optional task

[1969 Project Genesus]

Is it possible to create an "optional task" in Microsoft Project?

Example 1:
You have been assigned to procurement equipment to get a lab station set up
within some time period.

The following tasks are included:
Lab Readiness
1) Acquire Computer
2) Acquire Monitor
Optional Enhancements:
a) Acquire LCD Monitor

Using BBS techniques (beg, barrow, steal) you get the lab station set up to
work with an computer and old CRT monitor. At some time in the future you
will acquire the LCD monitor, but the “Lab Readiness†task can be considered
complete since the station is available for the engineers to start.

You have a task to get a software CM (configuration management) tool setup
on the same lab station mentioned previously.

Example 2:
Software Installation
Get CM Tool for lab station
Expensive CM tool (may take weeks/months)
Optionally use Microsoft Source Safe

It has been determined (outside of your control) that the lab station will
use a particular CM tool that has been purchased, but your not going to have
your team of engineers wait around for months and decide to utilize another
product (such as Microsoft Source Safe) in the meantime.

 

[Rick Williams]

Put in all the tasks and logic for both scenarios. In the "active" scenario,
put in your estimated durations. In the "inactive" scenario, put zero
durations un the Duration field and store your duration estimates in another
field (like Duration1). In this way, the inactive tasks will not affect the
schedule, and you can alternatively turn the scenarios "on" and "off" by
putting in the real durations.

I have a program called SCRAM that allows you to input many such contingency
plans and then apply a probability to each scenario, and then perform Monte
Carlo simulation which will take all contingencies into account. It is not
the easiest program to use, but it is one of the most powerful analysis
tools available for MS Project. Copies of the program will be available soon
for $200 USD. Email me at (e-mail address removed) if you are interested.

Regards,
Rick Williams

 

[Catfish Hunter]

Try making your: 1) Acquire Computer 2) Acquire Monitor Optional
Enhancements: a) Acquire LCD Monitor task in your schedule. Give them a
summary taks. Make your optonal task a 0 duration.

 

[1969 Project Genesus]

Both suggestions to assign the optional task a zero duration works...
....almost. The calculated total work is showing 99% (instead of 100%), but
this may be acceptable. I can put a <B>note</B> in the information field and
include the note in the hardcopy when submitting the schedule to upper
management.

Keep up the good work... ...Thanks for your assistance.

 

[Catfish Hunter]

If your 0 duration task is not reqired make it 100% to make your summary task
100%.