Microsoft Project: The Five Keys - Key 2 Task Links (Part A)

This is Part A, Task Mechanics. The next module, Part B, covers the application of task links (Critical Path, etc).

Created byF. Kevin Gaza

Last updated 10/2017

English

What you'll learn

By watching the videos in this module, the result should be that you have developed a basic competency in understanding how task links work in Microsoft Project. This is a core skill needed to be able to develop effective dynamic schedules in Microsoft Project.

Course content

3 sections • 13 lectures • 1h 17m total length

Introduction: What the Five Keys to MS Project covers4:50
This lecture explains how this key fits in with all the Five Keys---and it does this review in less than five minutes! Look for the other keys in additional lectures of the same name that you can purchase through Udemy.
Task Entry Basics5:52
This lecture starts with an introduction to Key 2 and describes its two parts (Part A Mechanics and Part B Application). Then basic task entry is covered along with the use of the Project Start Date, how Row Numbering works, default Durations, and setting Column Widths.
An xml file is included in the downloadable materials that is an example of the basic Paint schedule covered in the lecture (Use Project 2010 to open this xml file).
Common Task Entry Problems5:46
This lecture covers the Start and Finish Date column task entry Trap and provides a brief exposure to constraints and how to reset a constraint (constraints are covered in detail in Key 3). Different approaches to renaming tasks are also covered, along with task insertions. Basic concepts, but important descriptions are provided to cement these core concepts.
Working With Durations6:52
The different types of duration values are covered, along with a discussion of some unusual type durations such as Milestones and Elapsed Durations. Again, core concepts are covered here that lay the foundation for the effective use of tasks in a project schedule.

All Aspects of Linking Tasks7:44
This lecture includes a detailed discussion of task linking. It begins by explaining the importance and difference between a task predecessor and a task successor. Then a detailed demonstration of the different ways tasks can be linked is presented, with explanations and demonstrations on how to to deal with things such as non-contiguous tasks. How to insert the Successors Column is also covered. At the end of this lecture you will have seen all the different ways to link tasks and thus have the foundations for the next lecture, the all important task linking dashboard.
An xml file is included in the downloadable materials that is an example of the basic Paint schedule covered in the lecture (Use Project 2010 to open this xml file).
Setting Up a Task Linking Dashboard5:59
In this lecture the all important Task Linking Dashboard is presented. The lecture starts with presentation of the split screen view, and introduces the Form View. From there the form is customized to create the task linking dashboard. If you are going to be successful with creating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your project schedules in MS Project, it is absolutely essential you understand how to create this view.

Since MPP files are not available as a type of attachment in Udemy, a picture of what your split screen dashboard is included in the downloadable materials section to help you understand how to create this view.
Using The Task Linking Dashboard7:06
This lecture covers how to create complex links using the Task Linking Dashboard, and the different ways links can be created or changed with this view. Additionally adding the Task Inspector tool to the view is covered, along with shortcomings with the Task Inspector.

At the end of this module you should be fully competent in understanding how to create complex links and will have at your disposal a set of invaluable views to make task linking schedule work easier and effective.
AutoLinking and the Finer Points of Task Linking4:41
In this lecture a more complex scheduling scenario is covered, the New Product project. Here you will make use of the dash linking dashboard, and then move on into how to deal with the autolinking feature in MS Project, and other fine points to task linking such as simple ways to clear links and creating complex links.
An xml file is included in the downloadable materials that is an example of the basic New Product schedule covered in the lecture (Use Project 2010 to open this xml file).
Using Lag and Lead Time in Task Linking3:23
Understanding lag and lead time is essential to creating effective schedules. Especially the use of lead time as it allows you to fast track a project schedule and thus be able to complete key task sequences early. This module lecture covers lag and lead and in the process opens the door to your understanding the complex task link "hieroglyphics" that are often found in the Predecessor and Successor column fields. Thus this lecture takes you into the Inner Sanctums of MS Project task linking!
An xml file is included in the downloadable materials that is an example of the using task lead time on the basic Paint schedule covered in the lecture (Use Project 2010 to open this xml file).

The FS and SS Link Types6:52
With all aspects of how to create links covered in the previous lectures, the Method now moves on to the four different types of task links. The first two are covered in this lecture, the FS, Finish to Start link type, and the SS, Start to Start link type.

The quirks and subtleties of the Start to Start link type are covered in detail, and the concept of the "Project Wind" is presented to help give you a visual way of remember how the Start to Start link works, and how to troubleshoot it if it doesn't react the way you would expect. Very helpful stuff.
An xml file is included in the downloadable materials that is an example of a basic Start to Start link type similar to that one covered in the lecture (Use Project 2010 to open this xml file).
The FF Link Type6:58
This lecture module continues the exploration of the different types of links that are possible in MS Project and explores the FF, Finish to Finish link type. The lecture starts out first by demonstrating different ways to expose link types and then goes into the FF link in detail. Thus the quirks and subtleties of the FF link is covered, along with a pictorial using the Project Wind to help you remember how to use the FF link successfully. Finally the concept of JIT (Just in Time) task links are presented using the FF link. This is an important concept to understand if you are going to use the FF link productively in your project schedules.

Download the Start to Start link file from the previous lecture and see if you can develop an FF link schedule from that starting point as found in this lecture. You can handle it!
The SF Link Type4:58
The final link type is SF, Start to Finish. While the name sounds like this would be the most common link type, that is a common misunderstanding! The SF link type is actually a unique and unusual type of link that has its greatest functionality in creating Just in Time (JIT) links.

This lecture closes out with a comparison of the different ways JIT links can be made, and argues for the SF link as the preferred method.
An xml file is included in the downloadable materials that is an example of a basic Start to Finish (SF) link type similar to that one covered in the lecture (Use Project 2010 to open this xml file).
The ALAP Trap and Just In Time Links6:21
Closing out this module and Key 2 Part A on the Mechanics of Task Linking, is a presentation on something I call the ALAP Trap. It is an introduction to some of subtleties of Constraints covered in Key 3, but is introduced here as it is a somewhat common problem encountered when creating Just in Time task links and a subtlety about constraints that needs to be understood if you are going to create successful project schedules. Again, Key 3 covers constraints in details, and Key 2 Part B, The Application of Linking is the next course in the sequence, nonetheless the ALAP trap is a necessary element to cover and a great way to get you ready for the subsequent Five Keys Method courses.
An xml file is included in the downloadable materials that is an example of the ALAP Trap. Use this file to explore the enigma so that you understand the trap. (Use Project 2010 to open this xml file).

Requirements

Key 1 - Navigation

Description

This is Part A of Key 2, and covers Task Entry and Task Linking in MS Project.

Here is a summary of where this key fits into the Five Keys Method:

Key 1 covered Navigation.
Key 2 has two modules: This Task Linking Mechanics (Part A) module and then is followed by a second module on the Application of Task Linking (Part B) in project schedules. Thus Key 2 covers not only how task linking works (Part A), but how it enables the application of key scheduling features (Part B)---such as the critical path method---to help you create effective project plans.
Key 3 covers Task Constraints---one of the most misunderstood components of MS Project.
Key 4 covers Project Calendars.
Key 5 cover Tracking Actual Progress.

In total the Five Keys gives you the essential skills needed to use MS Project in a way that keeps the tool lean but powerful, and thus the Five Keys teaches you to use MS Project in a way that actually helps your projects be more successful.

Who this course is for:

Beginners
Intermediate Users
Advanced Users

Microsoft Project: The Five Keys - Key 2 Task Links (Part A)

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Task Entry4 lectures • 23min

Task Linking5 lectures • 29min

Link Types4 lectures • 25min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: