Suggestion for Introducing (Planned % Complete) in Microsot Projec

[Hisham]

Hello Microsoft:

This is a suggestion to Microsoft for introducing a new column, which I
would like to call: the (Planned % Complete) in Microsoft Project. This field
will be similar to the seeded column (% Complete) however, the new suggested
column should get calculated automatically to reflect what should it be the
(% Complete) assuming that the project is performing just on-time. We have
actually developed this enhancement through customizing the custom fields
available in Microsoft Project and it was very useful to have it along with
the seeded (% Complete) for schedule and potential delay analysis.

The new suggested column (Planned % Complete) shall perform in away similar
to the seeded function: "Update work as complete through" which is available
in MS Project "Tools -> Tracking -> Update Project" however, the difference
here that the seeded function "update project" overwrites the (% Complete)
causing loss of the actual values in (% Complete) which is usually captured
manually at best judgment of project team feedback of the project progress.

I have published a post regarding this matter, so please visit my blog to
read more about the suggested enhancement of the (Planned % Complete) at the
following url: http://epmforum.wordpress.com/2008/05/28/planned-pct-complete/

Regards,
Hisham Aqtash

----------------
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http://www.microsoft.com/office/com...88e0-cfe76f14505c&dg=microsoft.public.project

 

[Jim Aksel]

This post is a very familiar topic and it generates discussion. Please visit
my blog (URL below), click on MS Project Tips and this subject is my first
entry. I give you the formula you need.

That said, %Complete is a duration based measure and it means little in the
world of Earned Value. You need to be plotting your Planned Value (BCWS)
curve and your Earned Value (BCWP) curves along with Actual Cost (AC, ACWP).
MS Project happily calculates Schedule and Cost Performance Indicies (SPI,
CPI) and variance data.

I assert, given a properly loaded schedule with costed resources and a
baseline and proper status taken, that the information you desire is already
available in the form of SPI and CPI.. An SPI of 0.85 means I am 15% behind
schedule. compared to baseline.

The formulas posted on my blog give you a way to calculate "what %complete I
should be" using both baseline and current forecast information.

The better alternative is to be using Physical%Complete.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

Jim

Check out my new blog for more information:
http://www.msprojectblog.com

 

[Hisham]

Thanks but this matter is a bit more complex than what you have stated. I am
not discussing here the EV, SPI, or CPI Calculations seeded in MS Project nor
the "Physical % Complete" because this is different than the suggested
Planned % Complete. The idea here is to have the (Planned % Complete) as a
calculated field to be available for use anytime similar to other standard
fields in MS Project. Also the calculation of the Planned % Complete is not
as simple as having those date and duration formulas because there are
considerations at the summary tasks that should be taken into consideration
different than the detailed tasks.

I have also discussed this topic in my blog with a sample project file that
gives the desired calculations
(http://epmforum.wordpress.com/2008/05/28/planned-pct-complete) .

B.R.
Hisham Aqtash.

 

[Jim Aksel]

Thank you for the reply. I understand your suggestion is to have Microsoft
create a field, planned%complete, that provides what %complete the present
task should be if they were following the present schedule. So, if baseline
said the task was to be 3 days starting January 1 finishing January 3rd, this
information becomes irrelevant. If the task is rescheduled to start June 2
and run five days until June 6th and the status date is June 3rd you want the
planned %complete to be 40% (2 days of the 5 days are spent so you should be
2/5ths complete).

I read your article at the link you provided. However, I was unable to
locate any project file or other scenario that shows your calculations. I am
most interested in this and it should make for a great discussion. Might you
have a better link? Or, you can send the file to jeaksel at yahoo dot com.

This could be spirited! Have a good day!
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

Jim

Check out my new blog for more information:
http://www.msprojectblog.com

 

[Steve House]

How can "% Complete" be a judgment call by the project team? % Complete
refers to duration - the schedule calls for it to be completed in 10 working
days, we have worked on it 4 days, the task is 40% Complete by definition.
It merely parks the passage of time during the project. Unless the duration
is changed, that 4 working days elapsed since start will ALWAYS represent
40% Complete, it can't be anything else. What might be a judgement call is
how much MORE time will be required - ie, should the duration estimate be
revised? But unless it IS revised, 4 days elapsed since the start of a task
slated to take 10 days can be nothing else except 40%.
--
Steve House [Project MVP]
MS Project Trainer & Consultant
Visit http://project.mvps.org/faqs.htm for the FAQs

Hello Microsoft:
....>
The new suggested column (Planned % Complete) shall perform in away
similar
to the seeded function: "Update work as complete through" which is
available
in MS Project "Tools -> Tracking -> Update Project" however, the
difference
here that the seeded function "update project" overwrites the (% Complete)
causing loss of the actual values in (% Complete) which is usually
captured
manually at best judgment of project team feedback of the project
progress.

....

 

[Coop-PMO]

I'm also very interested in a formula that would provide a total project
plan's planned % complete. Btw Jim, the solution you present on your website
(http://www.msprojectblog.com/MSProject.htm) has proven very helpful -- thank
you. I'm looking to expand on this formula to derive the planned % complete
at a project level.

Dave