Task duration increases.

[Mahesh Narkar]

Hi,
I am using MSP 2K3 SP2.
I have a problem in one of my schedules (say "Today") where a task duration
increases. There is an error observed prior to this increase, when modifying
another task - likely not linked to the task where the duration increases.

The error reads - "The resource is assigned outside the original dates for
task 1234 Task Description in project "Combined". The duration of this fixed
duration task will change to accomodate the resource assignment"

Note I had used "Combined" to populate the resource pool in the current
schedule, however, all links have been broken and "Today" uses "Own
resources".

Task Type is Fixed Duration with the Effort Driven Checkbox ON

I have a hard time keeping the updates lined up to the targets set and would
appreciate any pointers on how to resolve this.

Thanks in advance,
Cheers
Mahesh

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Do you have resource leveling set to automatic?

--
Jan De Messemaeker
Microsoft Project Most Valuable Professional
+32 495 300 620
For availability check:
http://users.online.be/prom-ade/Calendar.pdf

 

[Dave]

I was kind of hoping that you could provide a bit more detail on the
"modifying" element. Without specifics it is hard to say. Top
questions are:
- What is the modification?
- How is the task being modified linked to the one which apparently
autonomously changes itself?

Generally speaking, if you change the length of a task, then the start
date of ones to which it is linked F-S will be pushed out as will their
end dates correspondingly.

If the time in which the linked task is executed contains any
non-working days or days in which the calendar varies or in which
holidays fall, then the work will be extended to accommodate that. Is
any of that happening?

Have you looked at the Task Usage view to verify where work falls?

Jan's suggestion is also a worthwhile check.

Dave

 

[Mahesh Narkar]

Dave and Jan,
Thank you for your comments.
1. Automatic Levelling is turned OFF
2. During the planning phase, let say I had put in a work item "Come to
work" and marked its length as 1 day. The modification could be of the nature
of
a> change its length to 0.5 day or
b> add/remove another resource.

As you rightly pointed out, linked tasks will move on account of this
change. Further, if there is a holiday, then the work is extended to
accomodate that holiday marked in the calendar.

I have a feeling that there may be a linkage of the modified task with the
task where the bloat is observed.
Q--> Is there a way to find out the linked task in an easy manner?

Thanks for all the help
Cheers
Mahesh

 

[Mahesh Narkar]

Hi Jan,
Thanks for your comments. There is no single task that appears to be the
culprit, but I will double check to make sure if any such task is already
complete and the Fixed Duration property is ignored.

Thanks for the tip
Cheers
Mahesh

 

[Dave]

If you add the predecessors and successors column to the task that is
autonomously changing then you can check linkage.

Does the work stay the same when the duration changes?

How much does it change by?

Where does the work go? Have you looked at the Task Usage view to
investigate?

Is the task a hammock task?

Does this happen if you completely isolate the task and remove all links
to successors and predecessors?