Task types for Dummies

[Andrew]

Guys

I really need a simple explaination regarding the differences between the 3
task types. We do not resource our tasks, and I need to know which task type
we should use as default and why. Please keep it simple

Regards

Andrew

 

[JulieS]

Hello Andrew,

If you do not assign resources to your tasks, then the three task
types (Fixed Units, Fixed Work, Fixed Duration) will have no bearing
on what you do in Project.

To quickly describe:
Work (occurs when resources are assigned to tasks), Task Duration,
and Assignment Units (relative allocation of the resource to the
task) are mathematically related. The task type determines if you
change one of the values in the mathematical relationship, what will
Project recalculate.

Without resource assignments, you can merrily choose the default
(Fixed Units) and not see any effect if you change task type.


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

Julie
Project MVP

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

 

[Andrew]

Julie

Does that mean that when we progress via % complete the task type does not
matter and will not effect the bars ? what influence does the effort driven
box have on progress?

Regards

Andrew

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi,

None whatsoever.

--
Jan De Messemaeker
Microsoft Project Most Valuable Professional
+32 495 300 620
For availabliy check:
http://users.online.be/prom-ade/Calendar.pdf

 

[Mike Glen]

Hi Andrew,

Welcome to this Microsoft Project newsgroup

You might like to have a look at my free series for beginners on Microsoft
Project in the TechTrax ezine, particularly #11 on Task Types, at this site:
http://tinyurl.com/2xbhc or this:
http://pubs.logicalexpressions.com/Pub0009/LPMFrame.asp?CMD=ArticleSearch&AUTH=23
(Perhaps you'd care to rate the article before leaving the site,
Thanks.)

FAQs, companion products and other useful Project information can be seen at
this web address: <http://www.mvps.org/project/>

Hope this helps - please let us know how you get on

Mike Glen
MS Project MVP

 

[JulieS]

Hello Andrew,

Task type without resources has no impact on tracking nor does
effort or non-effort driven. Do make sure that you've saved a
baseline before applying progress and Project will automatically
calculate variance.

Julie

 

[Steve House]

Work is measured in man-hours - the operative term in the unit of
measurement being "man." Unless you assign resources to tasks there IS NO
effort ... work is measurable physical activity performed by a resource. No
resources assigned, there is no work, hence there is no measurable effort.