What Task Type Should I Select When Creating Tasks in Microsoft Project?
This article seeks to explain different groups of Tasks in Microsoft Project, how to create each of the Tasks, and when to select a Task Type for a more accurate scheduling.
The learning objectives include:
1. Definition of a Task
2. Creating and Naming a Task
3. Group of Tasks
4. Selecting Task Type for a Given Task
5. Functions of Tasks
Definition of a Task
Tasks are the activities to be performed in order to complete a project. Also, tasks represent To-do lists of a project. They are necessary to achieve a project defined goal (or goals). That is, they are the basic units required to build a project schedule (or plan). In Microsoft Project, we can build a schedule or plan using the Gantt view when its Entry Table is displayed. Before building a schedule (or plan) in Microsoft Project, it is important to understand the following characteristics of Tasks.
(1) A task must be carefully named possibly with an action word or statement, e.g. Laying Bricks, Excavating the foundation, etc
(2) A task must have a duration
(3) A task must have a clear start date.
(4) A task must have a clear finish date.
Interestingly, it is not compulsory to enter all the attributes above for a given task when building a project plan. Only attribute (1) is compulsory and any other two from attributes (2) to (4). The remaining attribute will be automatically computed by Microsoft Project engine based on the formula below:
DURATION = FINISH DATE – START DATE
Creating and Naming a Task
A Task name should reflect the purpose for which it is intended for. As much as possible, a Task name should be defined using a Verb word.
Group of Tasks
Any Task created in Microsoft Project falls under one of the following groups: Project Summary Task, Sub-Tasks, Summary Tasks, and Milestone Tasks.
Project Summary Task is just a single Task in any Microsoft Project schedule. It is also known as ROW ZERO or TASK ZERO. This Task is an unchangeable, mandatory requirement for using Budget Cost Resource.
Selecting Task Type for a Given Task
Selecting the right Task Type can put you in control of your project schedule. But at times, it is challenging to decide on the Task Type for an activity. For a more accurate scheduling, select a Task Type that is more appropriate for the Task. The three Task Types in Microsoft Project are Fixed Units, Fixed Work and Fixed Duration.
Functions of Tasks
The following are some of the functions of Tasks in Microsoft Project
1. It identifies what need to be accomplished, when and how long it should be done.
2. When implemented, it brings about deliverables.
3. It provides a summary of related activities required to achieve a milestone.
4. It indicates achievement (e.g. milestones).
Microsoft Project Quiz Questions for Task Type
Author: Ana Arm
Estd. 2013