Greg,
Yes, but it probably will not be a simple formula and from my view, a
simple VBA macro would be a better approach. The problem with a formula
is that you likely have a single deadline date, (versus a deadline on
each task), that when linked to each task through the network logic will
show the impact on each task (e.g. critical path). However, a formula in
a custom field will apply to each task more or less independently. If
the deadline date is entered directly into the formula and not based on
the Deadline field, a formula might be more viable.
I'm not a big fan of formulas unless they are fairly simple. By nature a
formula has to be fully defined in a single line. That means that the
complexity (and chance for error) increases dramatically when multiple
tests and/or variables are included. On the other hand, VBA can very
easily handle very complex operations. Your need isn't very complex by
VBA standards but it starts hitting the threshold of complexity for a
formula. And, a macro can be set up to run from a single toolbar button
or even automatically from an Event such as opening the file.
I personally think you would be better off learning more about VBA than
trying to find a good book on formulas. If you are interested, there is
an excellent (free) VBA training module on the MVP website at:
http://www.mvps.org/project/links.htm
Go to the bottom of the page and find the link to, "Project 98 visual
basic environment training materials". Even though it says "Project 98",
it is equally applicable to all current versions of Project.
Hope this helps. Obviously I'm a fan of VBA. Other people have other
opinions and maybe someone even has a quick easy way to address your
issue using formula(s). If no one offers a formula based solution, give
us a few more details about what you need exactly and we can help you
with a VBA solution.
John
