Fixed Duration vs Fixed Units

G

Geordie [TMG]

Currently I recommend that people use fixed duration as task type as a
defualt, as most PM's have multiple projects, and as a rule are not entering
the effort(work) for each task. This way the duration is preserved and the
Unit is manipulated by project. My question is, is this a desired method of
entering tasks, any thoughts?

cheers
 
J

Jerry Arnone, PMP

Geordie,

Here is my two cents for what its worth. I enter my estimates based by
asking the SME (subject matter expert) or the person giving me the estimate
information "How many hours or days will this tasks take?" Then I ask "is
this estimate considering the time you will spend on other normal day
activities? Of course I then consider the other factors such as experience of
the person, etc... I really use fixed duration tasks for scheduling meetings,
time to backup the network, etc.. Ifyou enter tasks as Fixed Work then you
assign the personnel project will compute the duration. If you enter
duration first you have to make sure you are entering "business days". Most
of the time when I setup a project I have no clue who/how many people will
work on the project/tasks so I never start with entering units. I manage
multiple projects at a time and maybe I am old fashion but I enter the "work"
because it gives me a better estimate in the long run. I guess you also have
to consider what the process is for getting your estimates and how reliable
those estimates are.
 
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