Variable work rates

[KK]

John can dig a hole twice as fast as Pete. I would like Project 2000 to
determine either John or Pete to work on a task "Dig the hole" but that
allocation to be made with the goal of minimizing overall project duration.
For instance, I would always prefer Joh to dig as he works twice as fast,
however, he has other tasks to do that are on the critical path so I get Pete
to do the digging that isn't on the critical path and so finish the project
as quickly as possible.

Can I do that?

 

[John]

John can dig a hole twice as fast as Pete. I would like Project 2000 to
determine either John or Pete to work on a task "Dig the hole" but that
allocation to be made with the goal of minimizing overall project duration.
For instance, I would always prefer Joh to dig as he works twice as fast,
however, he has other tasks to do that are on the critical path so I get Pete
to do the digging that isn't on the critical path and so finish the project
as quickly as possible.

Can I do that?

KK,
Wow, that's interesting, my name is John and I do in fact like to dig
holes. I'm not so fast but then would you rather have a carefully
crafted hole or one that was dug quickly with no craftsmanship
involved......

Can you do that? I don't know. What exactly is "that"? You've described
everything from a fuzzy logic algorithm wherein Project picks the worker
bee to do the job based on speed and criticality, right down to
assigning resources manually. Could the former be done? Possibly, but
definitely not easily. Is it the project managers job to insure the
right resources are working the right tasks? Yes, definitely. And it
sounds like you have the right people doing the right jobs..... except
maybe for the guy digging the hole. If you're installing a septic tank,
the hole digging is definitely on the critical path.

John
Project MVP

 

[KK]

OK. I think I have found my answer in the following post: Let Project pick a
resource from an able grup.

It appears that this can only be done in Project Server, not Project. Are
there any plans to upgrade Project so that it can pick a resource from an
able group?

And if so will I be able to assign different work rates to each resource in
the group to show the spped at which they work?

KK

 

[John]

OK. I think I have found my answer in the following post: Let Project pick a
resource from an able grup.

It appears that this can only be done in Project Server, not Project. Are
there any plans to upgrade Project so that it can pick a resource from an
able group?

And if so will I be able to assign different work rates to each resource in
the group to show the spped at which they work?

KK,
I don't know, I do not use Server. Try posting on our sister newsgroup:
microsoft.public.project.server

John

 

[Steve House]

AFAIK, server's automated resecource selection tools goes by availability
and skill sets and does not take varying efficiencies into account.
Basically picking the best man for the job is a human decision on the part
of the PM and I think it would be very unwise to let software do it even if
it was techncally feasible. When you estimate duration, Project expects you
to have thought about who will be assigned tot he task and set your
estimates accordingly. If you know John will take twice as long as Bill,
first decide who will do the task THEN enter its duration estimate
accordingly.