Scheduling tasks

[JJN]

If I have multiple tasks to assign to one resource and they all have the same
priority, how should they be entered to allow Project to schedule them and
not cause resource overallocation??

 

[Jim Aksel]

Schedule the tasks based on business/schedule logic without regard to
resources & leveling. Once you are happy with the logic and resources
assigned, then you can level.

When you apply the Resource Leveling, Project can be set to make decisions
based on Standard or Priority/Standard. Take a look at the options available
on the Tools/Level Resources... you have several checkbox options.

Looking at the Help for Resource Leveling, MS Project will first delay tasks
with longer period of Total Slack beofre those with less Total Slack. The
Help button on the Resource Leveling dialog box contains a wealth of
information about the decisions Project makes when leveling, try there and
post back if you need additional guidance.
--
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Jim
It''s software; it''s not allowed to win.

Visit http://project.mvps.org/ for FAQs and more information
about Microsoft Project

 

[davegb]

If I have multiple tasks to assign to one resource and they all have the same
priority, how should they be entered to allow Project to schedule them and
not cause resource overallocation??

Create your schedule and make sure you fully link all your tasks (if
you have questions about this, first search this NG for "Schedule
Continuity"). Then assign the resources and Resource Level. The first
time, I suggest you use default settings, except for "Level only
within Slack". If you have a pretty serious deadline, make sure this
is checked. If you have more flexibility, uncheck it and see what
happens. Probably a good idea to do both if the software can't level
with it checked. When you run it unchecked, look to see what your end
date is compared to your actual deadline. If you're only off by a few
days, you're probably in good shape and it shouldn't be hard to
tighten up the schedule a bit to bring it on track. If you're off by
months, somethings wrong and you may have to rethink your plan.

Of course, you can always come back here and get help if you need it.

Hope this helps in your world.