Resource dependancies

[Tim G]

I'm using Project Professional 2003. The tuturial says not to make tasks
resource dependant. My question is: what do I need to do so the resources are
not overallocated and tasks get assigned dates that make sense?

Thanks in advance.

 

[John]

I'm using Project Professional 2003. The tuturial says not to make tasks
resource dependant. My question is: what do I need to do so the resources are
not overallocated and tasks get assigned dates that make sense?

Thanks in advance.

Tim,
Hmmmmm, "...dates that make sense." is a pretty open concept with a
whole lotta variables.

I'm not sure I would agree with the tutorial in all cases. It might be
nice to have full flexibility with resources so they can be assigned and
moved as necessary for the most efficient schedule, however, there are
many times when a particular resource or resource class is the only one
who can do a certain task (i.e. I think I'd want a neurosurgeon doing my
brain surgery in lieu of a general class of surgeons). In most cases
though it might make sense to simply assign a painter from a painter
group of resources instead of Joe the painter, that is assuming the
painting task is not something that only Joe can do (e.g. special faux
finish).

There are many approaches to developing a plan that has no overallocated
resources and has a schedule that meets the required end goal. One
method is the old tried and true "manual intervention" approach wherein
the project manager does his/her job and manages the project. Project
does have some tools that can help (i.e. resource leveling to help with
overallocation), but it is still very much up to the project manager to
put the intelligence into the plan and monitor/update it so it stays
"intelligent".

John
Project MVP

 

[JulieS]

Hi Tim,

I suggest you assign the resources to the tasks as needed. Then, to
resolve resource overallocations, use the Resource Leveling command.

You don't mention which tutorial you are using, but you may want to take
a look at the series of articles and tutorials written by Mike Glen. He
does a terrific job stepping through the process.

Mike's tutorials can be found at:

http://project.mvps.org/mike's_tutorials.htm

I hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie