1. Washington DC Metro Chapter April 13, 2004 1 Basic Project Scheduling Techniques Presented by: David Hunsberger MCP – Microsoft Project (1995) www.it7.com

2. Washington DC Metro Chapter April 13, 2004 2 Purpose of This Series We want to serve our Chapter members and guests who are not experts We find that advanced users also can learn from discussions of the basics

3. Washington DC Metro Chapter April 13, 2004 3 Format 45-minute presentation followed by a 15- minute question period Presentation period is informal – interruptions welcome (within reason) Speaker may end debate on any point, or defer further questions to end

4. Washington DC Metro Chapter April 13, 2004 4 Creating a Project Schedule 1. Set the start date, and define what “finished” is. 2. Define the tasks – high level and then detailed. 3. Set durations for all tasks. 4. Create logical links among tasks, 4. Create logical links among tasks, and add date constraints where needed. 5. Add milestones to highlight interesting events. 6. Add resources and resolve allocation problems. Look at the critical path. 7. Tweak, refine, revise. Look at the critical path. 8. When all parties agree, save a baseline. 9. Begin work – track progress – adjust the plan.

5. Washington DC Metro Chapter April 13, 2004 5 Link Types - 4 1. Finish to Start (FS) – 95% most common 2. Start to Start (SS) – Easy to work with 3. Finish to Finish (FF) – Harder to work with 4. Start to Finish (SF) – Bizarre logic but useful in special circumstances

6. Washington DC Metro Chapter April 13, 2004 6 No Lag Positive Lag Negative Lag Adding Lag to Links

7. Washington DC Metro Chapter April 13, 2004 7 Demonstration in MS Project

8. Washington DC Metro Chapter April 13, 2004 8 Questions? Comments? Contact Information: David Hunsberger www.it7.com