheduled task does not move when you link it to another task:.

Learn more about manually and automatically scheduled tasks. If you have tasks that depend on the successful completion of an entire project, consider setting up a master project. To highlight how a single task relates to other tasks, use task paths.

After tasks are linked to create task dependencies, you can easily change or remove the dependencies, if needed, by doing any of the following:. By default, Project links tasks in a finish-to-start dependency. You can, however, easily change the type of task dependency on the Advanced tab of the Task Information dialog box. To open the Task Information dialog box, double-click the name of the task whose link type you want to change.

Note: Double-clicking a link to an external task opens the project containing the task, if the project is available. Externally linked tasks appear dimmed in the task list.

If you want to modify the link type for an external task, double-click the externally linked task to open the project that contains the task, and then do the following to modify the linked task. For example, if you linked Task A in Project Z to Task 1 in Project 5, you can modify the link type in the task information for Task 1.

To change the type of task dependency, select a different type from the Type list. If you have a task that is currently linked to the wrong task, you can easily modify the link so that it reflects the correct dependency. On the Task tab, in the Properties group, choose Information. On the Predecessors tab, in the Task Name column, select the task that should not be linked, and then select a task from the list to identify the correct dependency.

Modify the link type, lag time, or lead time in the Type and Lag columns. Tip: To enter lead time, type a negative value in the Lag column, such as —2 for two days of lead time. If your task is no longer dependent on any other tasks, you can remove all of the task’s dependencies at once.

To select multiple tasks that are not listed consecutively, hold down CTRL and select each task. To select tasks that are listed consecutively, select the first task, hold down SHIFT, and then select the last task that you want to select in the list. On the Task tab, in the Schedule group, choose Unlink Tasks.

Note: Removing a task link removes the dependency between two tasks, as indicated by the link lines between the tasks. If you want to change the hierarchical structure of a task or subtask as part of an outline structure for your project, then you need to outdent the task rather than remove the task link. If your task is linked to several tasks and you need to remove specific links while leaving some intact, you can choose which links to remove in the Task Information dialog box.

You can configure Project so that when you insert a task among linked tasks, the new task is automatically linked to the surrounding tasks. This is called autolinking.

For example, if you have three tasks with finish-to-start links and you add a new task between them, the new task will take on a finish-to-start link with the tasks above and below it. Figure 7: Problem remedied. Lessons Learned I can extrapolate the solution provided in general to the following principles: Create a unique deliverable. Each task should create a verifiable, tangible deliverable.

Set up a closed network diagram. All the tasks in a schedule expect the first and last task to have at least one predecessor and successor. Minimize date constraints. Written by Sai Prasad. The dependent task can be completed any time after the task that it depends on begins. The SF link type does not require that the dependent task be completed concurrent with the beginning of the task on which it depends. For example, the roof trusses for your construction project are built offsite.

Two of the tasks in your project are “Truss delivery” and “Assemble roof. The FS link is by default not shown in the predecessors column but add one of the other link type contractions after the predecessor number and press enter the link will change and the result shown in the Gantt chart. The picture below shows a start to start relationship. Click OK when you have made the necessary adjustments More Links, Lead And Lag Times From the previous examples you have seen in the task information dialog, predecessors tab and in the task dependency dialog a box called lag this is a box allows you to fine tune these Link relationships by specifying Lag or Lead times as required.

You enter the lead time as a negative value Lag A Lag time is a delay between two tasks that are linked by a dependency. For example, if there must be a two-day delay between the finish of one task and the start of another, you can establish a finish-to-start dependency and specify two days of lag time for the successor task. You enter the lag time as a positive value. Applying lead and lag time in the dialog boxes should now be easy but the method of entering it in the predecessors column may not be so obvious although it is the most efficient way of working with your links You may return to the standard Gantt view at any time by using the VIEW button and selecting a different view.

From this form the data relating to the specific task can be changed which includes progress information. Where progress data is being entered, Actual should be selected.

Actual Start Date and time for the Task. Actual Completion date and time for the Task, if completed. This box can set up a specific constraint on the start or end date for the task. There are a fixed number of choices which are shown in a list for selection. The priority relates to which tasks can be delayed. If nothing is entered, ID number is shown. This will be looked at in more depth later. It also includes boxes for Rollup and Hide Gantt Bar. Predecessors Shows any predecessors set and allows you to add others, change the relationship and introduce Lag or Lead time.

Resources You can add or modify resources plus change the task from being resource driven to fixed duration. Notes This allows you to add a note. This could be a fuller description of the task, allowing you to use a cryptic title. Custom Fields This allows you to add custom fields to the task. We have already seen the use of the general and predecessors tabs in detail. In this section we will have a look at the advanced tab. Flexible Constraints Are constraints that are flexible and does not tie a task to a single date.

The default for most projects would be ASAP. Work with task dependencies to make a task occur as soon or as late as the task dependency will allow. For example, a task with an As Soon As Possible ASAP constraint and a finish-to-start dependency will be scheduled as soon as the predecessor task finishes.

By default, all tasks in a project that is scheduled from the start date have the ASAP constraint applied. If you change a task scheduling mode from manually scheduled to automatically scheduled, the task constraint will be set to As Late as Possible ALAP.

Semi Flexible Constraints Constraints with moderate scheduling flexibility will restrict a task from starting or finishing before or after a date you choose. For example, a task with a Start No Earlier Than SNET constraint for June 15 and a finish-to-start dependency to another task can begin June 15 if its predecessor is finished by June 15 or later if its predecessor finishes after June 15 , but it can’t be scheduled before June With a SNET constraint applied, the successor task cannot begin before the constraint date, even if as shown here the predecessor task is completed before the constraint date.

Inflexible Constraints Inflexible constraints are constraints that are inflexible because it ties a task to a date.

They override any task dependencies by default and restrict a task to a date you choose. For example, a task with a Must Start On MSO constraint for September 30 and a finish-to-start dependency to another task will always be scheduled for September 30 no matter whether its predecessor finishes early or late.

If a task that is constrained to a date has a predecessor that finishes too late for the successor to begin on the date specified in the constraint, negative slack can occur. If the deadline date passes and the task is not completed, Project will display a task indicator next to the task in the table. The deadline can also be displayed on the Gantt.

The Indicators field is located to the right of the ID field and appears in a number of tables. Deadlines don’t usually affect task scheduling. They are used to indicate a target date you don’t want to miss, without requiring you to set a task constraint that could affect scheduling if predecessor tasks change. A task with a deadline is scheduled just like any other task, but when a task finishes after its deadline, Project displays a task indicator notifying you that the task has missed its deadline.

Deadline dates can affect the total slack on tasks. If you enter a deadline date before the end of the task’s total slack, total slack will be recalculated by using the deadline date rather than the task’s late finish date. The task becomes critical if the total slack reaches zero.

You can set deadlines for summary tasks as well as individual tasks. If the summary task’s deadline conflicts with any of the subtasks, the deadline indicator signifies a missed deadline among the subtasks. The task is scheduled to finish on the deadline date, though the task could still finish after its deadline if its predecessors slipped.

Click the Advanced tab. This is called inactivating the task. The task remains in the project plan, but does not affect resource availability, the project schedule, or how other tasks are scheduled.

Why would you want to inactivate a task? For one thing, it can help you model the effects of schedule or resource constraints on the project without deleting tasks permanently. Also, inactive tasks remain in the project plan, providing a record of cancelled tasks and enabling you to reactivate them if circumstances change. Instead, mark the tasks as completed. In the table portion of the view, select the task or tasks you want to inactivate. The inactive task stays in the task list, but the text is dimmed and has a line through it.

This method will work for any view containing a Gantt chart and a task list. Tick the checkbox if you prefer not to see this warning in the future. For example, a two-day task that cannot have contiguous work might be split so that the first day of work is scheduled for Monday, and the second day is scheduled for Thursday. As you move the mouse cursor over the task on the Gantt the mouse cursor will have changed click on the task where you wish to split it and drag the cursor to the right to move the second part of the split task into the future.

Drag the mouse cursor to the right until you connect to the second part of the task and let go of the mouse The task will join and have the same duration as the original task. What most project workers do not realise that could save themselves a lot of problems is the fact that these views can be treated as any other object and saved you could have several views of the Gantt chart for instance each showing your project with different aspects ready to be used and printed at the touch of a button The views, like tables can also be transferred to other projects and used in those to save time recreating them.

Split Views The first thing to look at with views is the split view which allows you to see related information in the bottom half of the main window while the normal project data is shown at the top the easiest way to use this is from the view ribbon. Views consist of more than just formatting and table columns they contain filters, sorting, groupings and split views if applied.

In this section you will be shown how to create your own new view while subsequent sections show you how to further manipulate that view. Save An Edited View Rarely are the views perfect for what you want and many times we need to edit the component parts of a view to get exactly what we want. You are advised that any time you wish to edit a view say the Gantt chart view you may at some time wish to revert to its default appearance so although this section is about editing an existing view create a new view first and edit that and the original views will be left untouched for future use.

All of the formatting choices shown so far are considered editing a view, bar styles, filters, groups, tables, text styles, resizing etc. When you have applied all these things to a Gantt for instance you may wish to keep that just as it is and revert at times to the original Gantt chart.

Click on COPY Click OK to create the new view. Now edit the view formatting in the ways you want. Save the changes to the project. Transfer A View Transferring a view is much the same as transferring a table, filter, group, macro etc.

To have those editions reflect in the view within the global. Click the cross in the top right corner to close the dialog. Microsoft Project is a software package designed help managers manage a variety. It provides a list of quick tips and shortcuts for familiar features. This guide does NOT replace training. Learn how to create a project, break. Mastering Microsoft Project B; 3 days, Instructor-led Course Description This three-day instructor-led course provides students with the knowledge and skills plan and manage projects using Microsoft.

For the most part, teams manage projects. Project Management is the discipline of planning, organizing, and managing resources to complete a specific goal. Microsoft Project is software that helps you. Start your project Open Project and. Mastering Microsoft Project Duration: 2 days Course Description This two-day instructor-led course provides students with the knowledge and skills to plan and manage projects using Microsoft Project.

Project Management: Intermediate Microsoft Project This document includes instructions for managing resources, updating project plans, and designing visual reports. Managing Resources in a Project.

Project management deliverables e. Click File then New. Select any of the featured. Creating a New Project Microsoft Project is a project management software program designed to assist project managers in developing plans, assigning resources to tasks, tracking progress, managing budgets,. Introduction to Microsoft Project This document provides an introduction in using Microsoft Project Microsoft Project is a project management application that contains a set of tools to help.

Examples would be File and Analysis.

 
 

Link tasks in a project.

 
 
You May Also Like. On the right side of the Status Bar, you can click icons for popular Project views or drag the Zoom Slider to change the timescale in the current view. When you shrink the Project window, the ribbon rearranges sections and buttons to fit.