Should summary tasks have links (predecessors)?

[Kevin]

I'm working with Project 2000 for the first time, and I'm
wondering if I should be linking summary tasks or not.
For example, before we design a project, we go through a
planning phase. All tasks in the planning phase must be
completed before the design phase begins. I have two
summary tasks: Planning and Design, with multiple subtasks
under each.

Is it OK to just list the summary task "Planning" as a
predecessor to the summary task "Design"? I tried exactly
this, and it seems to screw up what Project 2000 shows as
my critical path. None of the tasks show up in the
critical path after I do this. I believe it's because I'm
linking these summary tasks.

Can anybody shed some light on how to handle these
situations?

Thanks!

 

[Kevin]

Yikes. So is there no way to view the critical path when
using linked summary tasks? That's what I was afraid
of... I was thinking I could have summary tasks and link
the individual subtasks, but that makes it very tedious to
put the project schedule together. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Cindy]

....but will the critical path still be shown if you link say the last task
of one group with the first task of the next group, with Summary tasks on,
but NOT linked?? Many thanks, CIndy

 

[Rod Gill]

Hi,

Yes I think so. However you can also edit the Bar Styles and have critical
and no summary tasks.

--
Rod Gill
Project MVP
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