Visual representation of tasks and sub-tasks

[j***@gmail.com]

I'm a newbie when it comes to MS Porject 2000 and I could do with some
help.

I am trying to structure a research project that will run over about 6
months. To do this, I want to create, say, 4 overarching groups of
tasks (which run for set periods) and numerous sub-tasks within these
groups (which will run within the period of the overarching group). I
am keen to have a strong, nested viual representation at the end of
this.

After looking at the help file and searching this group, I'm beginning
to think that this kind of nested structure is hard to represent
visually in MS Project 2000. Does anyone have any advice? It would be
appreciated. And excuse me if I'm being dumb; I'm a complete newbie.

Jimbo

[John]

Post by j***@gmail.com
I'm a newbie when it comes to MS Porject 2000 and I could do with some
help.
I am trying to structure a research project that will run over about 6
months. To do this, I want to create, say, 4 overarching groups of
tasks (which run for set periods) and numerous sub-tasks within these
groups (which will run within the period of the overarching group). I
am keen to have a strong, nested viual representation at the end of
this.
After looking at the help file and searching this group, I'm beginning
to think that this kind of nested structure is hard to represent
visually in MS Project 2000. Does anyone have any advice? It would be
appreciated. And excuse me if I'm being dumb; I'm a complete newbie.
Jimbo

Jimbo,
First, the newsgroup you posted in is destined to become obsolete. For a
listing of current active Project related newsgroups, go to the MVP
website at: http://www.mvps.org/project/faqs.htm
and look at FAQ 24 - Project Newsgroups

Now to address your issue. Project is great for doing what you want.
Here are the basics of setting it up.
1. Create a task name for each major heading and subtask. Headings
should be noun based (e.g. Requirements for ZYX project). Subtasks under
each heading should be in action verb format (e.g. Gather input from
each department, Compile inputs into selection list, etc.).
2. When all heading and subtasks are entered, select the subtasks for
heading #1 and hit the indent button on the formatting toolbar. This
will create a the indenture you need. Repeat this for each
heading/subtask group.
3. In the Duration field (column) for each subtask, enter a value
representing the time span during which the subtask will be performed.
4. In the Predecessors field, enter appropriate link information that
ties each subtask in a logical chain of performance. The normal
(default) link type is Finish-to-Start and a link is established by
simply entering the ID of the predecessor task.
5. As long a Calculation (Tools/Options/Calculation tab) is set to
automatic, two things will happen. First, subtask Start and Finish dates
will automatically be calculated by Project based on the Duration value
and linkages. Second, the Duration of the Summary Line will
automatically be calculated by Project to represent the span from the
Start of the earliest subtask and the Finish of the latest subtask.

The above sequence will set up what you need. You may then want to enter
Work (normally in hours) and Resource Names to complete the plan.

Hope this helps.
John
Project MVP

[j***@gmail.com]

John, thanks so much for this, it has proven to be really helpful. It's
good to know that MS Project is so flexible.

Thanks a lot for all your detailed advice, it's much appreciated.

Jim

Post by John

Post by j***@gmail.com
I'm a newbie when it comes to MS Porject 2000 and I could do with some
help.
I am trying to structure a research project that will run over about 6
months. To do this, I want to create, say, 4 overarching groups of
tasks (which run for set periods) and numerous sub-tasks within these
groups (which will run within the period of the overarching group). I
am keen to have a strong, nested viual representation at the end of
this.
After looking at the help file and searching this group, I'm beginning
to think that this kind of nested structure is hard to represent
visually in MS Project 2000. Does anyone have any advice? It would be
appreciated. And excuse me if I'm being dumb; I'm a complete newbie.
Jimbo

Jimbo,
First, the newsgroup you posted in is destined to become obsolete. For a
listing of current active Project related newsgroups, go to the MVP
website at: http://www.mvps.org/project/faqs.htm
and look at FAQ 24 - Project Newsgroups
Now to address your issue. Project is great for doing what you want.
Here are the basics of setting it up.
1. Create a task name for each major heading and subtask. Headings
should be noun based (e.g. Requirements for ZYX project). Subtasks under
each heading should be in action verb format (e.g. Gather input from
each department, Compile inputs into selection list, etc.).
2. When all heading and subtasks are entered, select the subtasks for
heading #1 and hit the indent button on the formatting toolbar. This
will create a the indenture you need. Repeat this for each
heading/subtask group.
3. In the Duration field (column) for each subtask, enter a value
representing the time span during which the subtask will be performed.
4. In the Predecessors field, enter appropriate link information that
ties each subtask in a logical chain of performance. The normal
(default) link type is Finish-to-Start and a link is established by
simply entering the ID of the predecessor task.
5. As long a Calculation (Tools/Options/Calculation tab) is set to
automatic, two things will happen. First, subtask Start and Finish dates
will automatically be calculated by Project based on the Duration value
and linkages. Second, the Duration of the Summary Line will
automatically be calculated by Project to represent the span from the
Start of the earliest subtask and the Finish of the latest subtask.
The above sequence will set up what you need. You may then want to enter
Work (normally in hours) and Resource Names to complete the plan.
Hope this helps.
John
Project MVP