Microsoft Project For Dummies

Chapter 11

Fine-Tuning Your Plan

IN THIS CHAPTER

Viewing timing and resource issues with filters

Grouping information

Using the Task Inspector pane to determine task drivers

Working with warnings, suggestions, and problems to fix schedules

As they say, the best-laid schemes of mice and project managers go oft awry, and the schedule is no different. After you take your best shot at laying out the project schedule, creating every task, and assigning every resource — and you think you’re ready to start your project — think again.

A close look at almost any schedule reveals issues that you should resolve before you baseline. These issues may include a schedule that ends a month after the projected finish date, human resources who are assigned to work 36-hour days, or a budget that exceeds the national debt. (Details, details… .)

Even if you see no glaring problems related to time, workload, or cost, you should ensure that the project schedule is as realistic as possible before you commit to it. Take a moment to give the project the once-over by using filters to focus your attention ...