Exploring the Standard Groups

Another way to organize project information is to apply a group definition. Grouping allows you to, for example, create subtotals for numeric data or create a multiple-level, hierarchical structure of data based on some code such as the outline numbering. Applying a group definition rearranges the task or row information onscreen into a temporary outline structure, according to the values in specified Group By fields. In this way, grouping is similar to performing a multilevel sort . You can use the Show Subtasks, Hide Subtasks, and Show Outline Level drop-down list buttons on the Formatting toolbar to show or hide group details.

Group definitions also include value intervals for the Group By fields so you can control subgroup structure. Rolled-up values within subgroups are calculated and displayed on the group total lines. In Figure 19.32, the Cost table is displayed on the Resource Sheet view and the standard Resource grouping has been applied. A project manager could use this view to determine the cost contributions to the project by each level of resource pay rates.

Figure 19.32. Applying a Group definition creates a new outline structure and displays rolled-up values.

Applying the Standard Groups

Groups, like tables and filters, are designed for task views or resource views, so there are two lists of group definitions. Most, but not all, views can have group definitions applied. The Calendar view and the Resource Graph view are two notable exceptions.

You can apply group definitions either by choosing the group name from the Group By tool on the Standard toolbar or by opening the Project menu and choosing Group By (see Figure 19.33). A cascading list of defined groups appears for you to choose from, or you can choose More Groups to create custom groups. To remove grouping from the view, you choose No Group from the definition list.

Figure 19.33. The list of group definitions is available under the Project menu.

For information on techniques for creating custom group definitions, see "Creating Custom Groups," p. 868 .

Describing the Standard Groups

Table 19.6 lists the group definitions that are available for task views. All groups are available either through the Group By button on the Standard toolbar or by choosing Project, Group By.

Table 19.6. The Predefined Task Group Definitions in Project

Group Name	Description
No Group	Removes the applied grouping.
Complete and Incomplete Tasks	Lists tasks not finished in the first group.
Constraint Type	Groups tasks in alphabetical order of constraint type.
Critical	Lists noncritical tasks first.
Duration	Based groups on each unique value in the Duration field.
Duration then Priority	Within the Duration groups, lists tasks lowest priority value first.
Milestones	Lists normal, non-milestone tasks first.
Priority	Groups tasks in Priority value intervals of 100.
Priority Keeping Outline Structure	Maintains outline structure when grouping by Priority values.
Status Request Pending	Lists tasks that do not currently require a status response from a resource first.

If a resource view is displayed, the group definition list changes to show only definitions that are applicable to resource data. Table 19.7 lists the group definitions that are available for resource views. One supplied group, Assignments Keeping Outline Structure, can be applied only to the Resource Usage view because it involves both resource and assignment fields. Another supplied definition, Resource Group, uses the group designations entered on the Resource sheet Entry table; do not confuse that group field with the Resource Group definition . All groups are available either through the Group By button on the Standard toolbar or by choosing Project, Group By.

Table 19.7. The Predefined Resource Group Definitions in Project

Group Name	Description
No Group	Removes the applied grouping.
Assignments Keeping Outline Structure	Groups resource assignments within the task outline structure.
Complete and Incomplete Resources	Lists resources who have not started their assigned work first.
Resource Group	Subtotals values based on the Group field entries on the Resource Sheet view.
Response Pending	Lists resources who need to respond to assignment requests last.
Standard Rate	Gives a breakdown of contributions by resource pay scales .
Work vs. Material Resources	Separates and summarizes the two types of project resources.