Linking tasks

[Nikou]

Suppose that I have 3 tasks: task 1, task 2 and task 3 that all can start
after task 0 is completed. They can be done in parallel. but same resources
are working on all 3 tasks. each task by itself has let's say 8 hr works and
let's assume 1 day duration.
Now task 4 can start after these 3 tasks are completed. How should I define
predecessors?

i tried to define predecessors of task 1,2,3 as task 0 and predecessor of
task for as tasks 1,2,3. But the start and finish date of all 3 tasks stayed
the same. They all started and finished in the same day. But I have the same
resources working on alll 3 tasks. so in reality they can not start and
finish on the same date.

The only thing that works fine is to let them start one after the other; but
it doesn't look like a nice approach.

Please advice. Thanks!

 

[Rod Gill]

Hi,

If task 4 has predecessors as 1,2,3 then it should start after 123 have
finished. You have calculation on automatic under Tools, Options,
Calculation tab?

Note that good time management suggests you should start a task then finish
it, so by having resources multi-task you can be adding up to 30% or more to
their workload picking tasks up and putting them down. So, optimum
productivity comes from starting a task then finishing it before starting
another. Real world scenarios say that often you start a task then need to
wait for feedback or information or ....

Most efficient is one after the other even if logically they can run in
parallel. You decide what is needed for your tasks then schedule!

--

Rod Gill
Microsoft MVP for Project

Author of the only book on Project VBA, see:
http://www.projectvbabook.com

 

[Nikou]

thanks Rod! I have the automatic checked! I think I will take your advice and
don't make them parallel.

Nikou

 

[Mike Glen]

Hi Nikou,

Have you tried levelling via Tools/Level Resources...? That will delay
tasks until the resources are available.

Mike Glen
Project MVP