duration and work

[Bob]

Hi,
I'm new to Project so please go easy on me.

I am working on a software consulting project where I have to do things like research possibilities, estimate costs, propose solutions, develop software, install and configure etc.

I need to enter into Project how much actual time each task will take to figure out how much to charge AND I need to enter into Project the actual time elapsed to figure out how long it will take.
These times will be different because I wont be working on them all the time.
For instance research possibilities, estimate costs, propose solutions will happen over a 3 week period but the actual time spent doing them will amount to about 10 hours. (its a small project)

Any pointers on how I can go about this. I have tried with columns like Actual Work and Duration but altering one changes the other.
I feel I'm missing the point but I'm not sure where.

Thanks

Bob

 

[John]

Hi,
I'm new to Project so please go easy on me.

I am working on a software consulting project where I have to do things like
research possibilities, estimate costs, propose solutions, develop software,
install and configure etc.

I need to enter into Project how much actual time each task will take to
figure out how much to charge AND I need to enter into Project the actual
time elapsed to figure out how long it will take.
These times will be different because I wont be working on them all the time.
For instance research possibilities, estimate costs, propose solutions will
happen over a 3 week period but the actual time spent doing them will amount
to about 10 hours. (its a small project)

Any pointers on how I can go about this. I have tried with columns like
Actual Work and Duration but altering one changes the other.
I feel I'm missing the point but I'm not sure where.

Thanks

Bob

Bob,
Ok let's go over some basics. In Project Duration is the estimated time
during which the task will be performed. It is normally expressed in
hours or days. Work is the effort one or more resources will spend
performing the task. It is normally expressed in hours. Duration and
work may or may not be equal depending on how the tasks are set up and
the resources are assigned.

In your case I recommend you set up your tasks as Fixed Duration type.
For new projects this is done through Tools/Options/Schedule tab/Default
Task type. If you already have you project set up, tasks can be
converted to fixed duration via Project/Task Information/Advanced. You
probably also want to uncheck the "effort driven" option. So for
example, the task "Research possibilities" might have an estimated
duration (Duration field) of 5 days but the effort (Work field) might be
20 hours (i.e. basically half time) for the single resource - you.

For a more in depth look at how to use Project, you might want to visit
our MVP website at: http://www.mvps.org/project/links.htm
and take a look at the link to fellow MVP, Mike Glen's lessons and
techniques.

Hope this helps.
John
Project MVP

 

[Bob]

Thanks John,
That should get me started.
And Mike Glens tutorials look very helpful.

regards,
Bob

 

[John]

Thanks John,
That should get me started.
And Mike Glens tutorials look very helpful.

regards,
Bob

Bob,
You're welcome and three cheers for Mike!

John

 

[Mike Glen]

Ta! (blush)

Mike

Bob,
You're welcome and three cheers for Mike!

John