First Time User...

[kxb177]

Hi All...

I am hoping that someone can give me a quick answer to this question.
This is my first time using MS Project. I have all of my tasks in my
project, and I am trying to estimate my time now.

My questions are as follows:
My project is 8 months (aprox. 240 days), and there are multiple tasks
to track, each dependent on one another. Lets say for example &
simplicity, that I have ten tasks each lasting 24 days. However, task
1 might take 24 days but only working 2 hours each day, meaning actual
time worked is only 6 days for task one.

Is there a way to do the following:
1. Have one column showing the total number of days the project is
"open for" in the example 240 days. (I have this one already.)
2. Have one column showing total hours for each task (in the example
above 6 days/48 hours).
3. Then have that roll up into each respective grouping.

Also, I am trying to work something like vacation time for the year
into the schedule for three employees. Two employees get 25 days, one
gets 20 days. If I list them in project, each employee with a task of
vacation, it only rolls up to 25 days. Is there a way around this? I
am trying to leverage project to both plan when/what has to be done,
and justify/determine staffing needs. Is there a simple way to do
it...

Thanks for you help in advance!!
-Ken

 

[Gérard Ducouret]

kxb177 --
Insert the Work column : Insert / Column...

Hope this helps,

Gérard Ducouret

 

[CB]

Hi Ken,
Welcome to this discussion group. First of all, Project has a field for
Duration (The time span of a task) and Work (Hour to complete the task). I
usually use the task usage view to schedule these tasks in part one of your
question. Assign your resource and go to the resource usage view. Enter the
amount of time by day or week in the grid on the right. Project will figure
the rest out for you. These two columns should answer the next question as
for entering the duration vs. work.

As for the vacation question, project has the standard calendar and creates
a resource calendar for each resource you add to your project. Each resource
calendar is based off the standard calendar. I typically will setup the
standard calendar to reflect organization wide working times and holidays. I
then add my resources and change their working time in their respective
calendar.

HTH
Cheryl