Resource Usage: Theoretical vs. Practical

[Srini Iyer]

I have a problem estimating correct billable hours for a resource from
the Resource Usage view in a Project plan. Let us look at the tasks
for resource X per following example:

Task ID Task Gantt Chart
---------- ----------- 1/15 1/31
14 A |=============| 2/10
20 B |==========|
2/15 2/28
25
C |
=============| 3/5 3/20
37
D
|===================|

As per project task needs resource X is not required from 2/10-2/15
and from 2/28-3/5. However, in actual practice the resource will be at
client's site from 1/15 to 3/20, for which I will be billing the
client. I cannot extend tasks B and C to finish on 2/14 and 3/4
respectively just to ensure resource X is continuously used, because
this will extend the project time-line due to downstream dependencies
with other tasks in the project.

Is there a practical way to represent resource requirement
continuously in a project plan without affecting the project time-
line?

Rgds
Srini

 

[Jim Aksel]

I thought I answered this one, but it shows no responses. So, here we go
(perhaps for a second time).

Make a level of effort task. You can assign hours in that task to bring
your resource up to 8 hours in any day where they are not engaged in another
activity. The task name could be something like Support or Coordination.
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Jim
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