Create A New Project

Create A New Proje

Create a new MS Project file by filling in the project information, setting the date format, schedule options, and timescale. Enter specified activities with appropriate durations and predecessors, set tasks to auto schedule, and comment on a specific scheduling lag issue. Save the file with a specific naming convention.

Paper For Above instruction

Creating a well-structured project plan in MS Project involves several precise steps to ensure clarity and efficiency in task management. This process begins with setting up the project file, incorporating essential project information, and configuring display and scheduling preferences to suit the specific project requirements.

Initial Setup and Configuration of MS Project

The first task is to create a new MS Project file. Once the file is initiated, it is critical to input the project-specific details. Navigating to File > Info > Project Information > Advanced Properties, the user must populate the Summary tab with the project title, subject, and author. These fields are fundamental for project identification and documentation purposes. It is recommended to choose meaningful and descriptive titles and subject descriptions to facilitate future referencing.

Subsequently, in the File > Options > General menu, the date format should be adjusted to the third-to-bottom option, displaying time in a 12-hour format with minutes and am/pm notation, for example, 12:33 pm. This enhances clarity when viewing task timelines or deadlines.

Within File > Options > Schedule, the scheduling options need configuring—specifically, setting Duration is entered in: to Minutes. This setting affects how durations are entered and interpreted within the project schedule, making durations more precise for short tasks typical in detailed project planning.

Project Timing and Timescale Settings

The project's start date should be set to October 24, 2018, at 8:00 am, accessible via Project tab > Project Information. Correctly setting the start date is vital for accurate scheduling and timeline tracking.

Adjustments to the timescale are also essential. Under View tab > Timescale, the bottom tier should be set to 5-minute intervals, and the middle tier to 1 hour. Ensuring that Two tiers (Middle, Bottom) is selected in the timescale options allows for a detailed view of short-duration tasks and broader hourly segments, improving the clarity of the project timeline.

Task Entry and Scheduling

The next step involves entering the project activities. The list of activities revolves around baking cookies, with clear durations and predecessor relationships to model the workflow accurately. Tasks are numbered sequentially, with tasks numbered 1-14, and some tasks are indented to indicate subtasks under a summary task.

  • Find recipe: 5 minutes, no predecessors
  • Preheat oven: 3 minutes, no predecessors
  • Turn on oven: 2 minutes, predecessor: 1
  • Oven heat up: 20 minutes, predecessor: 3
  • Measure and mix all but the chips: 10 minutes, predecessor: 3
  • Mix in the chips: 2 minutes, predecessor: 5
  • Place on the cookie sheet: 1 minute, predecessor: 6
  • Bake Cookies: duration and predecessor to be given, involving “Place in the oven” and “Bake” tasks with durations of 2 and 9 minutes respectively, and predecessors of 4 and 8
  • Remove from oven: 2 minutes, predecessor: 9
  • Cool: 15 minutes, predecessor: 11
  • Eat: 30 minutes, predecessor: 12
  • Clean up: 10 minutes, after all previous tasks

All tasks should be set to Auto Schedule mode to allow MS Project to automatically determine task start and finish times based on dependencies and durations.

Analysis of Scheduling Logic

A key part of the task is to comment on why there's a 7-minute lag between completing the "Place on the cookie sheet" task and starting the "Place in the oven" task. This involves understanding how MS Project handles task dependencies, durations, and potential delays.

This lag occurs because of how the scheduling algorithm interprets certain constraints or scheduling gaps. Even if a task finishes, MS Project might automatically introduce a delay if a predecessor or successor is set with a lag time or if the project calendar or constraints cause this delay (Kloppenborg et al., 2019). The specific 7-minute gap may be a default or an artifact of the linkage choices or manual lag settings, which warrant thorough inspection.

File Naming and Finalization

Finally, the project file should be saved using the naming convention: Assign4_LastName_FirstInitial. This ensures standardized file management and easy identification of each student’s work.

Conclusion

This exercise in MS Project emphasizes detailed setup, precise entry of activities, and understanding scheduling dynamics. Proper configuration of project information, timescales, and task dependencies is crucial for creating an accurate and professional project plan. The analysis of the scheduling lag enriches understanding of project timing and dependency management, essential skills for effective project management.

References

  • Kloppenborg, T. J., Anantatmula, V., & Wells, K. (2019). Contemporary Project Management. Cengage Learning.
  • Gido, J., & Clements, J. (2018). Successful Project Management. Cengage Learning.
  • Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.
  • Schwalbe, K. (2018). Information Technology Project Management. Cengage Learning.
  • Leach, L. P. (2014). Critical Chain Project Management. Artech House.
  • Soderlund, J., & Tell, F. (2017). Managing Inter-Project Dependencies. International Journal of Project Management, 35(2), 204-214.
  • PMI. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). Project Management Institute.
  • Chapman, C., & Ward, S. (2018). How to Manage Project Opportunity and Risk. Wiley.
  • Meredith, J. R., & Mantel Jr, S. J. (2017). Project Management: A Managerial Approach. Wiley.
  • Heagney, J. (2016). Fundamentals of Project Management. AMACOM.

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