unfilled schedule gaps for a resource

[ecipm]

Instead of using partial percentages for a resource, I am assigning a
resource to an overhead task the first two weeks of each month. I am
expecting Project to fill the gaps with the main project tasks. For some
reason, Project is not filling the "free" 2 weeks each month. Instead, the
project tasks do not start until after the last overhead task is complete. I
have the verified with the resource view that this time is indeed empty (not
assigned anything else that I may have forgotten about). I can't see why
these gaps would not be filled. Can anyone see what I am doing wrong or
suggest a different approach.

 

[Jim Aksel]

First, the only thing that belongs in a project plan are costs and activities
related to the project itself. Put only things the project is paying for in
the schedule. You really don't want overhead activities (such as going to
class and other busy work) in the schedule.

If budget constraints only allow Resource to work 80 hours/month then you
could either make their max units 50% on the resource sheet, or, make the max
units 100% but change the resource calendar to make the first two weeks of
the month "non-working" time.

If "overhead" tasks are things charged to the project anyway like writing
montly activity reports for the program, then I suggest keeping them in a
separate schedule.

Personally, I like the idea of max units at 50%. The reaosn why is becuase
then Resource is not constrained to the last two weeks of the month.
Instead, they may work 80 hours of their choice consistent with schedule
needs.
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Jim Aksel, MVP

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

 

[Dave]

Instead of using partial percentages for a resource, I am assigning a
resource to an overhead task the first two weeks of each month. I am
expecting Project to fill the gaps with the main project tasks. For some
reason, Project is not filling the "free" 2 weeks each month. Instead, the
project tasks do not start until after the last overhead task is complete. I
have the verified with the resource view that this time is indeed empty (not
assigned anything else that I may have forgotten about). I can't see why
these gaps would not be filled. Can anyone see what I am doing wrong or
suggest a different approach.

What is the process that puts the project tasks after the overhead
tasks? It sounds as though you may be levelling but I could be mistaken.

If you are levelling, then you have to select the option to allow tasks
to be split if you want tasks fit in around other work. You also have
to select a suitable levelling granularity - it sounds as though you are
only interested in activity at the monthly level.

Jim's point about overheads appearing as part of the Project is valid,
and it seems to me that 2 weeks overhead a month (almost 50% of a
resource's time) is an enormous amount.