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Microsoft® Project 2013
Lesson 03
Project Tasks
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Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to: • Add new tasks in Microsoft Project 2013 • Create a project outline
• Schedule tasks manually
• Create task dependencies with links • Create project milestones
• Rearrange tasks
• Set tasks as active or inactive
Tasks are added by entering appropriate task names in the Task Sheet available in the Gantt Chart view.
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Entering a task name in the Task Sheet or the Gantt Chart adds a new task to the project.
Add New Tasks in Microsoft Project 2013 (contd.)
Task Name
Start
Predecessors
Indicators ‘Indicators’ column reveals if the task or a resource has notes or hyperlink to provide additional information.
‘Task Name’ column contains the name of the task or resource.
‘Start’ column indicates the task start date.
‘Predecessors’ column indicates the task that precedes the given task.
Task Mode ‘Task Mode’ column indicates if a task is manually or automatically scheduled.
Duration ‘Duration’ column indicates the total working time required for a task.
Finish ‘Finish’ column indicates the task finish date.
A task can be scheduled manually or automatically.
• In case of manually scheduled tasks, you need to enter the duration and start date of the task. The finish date is calculated according to the duration entered.
• In case of auto scheduled tasks, you need to enter the duration of the task. The start and finish date is calculated automatically. The start date of the first task is by default set to the project start date.
Manually Scheduled Tasks vs. Auto Scheduled Tasks
Auto Scheduled Manually Scheduled
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While creating a ‘Task List’, the Project Manager can create a project outline by grouping tasks. Tasks are grouped as summary tasks and subtasks.
Related tasks are grouped under an appropriate title. This tittle is called a summary task.
• In Microsoft Project 2013, the summary tasks are easily recognized as they are in bold. The summary task encapsulates details of all subtasks.
• Expand or collapse arrow next to the summary task can be used to collapse and expand the outline.
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A summary task consists of several subtasks. In Microsoft Project 2013, the subtasks are indented below the summary task.
Sometimes the tasks in a project are dependent on other tasks. This dependency can be projected in Microsoft Project 2013 by linking these tasks.
Create Task Dependencies with Links
Start-to-Start Finish-to-Finish Start-to-Finish Finish-to-Start P S P S P P S S
Predecessor task has to finish, for the successor task to start.
Predecessor task has to start, for the successor task to start.
Predecessor task has to finish, for the successor task to finish.
Predecessor task has to start, for the successor task to finish.
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Milestones in a Project are the significant events, either reached within the plan or are dependent on the plan. • Milestones can be created to highlight the critical points of the project.
• Milestones can be recognized in Microsoft® Project 2013 as tasks that have zero duration.
Create Project Milestones
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Tasks and subtasks can be rearranged in the project plan using the cut and paste commands.
Rearranging Tasks
2 3
1
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Rearranging Tasks (contd.)
Rearranging auto scheduled tasks and tasks with dependencies:
• When the auto scheduled tasks are rearranged, the start and finish dates get adjusted accordingly.
• When tasks with dependencies are rearranged, the links will be lost, unless the dependent tasks are shifted along with the main tasks.
Inactive Tasks
All tasks added in Microsoft Project 2013 are entered as ‘Active Tasks.’ Tasks that are on hold or are not a part of active tasks can be set as ‘Inactivate Tasks.’
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Timeline View
‘Timeline View’ allows a Project Manager to view all the project related information at a glance.
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Project Summary
‘Project Summary’ summarizes the timeline of the entire project. Project summary is automatically created by Microsoft Project 2013, however, it is hidden by default.
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Knowledge Check 1
What does the indicator column in the task sheet reveal?
Select the answer.
a. Notes, hyperlink, or other additional information b. Task mode used
c. Milestone task
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Knowledge Check 1
Answer: a. Notes, hyperlink, or other additional information What does the indicator column in the task sheet reveal?
Select the answer.
a. Notes, hyperlink, or other additional information b. Task mode used
c. Milestone task
d. Summary task and subtask
Knowledge Check 2
While creating a ‘Task List’, how can a Project Manager create a project outline?
Select the answer.
a. As summary tasks b. As active tasks c. By grouping tasks d. By creating subtasks
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Knowledge Check 2
Answer: c. By grouping tasks
Explanation: While creating a ‘Task List’, the Project Manager can create a project outline by grouping tasks. While creating a ‘Task List’, how can a Project Manager create a project outline?
Select the answer.
a. As summary tasks b. As active tasks c. By grouping tasks d. By creating subtasks
Knowledge Check 3
Ideally, which of the following is needed while auto scheduling the task?
Select the answer.
a. Task start date b. Task finish date c. Task duration d. Task resources
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Knowledge Check 3
Answer: c. Task duration
Explanation: In case of auto scheduled tasks, you need to enter the duration of the task. The start and finish date is calculated automatically.
Ideally, which of the following is needed while auto scheduling the task?
Select the answer.
a. Task start date b. Task finish date c. Task duration d. Task resources
Knowledge Check 4
When tasks are linked in a project, which of the following dependency is created by default?
Select the answer.
a. Finish-to-Start b. Start-to-Start c. Finish-to-Finish d. Start-to-Finish
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Knowledge Check 4
Answer: a. Finish-to-Start
Explanation: When tasks are linked, finish-to-start dependency is created by default.
When tasks are linked in a project, which of the following dependency is created by default?
Select the answer.
a. Finish-to-Start b. Start-to-Start c. Finish-to-Finish d. Start-to-Finish
Knowledge Check 5
Which of the following summarizes the timeline of the entire project?
Select the answer.
a. Project tasks b. Project milestone c. Project outline d. Project summary
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Knowledge Check 5
Answer: d. Project summary
Explanation: ‘Project Summary’ summarizes the timeline of the entire project. Which of the following summarizes the timeline of the entire project?
Select the answer.
a. Project tasks b. Project milestone c. Project outline d. Project summary
Summary
Here is a quick recap of what was covered in this lesson:
● Tasks are added by entering appropriate task name in the task Sheet, available in the Gantt Chart view.
● A project is outlined as summary tasks and subtasks. ● Tasks can be scheduled either manually or automatically.
● Milestones in a project are used to highlight critical points of the project. ● Cut and paste tools are used to rearrange tasks.
● The tasks that are on hold or not a part of active tasks can be set as ‘Inactive Tasks.’
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