Assigning multiple skillsets and ability levels to each resource

[D Turner]

I am trying to accomplish the following scenario:

1) Create generic resources e.g. "DBA", "C+ Programmer", "System Tester" etc.
2) Add real people with differing skills (based on the generic resources)
and ability levels e.g. "Bob Jones - DBA (80%) & System Tester (60%)

I can create generic resources, with a custom "Skillset" field (using Text1)
populated from a dropdown listing I have defined, but cannot:

1) Select multiple skills from this dropdown (no sign of the "allow
multiple" checkbox suggested on one help page)
2) Assign a resource's competency / ability in a skill (let alone many
skills!)

I have followed the built-in help files and online help files on MS (which
are all but identical), and have searched this forum and Google as a whole
for "assign multiple skills", "multi skills and abilities" etc. without any
success.

I am running Project 2003 Pro on a standalone PC (we do not have access to a
Project Server - is this a critical clue?).

Could anyone point me in the direction of how to approach this issue?

All pointers appreciated

 

[JulieS]

Hello D Turner,

I believe what you have seen in the help files is specific to using
Project together with Project server. I think it is only the
"Enterprise" outline codes with the multi-select option. They are
used in concert with the resource substitution wizard -- which is a
server enhancement.

I hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie
Project MVP

Visit http://project.mvps.org/ for the FAQs and additional information
about Microsoft Project

 

[D Turner]

Julie

Thanks for the information - I suspected it may be a function of the Project
Server only, but thought I'd enquire just in case I was missing anything
fundamental.

Out of interest, does the Server version allow a resource's skills to be
given the "ability level" I mentioned on my prior post or just the ability to
associate multiple skills? I've considered creating separate skills to denote
differing effectivity levels e.g. DBA1, DBA2 and DBA3, but feel this will not
work correctly as a task cannot be instructed to count multiple skill
requirements as interchangeable.

I will continue to explore the Pro standalone version, and let you know if I
uncover any workarounds...

Thanks for the assistance,

Duncan

 

[JulieS]

Hi Duncan,

You're most welcome for the information. I'm not terribly well versed
in Project Server so I can't answer the specifics of your question and
how it relates to the resource substitution wizard. Possibly one of
the server "gurus" will weigh in here as well.

The issue of "competency" for resource is a tough one for many users
of Project and I'm not sure I have the perfect answer for you. In my
mind a less skilled person is actually working harder to produce the
same output as a more skilled person. Because of the difference in
skills, I find I need to allot more work and therefore more time when
assigning such a resource. There is no "automatic" way of handling
this -- that's in the skill of the person managing the project and
project schedule.

Good luck and please post back with any suggestions, questions, or
comments.

Julie