What's the difference between Circular Reference Notices?

[Michelle Moulliet]

I've been troubleshooting a fair amount of circular references for a
consolidated project schedule that I inherited. I've gotten at least 2
different types of error messages.

1. One is generic and says that I am trying to create a circular
relationship but does not tell me which tasks are creating the circular
relationship.

2. The other message actually tells me which task is causing the circular
relationship. This last message has happened very infrequently but is
terribly useful and I'd prefer to get this one.

I was wondering if #2 indicated a circular relationship between multiple
project plans and #1 indicated a circular relationship within just one
project plan.

-Does anyone have any ideas on what criteria prompt the different messages?

-Is there any way to get the program to give me error message #2 rather than
#1?

-Are there any more resources on the types of circular references that can
be created and how MS Project handles them? I'd be interested in reading up.

I know that circular dependencies are the bane of the scheduling world's
existence and normally I organize my schedules systematically so as to avoid
them. My scheduling team consists of some fairly new users & I expect even
despite my imposing some rigorous standards on them, that I'll still need to
troubleshoot this issue occasionally.

Thanks in advance for your help.
Michelle

 

[Gary L. Chefetz [MVP]]

Michelle:

If the relationship is occurring in the same plan, then it usually tells you
which task ID. If it occurs between plans, you get no such information. So,
flip the two statements and you're on the right track.

 

[Michelle Moulliet]

Thanks, Gary.

This is helpful. Are there any resources on the web that go into more
detail regarding circular references and how MS Project handles them? I'm
checking MPUG right now.

Thanks!
Michelle

 

[Gary L. Chefetz [MVP]]

Michelle:

I've never seen anything, good idea though!

 

[Michelle Moulliet]

Gary,

I haven't been able to find anything online either. I just started
collecting examples and solutions to build a knowledge resource for my team.
Does your next book need a circular dependency chapter? I'll be happy to
contribute.

Thanks again for all of your help!
Michelle

 

[Gary L. Chefetz [MVP]]

Michelle:

Not sure about the books, but if you do writes something, we'll post it in
our FAQ page!

 

[Michelle Moulliet]

Sounds good, Gary. I'll keep you posted with regards to my research project.

Thanks!
Michelle