MS Project

Resolved · Urgent Priority · Version 2003

Tue 8 Sep 2009, 15:45 Delegate Jeff said...

Jeff has attended:
PowerPoint Intermediate Advanced course

MS Project

I want to produce a generic programme that works around a specific date somewhere in the middle of the programme.

The task for the specific date is "Contract Go Live". It has tasks leading up to it and tasks leading away from it towards the project completion. So basically, i have a project start date and a project completion date that are both linked to the "Contract Go Live" date somewhere in the middle. There are tasks on both sides that are not always linked.

To re-use the generic plan on future projects i just want to be able to move the "Contract Go Live" so that all the other tasks keep the same relationship.

If you need to call me you can do so on 07525 702 595.

Thanks in advance

Tue 8 Sep 2009, 16:27 Trainer Andrew said...

RE: MS Project

Hi Jeff

thanks for your question. First thing to bear in mind is that MS Project can schedule from a start or finish date. The default setting is to schedule from a start date as this allows the software to calculate the most compact version of your schedule.

There is a feature that lets you move a project keeping all the tasks in the same relative position. You may find this helpful when you wish to move your plan and some of your tasks are unlinked.

To do this go to View > Toolbars and make sure your Analysis toolbar is switched on.

On the analysis toolbar click on Adjust dates and set your new start date. MS Project will move the plan accordingly.

Unfortunately building a shedule in the way you describe is not the way the software is set up to work.

In theory it would be possible to model the Contract Go Live date with a constraint and connect the earlier tasks with Start to Finish relationships working backwards and the subsequent tasks could be linked Finish to Start to the end of the project. You may however get unexpected results when viewing the Critical path or when the plan is updated.

I hope this helps.

Kind regards,

Andrew

Kind regards,
Andrew

Tue 8 Sep 2009, 16:30 Delegate Jeff said...

RE: MS Project

Thanks Andrew, I'd pretty much come to the same conclusion with respect to how the software works and completely understand why. I agree trying to manipulate the software wouldn't have been particularly helpful.

The solution that you've provided seems to give me pretty much what i need.

Thanks eversomuch for your quick and helpful response.

Kind regards.

Jeff

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Training information:

MS Project tip:

Keep constraining dates to a minimum

As far as possible avoid fixing the dates of your tasks. For example try to steer of clear dragging task bars in the Gantt chart to move them on the timeline or entering dates directly into the Start / Finish fields.

Date constraints such as these limit Microsoft Project's ability to automatically adjust your project whenever you add, remove or modify the duration of your tasks. Instead use the logic in your task dependencies that link your tasks to enable Project to calculate the start and finish dates for you.

View all MS Project hints and tips