Phases question

[Jack]

To create a phase, is it just a matter of inserting a new task and indenting
the new task? Or do you just select 'Yes' in the Phase column to create a
phase?

 

[JulieS]

Hi Jack,
It is as simple as you suggest: indent subtasks to create summary tasks.

The "Phase column" that you mention does not appear to be a standard MS
Project field, so I cannot address what that field does.

Hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie

 

[Steve House [MVP]]

You insert the new summary task that represents the phase above the tasks
that will be part of it and indent the *subtasks* (not the new task as you
said in your post) that will be included underneath it.

 

[Jack]

Do I need to select 'Yes' in the phase column for that task? What is the
function of the 'Yes' in the phase column?

 

[Sarah]

Jack,

As Julie stated earlier, "Phase" is not a standard MSP field. It must
be a custom field in your installation of Project. Dlouble-click on the
head of the column. If the "Field name" value is Custom, then you'll
have to ask around your company to find out who created it and why.
Sarah

 

[Steve House [MVP]]

There is no "phase" column in any of the task tables or the available fields
in the task database itself in Project so I don't have a clue what you're
referring to. Did someone else set up that plan for you or send it to you,
or perhaps customize the Project tables in your installation? If so, you'll
need to ask them the function of that column since I'm positive it is a
user-defined field rather than standard equipment from MS. In any case,
representing project phases is one of the common uses of high-level summary
tasks and all one need do to create them is to insert the name at the
approriate place in the plan and indent all the other tasks (which can be
either performance tasks or smaller summaries which themselves contain finer
detail task breakdowns) that are subordinate to them.

<example>
Phase 1
Work 1.1
Summary 1.2
Work 1.2.1
Work 1.2.2
Work 1.2.3
Work 1.3
Work 1.4
Phase 2
<etc>

Steve House [MVP]
M.S Project Trainer/Consultant
Visit http://www.mvps.org/project/faqs.htm for the FAQs

 

[Jack]

I am using Microsoft Project 2000. When I double-click at the top of the
Phase column as I would to insert a column, one of the fields to choose is
the field named 'Phase (Text4)'. This is the field that was selected for the
Phase column of which I am speaking. i'm not sure what it is.

 

[Jack]

I am using Microsoft Project 2000. When I double-click at the top of the
Phase column as I would to insert a column, one of the fields to choose is
the field named 'Phase (Text4)'. This is the field that was selected for the
Phase column of which I am speaking. i'm not sure what it is.

 

[Jack]

I am using Microsoft Project 2000. When I double-click at the top of the
Phase column as I would to insert a column, one of the fields to choose is
the field named 'Phase (Text4)'. This is the field that was selected for the
Phase column of which I am speaking. i'm not sure what it is.

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi Jack,

Since your Phase column appears to be an alias for Text4;
And since Text4 is a custom field;
It will BY NO MEANS change anything (unles somebody programmed a macro)
So it is indeed just a matter of indenting.
HTH