Microsoft Project assigns the project calendar to tasks by default. But it is possible to assign a unique task calendar to specific tasks. It is simplest to have one calendar assigned to all tasks in a schedule. This is why the default in Microsoft Project is to assign all tasks the project calendar. This makes […]
How to Share a Calendar Between Schedules in Microsoft Project
You can share a calendar between schedules by using the Organizer in Microsoft Project. The Organizer serves as the central control center for custom items, including calendars. Using the Organizer it is possible to copy a custom calendar from one project into another. In this way the scheduler leverages a custom made calendar for use […]
Importing an XLS or XLSX Project Data File into Microsoft Project
Learn how to import Microsoft Excel XLS and XLSX Data File into Microsoft Project. Many folks use Microsoft Excel as a tool used for organizing project data. Microsoft Project has several features that support importing this Excel project data into a Project schedule file. Manual entry of project data into Microsoft Project from Microsoft Excel […]
Copying Tables Between Projects In Microsoft Project
Copying tables between projects in Microsoft Project can be a real time saver. After putting the effort into creating a project schedule table, e.g. an Earned Value Management (EVM) analysis table, you will want to save this table set up and copy it to other projects. Microsoft Project has a neat feature that makes this […]
Copying Views Between Projects In Microsoft Project
Most likely you spent some effort creating the exact desired look and feel of your task table and Gantt chart. You will probably want to save this and then apply it to other projects. Yes, this is possible to copy views in Microsoft Project. Stakeholders want customized views of your project. And once you have […]
Microsoft Project and Effort Driven Tasks
In Microsoft Project you can specify Effort driven tasks. But how exactly does this effect your Microsoft Project schedule? Effort driven calculations only apply after resources are initially assigned to a task. And it effects how the dependent variable in the work equation is calculated. The work equation is as follows: Work = Duration x […]
How To Add Task Notes In Microsoft Project
Sometimes your project task requires special accompanying instructions. The best way to include these details is using the task notes in Microsoft Project. Projects are not planned in isolation. Usually several departments will review a schedule and provide their input or special guidance during the planning and approval stages of a project. The safety department […]
Microsoft Project and Super Critical Bars
Microsoft Project displays a critical bar for activities that have zero or less total slack. You may, however, want to specifically highlight activities that have less than zero total slack. These are referred to as super critical activities. The critical path is the shortest path through the schedule. And activities along the critical path cannot […]
Microsoft Project and Physical % Complete
Microsoft Project has three ways to progress the schedule. If your resources have a non-uniform production rate then Microsoft Project Physical % Complete type is the best way to progress the schedule. The simplest way to progress the schedule is to use the % complete type. This progress way considers the duration of the task. […]
Using Microsoft Project for Earned Value Management
Most Earned Value Management (EVM) environments (particularly for ANSI-748 compliance) use scheduling software like Microsoft Project as the input. But you can Microsoft Project EVM to perform some rudimentary earned value management. You probably wouldn’t want to try for a DCMA (Defense Contract Management Agency) EVM certification with just a scheduling tool, but it has […]