This tag is for all questions that involve Microsoft Project.
5
votes
4answers
120 views
Catch-Up Scheduling
Say I have a project X that is due to be complete by Date Y
Right now we are 10% behind schedule (Should be say 50% and right now 40%), How can I estimate what level of "effort" is required to catch ...
2
votes
2answers
79 views
In MS Project, can I create a task whose duration depends on two milestones?
I want to show an ongoing "support" task in MS Project, where the start date is driven by one milestone (test environment available), and the end date is set by another milestone (testing complete). I ...
-2
votes
0answers
36 views
Project Server and TFS integration [closed]
We have setup project server 2013 and team foundation server 2012 with integration but the mapping is not working.
This is what I see on the tfs site.
Regards
2
votes
1answer
62 views
Using MS Project for recurring monthly, retainer based project work
We started using MS Projects recently in our small consulting firm, and one of the types of projects we have are retainer(SLA) based, where the client has a contract for a certain amount of hours per ...
0
votes
1answer
35 views
Using a Project resource pool, must that pool file be open, to make changes in sharer plans?
Using MS Project 2010 & new to resource pools and sharer plans. If I have a sharer plan open, and make changes to tasks/assigments -- is the resource pool file updated somehow, even if it's not ...
5
votes
4answers
220 views
How can I add contingency to tasks in Microsoft Project?
I'm trying to transfer an existing project plan to Microsoft Project (meaning I can't change how it's organised). Each task has a duration in days then a contingency in days showing how much the task ...
2
votes
2answers
117 views
Saving an MS Project Report to a file
Using MS Project 2010, if you click Project->Reports, you have a number of very useful reports, but it seems like the only thing you can do is print them. Can you save them to a file?
1
vote
2answers
122 views
How to calculate variance between baseline 1 start and actual start in MS Project (2007)?
I would like to find out the variance between baseline start 1 and actual start. However, I realised that the start variance value as seen from the Variance table actually shows the difference between ...
2
votes
3answers
296 views
How can I update a MS Project plan to show schedule slippage?
Once I've set up my baseline, I like to use the Tracking view to see schedule slippage (ie: is a project going to be "late"?). The problem occurs when I'm updating the % Complete, but a task that was ...
0
votes
2answers
90 views
Microsoft Project: How to represent salaried employees?
I can't figure out how to represent salaried employees in Microsoft Project. I created a 24 month schedule, and assigned a $100/year resource to a 12-month task. I ran into two problems:
I expected ...
0
votes
3answers
233 views
Microsoft Project: Cannot level resources assigned to summary tasks
I have run into unexpected behavior in Microsoft Project 2013. To reproduce, create the tasks seen in the screenshot:
Where Requirements has a maximum unit of 100%.
Notice that when you "Level ...
0
votes
0answers
92 views
MS Project - automatically setting a task duration based on another task's duration
Before starting a project, I currently estimate project costs using Excel. I enter the tasks along with estimated effort. The spreadsheet will have several rules of thumb for high level estimates, ...
2
votes
3answers
97 views
How do you copy and paste a group of tasks from one MS Project (2010) to another MS Project (2010) without the start and end dates changing?
I am trying to put together a programme plan, collaborating all of the individual project plans into one programme plan.
Every time I copy and paste one of the project plans into my new programme ...
2
votes
3answers
146 views
Alternative schedules in Microsoft Project 2010?
I'd like to create a "reference" schedule, then create an optimistic and pessimistic schedule based on this where the duration of each task in the optimistic/pessimistic schedules are calculated as a ...
1
vote
4answers
292 views
Modelling schedule uncertainty in Microsoft Project 2010+
Microsoft Project 2010 (and 2013) no longer contain PERT charts. With this in mind, what is the recommended way to model uncertainty in project time estimates?
UPDATE: I only brought up PERT diagrams ...
1
vote
2answers
73 views
task with similar sub task?
I often get task with the same similar like screenshot below, does MS Project has any feature help me to do it quicker and smarter than
(1) copy & paste "Module A" task
(2) rename it to "module ...
0
votes
1answer
31 views
How long does it take to upgrade from Project Server 2007 to Project Server 2010? [closed]
If I had to upgrade from an existing Project Server 2007 to 2010 version, how many days can it take? Assuming the following, is a 1 or 2 day estimate reasonable?
Current Project Server 2007 consists ...
1
vote
1answer
34 views
How can we update nested projects in master project
When we open 1 project from MS Project Server , then we can update it easy and fetch changes and publish again to MSPS.
But when we have many project and programs that embedded them in 1 Master ...
2
votes
2answers
153 views
How can we combine time sheet in project server with scrum?
Our developers work with VSTS using a scrum methodology and also with project server. Developers are required to enter their work hours in Project Server by time-sheets. However, they are not happy to ...
-3
votes
1answer
134 views
Using Scrum and PMBOK and CRM together? [closed]
How we can design and customize our organization methodology with a combination of Scrum and also use the PMBOK guide to design an Evolution methodology?
We use Project Server 2007 and Visual Studio ...
1
vote
2answers
85 views
MS Project: Week, Resource, Project crosstab view
I have MS Project 2010 server.
I need to add view or report (whatever fits best), and it may be implemented on client or server (whatever fits best).
I need a crosstab report where Resources will be ...
2
votes
2answers
193 views
How Microsoft Project Server can support Online Project Management and Planning with different user credentials
I am representing a construction developer firm and I am looking for a tool to easily manage my contractors' progress and their payment. Currently I am using Microsoft Project and Microsoft Excel to ...
2
votes
5answers
209 views
Is it possible to create a MS-Project without specifying the start date?
I have a process that is defined by the number of business days required to complete.
I'd like to put this into MS Project, but there is no specific start date, as this is a repetitive process. How ...
2
votes
1answer
91 views
Portfolio Reports from Microsoft Project files
How can I take schedule information from multiple (40+) Microsoft Project files and create portfolio dashboards and reports. Specifically, I'd like to see Gantt charts for all projects in a stack.
0
votes
1answer
516 views
Gantter/ProjectLibre multiple resources to one task, start ASAP, divide work unequally
I am using Gantter and/or ProjectLibre (which are both almost identical to Microsoft Project in functionality). I think that if there is a solution to this in Microsoft Project, then it will work in ...
5
votes
1answer
214 views
How to calculate execution variance?
Our Program Management office is interested in identifying tasks where the projected execution differs from the planned execution. MS Project's "Duration Variance" field calculates the difference ...
7
votes
2answers
221 views
Why does MS project multiply the duration of tasks?
I've created a recurring task in MS project and I'd like to assign resources (staff) to that resource but when I add the resource(s) to the task the Work hours multiply to extremes and I don't ...
0
votes
2answers
433 views
How can I highlight the “today line” in an MS Project Gantt chart?
I have an eye problem, so I want to make the "today line" in my gantt chart to be larger and bolder. Is there any way to do so?
1
vote
2answers
101 views
How to start off a project plan documentation for research oriented projects?
I have planned all the tasks using MS Project 2007. I used shots of Gantt chart, Network diagram and critical path.
Can the project documentation plan have the following contents?
Project ...
0
votes
1answer
90 views
Canned project breakdown suitable for training interns in scheduling
I'm looking for a project with a well-constrained breakdown that would suitable for training interns in scheduling projects. (The desired context is actually software project scheduling, but I'm ...
4
votes
1answer
414 views
MS Project: Leveling subtask resources by moving summary task
I'm working on a microsoft project pro problem and need help.
I have two summary tasks A and B starting on the same day. Each Summary task has sub tasks 1,2 with resources allocated to them and ...
3
votes
3answers
226 views
Summary task (father) shows more work time as compared to the sum of sub tasks (children)
As displayed in the Microsoft project 2010 screenshot below, why the summary task (Create DSfile>) has 52hrs work whereas the sum of 2 child tasks is just 12h?
Solved: Check to make sure that ...
1
vote
2answers
670 views
Microsoft Project - display “plan schedule” vs “actual schedule”
I work on a project with many changes. To get data about how these changes affect my project, I want to show my boss about my plan gantt & actual gantt on the same diagram. Could I do this with ...
2
votes
2answers
497 views
Calculated duration in MS project task?
I would like to add a "Bugs" task with a duration calculated from 20% of total project duration. Is this possible in MS Project?
If not, what are the options of adding a task that duration depends on ...
4
votes
2answers
223 views
How to manage different detail levels in a project plan to be presented to different audiences?
In any given project, a variety of detail levels are needed:
executive summary
technical summary
delivery team summary
delivery details
How can these different levels of detail be contained and ...
2
votes
2answers
496 views
Microsoft Project - How to quick-filter tasks in this week
As subject, on early Monday, I want to see "what we planned to do in this week". At late Friday, I want to see "what has done/delayed in this week".
However, I can't find how to quick-filter tasks ...
1
vote
1answer
147 views
Can MS Project graph out planned value?
I would like to create a graph like the one below dynamically in Project. I have done this in the past using Excel, but in those cases it was "easy" since planned and earned value were calculated ...
1
vote
1answer
242 views
How do I get MS Project to give “Actual Finish” using a new baseline?
I have a schedule baselined in MS Project 2007. We have identified, documented and obtained approval for a change to this schedule. I plan to save the new baseline as "Baseline 1" and keep the ...
0
votes
1answer
321 views
Multiple resources for one task in MS Project
I have a single task (of type Fixed Work) with a total Work estimated to 160 hours. When I assign two full-time resources (let's call them Alice and Bob) to it, Duration of the task is 80 hours, as ...
3
votes
7answers
564 views
What is good PM software for an iterative system development approach?
We aren't necessarily using Agile, but we aren't using the Waterfall approach either; it's more of a hybrid of both.
I was told that Microsoft Project is great for the Waterfall method, but it's not ...
1
vote
1answer
168 views
How to have the time a task would take and duration for a task in MS Project 2010?
Within my projects I would like to have two different notions of time for a task:
How many hours of actual work the task is expected to take
A time frame for the task that the above hours should be ...
0
votes
2answers
2k views
How do I change hours-per-day without affecting existing tasks?
I have a list of tasks, each measured in days. The hours-per-day setting on the project is incorrect. When I update it, the tasks change accordingly.
My problem is that it's only the hours-per-day ...
4
votes
3answers
922 views
Should Summary Tasks or Detail Tasks be Predecessors?
When setting up a project, what are the advantages and disadvantages to using Summary Tasks vs Detail tasks as predecessors?
If it matters, I am experimenting with MS Project 2010 as a tool.
1
vote
2answers
3k views
How to export the Network Diagram View to an image in Microsoft Project 2010
Is there a way to export the Network Diagram View in Microsoft Project 2010 to an image format including all the image contents, not just what's rendered in the screen? I've tried the Task, Copy, Copy ...
2
votes
1answer
361 views
Resource Calendars in Microsoft Project 2003
I have developers in Quebec and in Ontario, and each province has different holidays. In MS Project 2003, I selected Tools/Working Time and created two calendars called Ontario and Quebec and filled ...
6
votes
4answers
254 views
What should I do in my weekly updates to project plans
Project plans don't update themselves, sadly. So I'm trying to figure out what I need to do to keep them up to date. I can update work complete as tasks get done, but what should I be doing to ...
4
votes
4answers
110 views
Is keeping two project plans ever appropriate?
I feel that if I publish a project plan that shows completion on date X, I can't very well push for completion at date (X - 3 weeks). But If I publish a plan that shows date (X-3 weeks), how can I ...
2
votes
3answers
378 views
Tracking punchlist items in a project plan
As a project gets closer and closer to handover to QA, I find myself tracking a list of outstanding items that need to be completed before the software is completely ready for testing. I'm trying to ...
3
votes
1answer
448 views
MS Project: adjusting “Remaining Work” also adjusts “Work”. why?
Every now and then MS Project screws me over.
I use it to manage multiple projects, to solve resourcing for our services organization. I don't manage tasks, but use one MS Project "task" for each ...
1
vote
1answer
774 views
MS Project 2010 resource dependencies vs task dependencies
How do I make MS Project (2010) distinguish between different kinds of dependencies? For example, consider the following two kinds:
Some tasks I mark as dependent on other tasks due to the nature of ...
