Microsoft Project 2013: The Missing Manual

Creating a Task List

The foundation of any schedule is the work that needs to be done to achieve the project’s objectives and to deliver the desired results. Before you can do anything else, you need a list of the tasks to perform, from beginning the project to sweeping up the confetti at the end. This section describes how to build a list of individual tasks.

Creating Work Tasks

In this test drive, you’ll create the first few tasks for the project—getting your team signed up for the fundraising event. After that, you can practice by filling in the rest of the tasks on your own.

Note

If you want to jump ahead and see the finished schedule, you can download the sample project CyclingTeamEntry.mpp from this book’s Missing CD page at http://www.missingmanuals.com/cds.

Here are the steps for adding tasks to your project:

1. Click the first cell in the Task Name column on the left side of the screen, type Research entry requirements, and then press Enter.

   Project automatically selects the blank Task Name cell below the one you just filled in.

   The Task Name cell is the only one you have to fill in. Because Project initially creates new tasks as manually scheduled, it leaves the Duration cell for your first task blank. The icon in the Task Mode cell (a pushpin with a question mark next to it) indicates that more information is needed. (You’ll fill that in later.)

   Tip

   Your project schedule will be easier to understand if the task names you use describe the work that the tasks represent. Start with a ...