Lesson1.8.Entering the Project Scheduling Date

Lesson 1.8. Entering the Project Scheduling Date

Figure 1-8. The Project Information dialog box

After creating a new project file, entering basic project informationlike the project's start dateis the first step. Enter as much information as you know about the project in this dialog box before entering any tasks. It doesn't take long to fill out, but the information is important because it affects how Project goes about scheduling your project.

1. Select Project The Project Information dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 1-8.

   The most important piece of information to enter is the start or end date. First, you have to decide if you want to plan your project from the start date, or the end date.

   • Start Date: If you plan it from the start date, Project will assign the tasks to begin As Soon As Possible (ASAP), so the project doesn't have to be drawn out longer than necessary.

   • Finish Date: If you plan it from the finish date, Project will assign the tasks to begin As Late As Possible (ALAP) so the project will be completed on the appointed date.

2. Click the Schedule from list arrow. Select the scheduling option you want to use.

   "Project Start Date" is the default setting of Project Information, and is the most common way to schedule a project.

   Now, enter the project's start or finish date, depending on how you chose to schedule the project.

3. Enter the project's Start date or Finish date.

   One of these options will be grayed out, depending on how you chose to schedule the project, as shown in Figure 1-8.

   Finally, select the calendar for the project. Go on to the next lesson to learn more about setting up your Project Calendar.

QUICK REFERENCE

TO ENTER THE SCHEDULING DATE:

1. SELECT PROJECT

   CLICK THE SCHEDULE FROM LIST ARROW AND SELECT A SCHEDULING OPTION.

2. ENTER THE PROJECT'S START DATE or FINISH DATE.