Scheduling Guidelines?

[Jeff]

I'm a new scheduler in my organization, and I've been asked to create a
document consisting of MS-Project guidelines and/or rules which will be used
by management and Program Managers. I've put together something which
includes simple guidelines for how to use task contraints, proper use of
slack/lag, predecessors and successors, etc., but I'm wondering if anyone
already has some sort of scheduling guideline document they wouldn't mind
sharing. I'm not looking to plagarize someone else's hard work, but if I did
use your material I would definitely make to reference your work.

Jeff ([email protected])

 

[John]

I'm a new scheduler in my organization, and I've been asked to create a
document consisting of MS-Project guidelines and/or rules which will be used
by management and Program Managers. I've put together something which
includes simple guidelines for how to use task contraints, proper use of
slack/lag, predecessors and successors, etc., but I'm wondering if anyone
already has some sort of scheduling guideline document they wouldn't mind
sharing. I'm not looking to plagarize someone else's hard work, but if I did
use your material I would definitely make to reference your work.

Jeff ([email protected])

Jeff,
Years ago our company had a standard Project training class. I
supplemented it with additional guidelines for our particular program,
probably something similar to what you are doing. I can see if I still
have the viewgraphs. If so, I can probably sanitize them and send them
to you.

Meanwhile, I just started reading a new book by a couple of my fellow
MVPs, Dale Howard and Gary Chefetz titled, "Ultimate Learning Guide to
Microsoft Office Project 2007". Even though it is focused on Project
2007 it has some very nice coverage of general project management
techniques and some dos and don'ts. You might want to take a look at it.
You can find out more at: http://msprojectexperts.com

John
Project MVP

 

[Jeff]

Thanks John, I look forward to any help you can provide. Also, do you know
if the book you suggested is available at one of the large bookstores, or
only at the listed web site? When it comes to reference material, I usually
like to thumb through the pages before I buy it. Just curious...

Jeff

 

[Jim Aksel]

You may want to try some of the publications by pmi.org. Some of this is
corporate culture - for instance, our organization wants task no longer than
10 days duration. They were focused on 10 days & 80 hours but this was
shelved becuase some tasks were two weeks but had three people on them (240
hours). Current guidance is roughly 500 horus and about 10 days, unless it
is LOE, etc.

Bottom lne is that you have to schedule to a point where you can take
meaningful EV. You need to be able to look at your schedule updates and know
you are in trouble before it comes time to report EV (usually monthly,
sometimes weekly). This will give you time to correct before you kneel
before the senior management to make your offering.

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

John --

Thanks for the kind referral!

 

[John]

Thanks John, I look forward to any help you can provide. Also, do you know
if the book you suggested is available at one of the large bookstores, or
only at the listed web site? When it comes to reference material, I usually
like to thumb through the pages before I buy it. Just curious...

Jeff

Jeff,
I searched though me archives but I couldn't find the old training
material I had. My guess is that at some point I trashed them. Sorry.

With regard to the book, I don't know if or when it will be available in
brick and mortar bookstores. I'll check with Dale or Gary and one of us
will let you know.

John
Project MVP

 

[Saviz]

Hi Jeff,
Have a look at this Book: Dynamic Scheduling with MS 2003, ISBN:1-932159-45-2
It is "real life oriented" with clear advise and solutions, not just theory.
I have been using it myself.

 

[Jack Black]

Jeff,
Try these links:
http://mpaabsolutenm.lv0.net/templates/?a=78&z=6
http://www.pmconnection.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=7
http://www.pmconnection.com/modules.php?name=Web_Links&l_op=viewlink&cid=7


26-Jan-07 05:14:02

I'm a new scheduler in my organization, and I've been asked to create a
document consisting of MS-Project guidelines and/or rules which will be used
by management and Program Managers. I've put together something which
includes simple guidelines for how to use task contraints, proper use of
slack/lag, predecessors and successors, etc., but I'm wondering if anyone
already has some sort of scheduling guideline document they wouldn't mind
sharing. I'm not looking to plagarize someone else's hard work, but if I did
use your material I would definitely make to reference your work.



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