fixed work vs fixed units vs fixed units

[Saviz]

Hi,

I have read a lot of articles about behaviour of the fixed units, duration
and work and how they function.

However I would appreciate any advice from someone with real life experience
using any of the scheduling techniques above mentioned scheduling techniques.

Cons and pros..etc and the scenario where a specific type was used.


Thanks.

 

[Rod Gill]

My simple rules for easy resource assignments are:

All tasks default to Effort driven off and fixed units. I find this the most
flexible and requiring the least number of edits, mouse-clicks and
keystrokes to get what I want.

Effort driven only affects tasks when you add a second or subsequent
resource to a task. Fixed units, work and duration are only important when
you edit assignments. To edit an assignment, out of work, units and
duration, edit one, fix one and the third one gets re-calculated.

--

Rod Gill
Microsoft MVP for Project

Author of the only book on Project VBA, see:
http://www.projectvbabook.com

 

[Steve House]

I don't think of those parameters as being a fixed in granite property of
the task at all. They are switches that you, the scheduler, can use to
insure Project does its calculations as your expertise says they "ought" to
be done. I have Joe Painter assigned 100% to the task Paint the Room which
has a duration of 5 days, resulting in work of 40 man-hours. I'm changing
him to 50% ... why? If it's because I need him on something else at the
same time and will live with the fact that painting the room will take
longer, I make it Fixed Work and do my edit so it shows duration 10 days,
Joe 50%, work 40 hours. But if it's because I realize that it's really a 20
man-hour task but I don't need it before Friday anyway, I'll make it Fixed
Duration and do my edit so after the edit it shows duration 5 days, Joe 50%,
work 20 hours. You can;t violate the prime directive W=D*U