Duration vs actual task length

[Simon]

How can I show the length of time for a task without streching the duration.
I have a task of 200 hours, resourced at 50%. My project keeps showing the
duration as a 25 days block, and not streched over the 50 days the resource
level gives. The only way I have been able to show an acurate job length is
to increase the duration to 50 days.

 

[Jim Aksel]

Look at the task type, make it fixed units. It seems you have the resource
loaded initially at 100% (8x25=200) but when you level it back down to the
50% the resource is available, then you get 4x50=200.

Two things to look at as well. If the resource sheet says Fred is available
100% of the time, then when you assign him to a task you need to change his
assignment units to 50% (otherwise Project will calculate him at 8
hours/day). If you task type is Fixed Units key him as 50days and then enter
him at 50% assignment untis. I do that by using Window/Spit and enter the
details on the bottom pane.

If Fred is only available to you 4 horus per day, try changing his
availability to 50% on the resource sheet (Max Units=50%). When keying a
task under this scenario, key 50 days and assign Fred, Project will calculate
200 hours if the task type is Fixed Units or Fixed Duration.
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Jim Aksel, MVP

Check out my blog for more information:
http://www.msprojectblog.com

 

[JulieS]

Hello Simon,

I think the issue may be a simple terminology. Enter the task with
any duration. Split your screen (Window > Split) to show the Task
Form. Ensure the task is *not* fixed duration -- either fixed units
or fixed work will be fine. Select the resource enter 50% assignment
units and 200 hours of work.

Click OK. Project will calculate the duration based upon 200
hours/50% and you'll see the 50 days you expect.

Without you specifically saying the number of hours of work (200)
project will simply calculate the work based upon the duration and
assignment units. When you create a 25 day task and assign a
resources at 50% assignment units, Project will only calculate 100
hours of work based upon 25 days * 50% assignment unit. You can
either increase the work to 200 -- Project will recalculate the
duration, or increase the duration and project will increase the
work -- assuming the task type is fixed units.

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


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