Fixed end date with flexible start date

[Barbara]

I have 3 inter-linked tasks on my plan.

#1 - Run a workshop
#2 - Create document from workshop
#3 - Complete action from workshop

The start (and thus, the end date) for task #1 is flexible as it is
dependent on another team and has a fixed duration of 1 day. This then
therefore impacts the start and end dates for task #2 which impacts the start
date for task #3. However, there is a fixed end date for task #3 which means
irrespective of when the task starts, it has to be completed by a particular
date next year.

I have tried and tried to get this to be represented in MSP (2003) with no
luck. If I enter a "days' duration" for task #3, with an MFO date constraint
, the start date doesn't then move in line with any changes in the start
dates for tasks #1 and #2.

Can anyone advise?

Thanks,
Barbara

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi,
(Quote)
.... It has to be completed BY
Whereas MFO says
It has to be completed ON
That is not the same
You can use Finish no Later Than or a deadline.
Hope this helps

 

[Steve House [Project MVP]]

You really *don't* have a fixed end time for task 3. The task will end
whenever it ends. What you have is a fixed DEADLINE for task 3, a cutoff
date by which it must be completed. The reason for using scheduling
software like MSP is to figure out when task 1 and 2 need to be scheduled so
that task 3 meets the required deadline. As such, while you're developing
the schedule you need to see where various options for tasks 1 and 2 make 3
finish - does it finish on schedule or if we do such-and-such, will that
make it finish late? Using constraints says that task 3 *will* finish on
that date no matter what we do, which is clearly not true - so don't use
constraints. Instead pick a date when you think task 1 maight start and
make it the project start date. Enter tasks 1, 2, and 3 and link them FS.
Set a deadline (double click the task id number and select the Advanced tab,
same place as the constraints are set) on task 3 of your required finish
date. Project will flag the deadline with a green arrowhead and turn on a
red warning if your arbitrarily chosen start date will make it finish late.
IF you want to see what the absolutely latest possible start date might be
that would still let you finish on-time, in the Project Information page
select "Schedule from End" and set the deadline date. This schedules
everything as late as possible that will still finish on time. Godd to
know, but not a good idea to use that start date for your actual work
schedule since if anything happens to delay something, it makes you finish
late - no cushion to absorb unforseen delays.

 

[Barbara]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for your explanation. It makes perfect sense! I think at the moment
we have too many unknowns to be able to get to the level I'm looking for
right now.

Thanks for your help.
Barbara

 

[Barbara]

Thanks for your reply, Jan.

Regards,
Barbara

Hi,
(Quote)
.... It has to be completed BY
Whereas MFO says
It has to be completed ON
That is not the same
You can use Finish no Later Than or a deadline.
Hope this helps

--
Jan De Messemaeker
Microsoft Project Most Valuable Professional
http://users.online.be/prom-ade/
+32-495-300 620