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resourcing

ResolvedVersion 2007

Stuart has attended:
Project Management - Framework & Processes course

Resourcing

Hi Andrew,

Following the project management training session last week, i attempted to fix my MS Project problem (by removing effort driven and fixing durations of tasks) but alas i cant get past our impass that when i add resources to my projects, it starts altering the duration, or work units (depending which is fixed).

To help you understand the problem a little better, we have a proposal spreadsheet in the office that we use as our own Work Breakdown Structure, where we enter the tasks, expected hours, and costs for each deliverable for a consulting project. We then put it into MS Project to give us the detailed scheduling - this is then sent to the client for approval.

However, we also want to add in the work units in Project, so we can track throughout the project, the ongoing costs and the effects on this of any delays as it progresses.

However, when we add work units to the project plan, then add resources, Project alters the work units (which we need the same as this was agreed in the proposal/WBS).

I understand that Project anticipates, that when we add resources it assumes how much time each person will dedicate to each task. But we need to add this in manually in order to keep the total baseline costs the same as in our proposal.

So unless you can think of another way, we need to find a way of entering specific work units for each task for each resource, without it affecting set durations. Can this be done in the resource usage sheet perhaps someway? If not i believe we may be stuffed!

Best regards,

Stuart

RE: Resourcing

Hi Stuart - thank you for your question. I'll look into the example you give and come back with some suggestions. It may be helpful to work with a small example. I'll let you know if you we need any further information.

Kind regards,
Andrew

RE: Resourcing

Hi Andrew

Any thoughts on the above? Did want to get moving on this, if you think we are able to of course

Stu

RE: Resourcing

Hi Stuart

Thanks for your message and patience. I'm just testing some options out for you now. Will be back in touch shortly

Kind regards,
Andrew

RE: Resourcing

Hi Stuart

It looks like working in split screen (Windows > Split) to assign your tasks will help. Click on your task. If you have estimated your duration for the activity you may wish to set the task to fixed duration then click OK. In the lower part of the screen set up your resources using the work column to specify the hours of work that each will be carrying out and again click OK to commit the assignment. Project will allocate the resources and spread their work across the task. You can refine the assignment further by switching to one of the usage views (Task Usage or Resource Usage) and adjusting the assigned work for each day.

Give this a try and let me know how you get on. I'll leave this topic open and await your feedback.

Kind regards,
Andrew

MS Project tip:

Avoid Accidental Constraints

The initial default table is the Entry table. Enter a task name and duration, but do not enter start or finish dates. Form the plan using links, predecessors. Typing dates introduces constraints. To remove these constraints, double click on a task, and on the Advanced page of Task Information set the constraint back to As Soon As Possible (all other options are there too.)

View all MS Project hints and tips

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