Can I set repeating subtasks for each task entered in Project?

[Laura]

Is there some way to assign the same set of subtasks each time a task is
entered in Project? For example, if I enter a task "Name feature 112" I
would like three subtasks to appear "brainstorm", "refine ideas", "present
options". My tasks would always have the same subtasks, but the subtasks
might be of different durations. Is this a possibility?
-- Thanks for any advice you can give
Laura

 

[JulieS]

Hi Laura,

Have you thought about recording a macro? Try Tools>Macros> Record New
macro. Step through inserting the tasks, enter the names you wish, indent
the tasks as necessary. Then choose Tools>Macro> Stop recorder.

Hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie

 

[Laura]

I tried this and ran into a few problems:
1) I could get the macro to fill in tasks, but not indent them to be
subtasks, even though I indented them before I stopped recording the macro
2) Each of the subtasks has dependencies on the task before it
Thanks for the suggestion though

 

[JulieS]

Hi Laura,

The macro not recording the indent is odd. If you look at the VBA code in
the VB Editor does the code include the text "Outline Indent" (without the
quotes.)

As far as the linking to previous tasks, that is controlled Project wide
through Tools>Options the Schedule tab and the choice "AutoLink Inserted or
Moved Tasks". If that option is on, you should see the linking occurring
even without the macro.

What version of Project are you using?

Julie

 

[Laura]

First - I looked in the VB editor and did not see this code. When I created
the macro, I inserted the 1st, 2nd & 3rd subtasks individually and then
highlighted the 3 tasks and clicked on the indent button. Maybe there is a
better way to do this?

Second - I looked in the scheduling tab and this option is on. What I find
happening when I run the macro, is it records dependencies, but they are
routed to the dependencies recorded when I ran the macro. So, for example,
in my original macro I have line 3 dependent on the completion of the task in
line 2, line 4 dependent on the completion of the task in line 3, etc. When
I run the macro the second time, futher down in the plan, (filling repeating
subtasks under new task on line 6), instead of line 8 being dependent on line
7, it is dependent on the subtask in line 2 and so on. Is there something I
can do to route the dependecies differently?

Thanks so much for your help - I really do appreciate it.
Laura

 

[Laura]

Oh and I am using 2003.

 

[JulieS]

Hi Laura,

To see the code generated by the macro recorder, choose Tools>Macro>Macros,
single click on the macro you recorded and click the Edit button.

I recorded a macro again following your steps (inserting three times,
selecting all 3 and then indenting) and I still get the OutlineIndent code.
[I am also using Project 2003 with SP-1].

About the linking question: If you insert tasks between two tasks that are
linked in a Finish to Start relationship, and "AutoLink Inserted or Moved
tasks" is enabled, Project automatically breaks the links between the two
initial tasks and re-links the inserted tasks. For example: Task A & B were
linked. When I insert the 3 tasks (C, D, E) the original link between A & B
was broken. The links now run C>D>E>B with Task A now the summary task for
C, D, E.

However the "AutoLink inserted or moved task option only works if you insert
between two tasks linked in a *Finish to Start* relationship. If the link is
one of the other types (SS, FF, or SF) or if there is lag or lead added to a
F to S relationship, autolink doesn't work. For that reason, I disable
autolink - I prefer to control which tasks are linked myself. I think if you
disable the AutoLink option, you'll be more sure of the results. The tasks
will be inserted and you can go back and decide how the new tasks fit into
the project as a whole.

Hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie