Overview The entering task durations module introduces how to set durations for tasks . This is the first estimate of the elapsed (scheduled) time to complete a task. It is only the first estimate because duration is calculated properly when a resource and an amount of effort are associated with a task. Objectives The participant will: Preparation Review the contents of this module and do each of the exercises at least once to familiarize yourself with the logic and outcome. Presentation The activities in this module cite the aims of each exercise and whether the level is suitable for basic or advanced users. ACTIVITY 6.1 How to enter durations for tasks established in the Task Name column. EXERCISE 6.1 ¢ LEVEL: BASIC ¢ ENTER DURATIONS FOR CURRENT TASKS Dialog Explain that the duration field is represented on the calendar side of the Gantt chart by a bar, and that this bar will change when the time indicated in the duration column changes. Duration is the time needed to complete a task. A task's duration can be expressed in minutes (m), hours (h), days (d), or weeks (w). If no letter is specified, d is assumed. Non-working periods, for example weekends or public holidays, are not included in a task's duration. | ACTIVITY 6.2 How to use the Fill Down command. EXERCISE 6.2 ¢ LEVEL: BASIC ¢ USING FILL DOWN -
Select duration field for "Clear land." -
Hold down the mouse button and select the next 5 task durations. -
Pick Edit menu. Choose the Fill Down command. Dialog Explain that one can change the duration of a number of tasks at the same time by using a command called Fill Down. | ACTIVITY 6.3 How to establish a Milestone in the Gantt Chart. EXERCISE 6.3 ¢ LEVEL: BASIC ¢ SET A MILESTONE Dialog Explain that a milestone is represented by a black diamond shape with a date beside it. All milestones have no duration associated with them as they represent significant events or deliverables in the project. | Milestone | A milestone is an important checkpoint in the schedule. You specify a milestone by setting the task duration to zero. | | ACTIVITY 6.4 How to open the task information box in the MS Project 2000 file. EXERCISE 6.4 ¢ LEVEL: BASIC ¢ ACCESS THE TASK INFORMATION BOX Method 1 Method 2 Method 3 Dialog Explain that the task information box is a useful tool that provides information about each task. The information is stored in the database that sits underneath the MS Project 2000 file. For more information about the contents of the task information box, use the context sensitive help (?), which is available on each dialog box to explain the contents in more detail. | ACTIVITY 6.5 How to use the task information box to change a number of tasks at the same time. EXERCISE 6.5 ¢ LEVEL: BASIC ¢ MAKE CHANGES TO MULTIPLE TASKS Dialog Explain that data entered into the task information box will be reflected in the Gantt chart. This way, you are not limited to making changes to the project plan by using the table part of the Gantt chart. To change a number of items at the same time, highlight the items by using the click and drag or the click and shift key technique. To highlight items that are not adjacent to one another, use the click and control key technique. | Shortcut for selecting multiple items (e.g. tasks) in a Windows environment If items are beside one another, point to first item, hold down mouse button and drag to last; or click on first item, point to last item, hold down shift key on keyboard and click with mouse. If items are separated, click on first item with mouse, point to next item, hold down Ctrl key on keyboard and click again with the mouse button. |
