Project 2013Microsoft Project for

Professionals5 Simple & Practical Steps to Mastering Task Basics

in under 30 Minutes

Jakub MarciniakSolution ConsultantDeltaBahn LLC

Agenda

Task Basics

Insert tasks Set the task mode

Estimate duration

Link the tasks

Set task constraints

Task context

Structure in summary

tasks

Add milestones

Add recurring

tasks

Adjust lag, lead and

elapsed time

Determine critical tasks

Resources Assign resources

Setup project

calendar

Adjust task

types

Reporting Create a dashboard

Modify the dashboard Set up views Setup

tables

1. Create new project from template

2. The Gantt Chart - Overview

1) Timeline2a) Outline pane (tasks)2b) Gantt Chart

Get more space to work

Hide the timeline:

3. Insert Task

4. Analyze the new task created

Name it:

Make sure that new tasks are created in Auto Scheduled Mode:

Observe the changes of its’ summary task:

Explanation: Auto vs Manually Scheduled

Auto Scheduled Manually ScheduledSchedule is calculated based on Project Start, Project Finish, Task Dependencies, Calendar selections, Resource Scheduling

Is not calculated by Project

Uses Duration, Work and Resources for scheduling Is not scheduled by Project

Allows only Numbers for Duration and Work Numbers, date and text can be entered for Duration and Work

Allows only valid dates for Start and Finish date Numbers, date and text can be entered for Start and Finish date

Explanation: Scenarios

Less maintenance Automatic rescheduling with cascading

effects

Uncertainty: Not all parameters are defined Task is completely independent

Strengths

Auto Scheduled Manually ScheduledTask parameters are defined Not all parameters are defined

Dependencies and Constraints are defined Task is completely independent

5. Change Task Duration

Change the duration with the arrows:

Select the new task, one task before and after and zoom in on the selected tasks:

The estimated duration is indicated by the question mark

View tab

Or type in, for example “2d”:

You can enter the duration in different scales. Try to type in2m = Minutes2h = Hours2d = Days2w = Weeks2mon = Months

6. Link the tasks together

Select the new task, one task before and after and link the tasks together:

Task tab:Observe the adjustments due to linking in the cells highlighted in light blue:

And the arrows in the Gantt Chart indicating the link:

7. Display the task form for Task Dependencies

View tab:

Select Details and choose the Task Form:

Right-click in a free spot in the Task Form and select Predecessors & Successors:

Explanation: Task Dependency Types

Finish-to-Start (FS)

Start-to-Start (SS)

Finish-to-Finish (FF)

Start-to-Finish (SF)

The finish date of the predecessor task determines the start date of the current task.Both task start at the same start date.

Both task end at the same finish time.

The start date of the predecessor task determines the finish date of the current task.

8. Explore Task Dependencies

Select different task dependencies in the Type column of the Task Form:

9. Constrain a task with a deadline

Double click on a task:

In the Advanced tab, set a “Finish No Later Than” constraint and date:

10. Save your projectFile tab:

Thank you!success@deltabahn.com (281) 344-0437

www.deltabahn.com