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Should splitting tasks increase duration ?

4 replies [Last post]
Mon, 2007-01-22 14:49
vinod raturi
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Joined: 14 Aug 2006
Posts: 57
Groups: GPC Qatar, Petro-Chem / Oil & Gas
Hi ,

As per the definition given for ’Duration ’. It is active time required to accomplish the task.

But suppose i know , that active time required is 10 days , and due to some reason i am splitting the task to initially 5 days active time , 20 days idle and then again 5 days active. I find after splitting the task the duartion changes itself to 30 days , even though i am active only for 10 days on job.

i want to be enlightened on this behaviour.

Thanks,

regards,

Vinod R
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Replies

Tue, 2007-01-23 10:08
#1
James Griffiths
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Joined: 19 May 2006
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Hi Vinod,

Glad you "fixed" the problem he he he.

The term "Fixed Duration" should be more accurately interpreted as "elapsed duration" - as it spans the entire length of the activity, from start to finish - regardless of any idle-time or task splits. In general, however, he task-types are important when you are applying resources to the activities. A so-called fixed duration task will retain its end-date, even if you work fewer or more hours than planned. It will adjust the remaining hours to spread equally across the remaining duration. In essence, you are correct in that a fixed-duration task assumes no idle time unless you specifically input a split. Once you input a split, you might as well allocate it a fixed-work or fixed- unit attribute.

The fixed-unit and fixed-work task types have different behavioural characteristics when applying resources and re-scheduling uncompleted work - and knowledge is best gained by doing a few experiments. SO I’ll let you get on with it, as it is virtually impossible to explain it in words.

Cheers.

James.
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Tue, 2007-01-23 09:32
#2
vinod raturi
User offline. Last seen 6 years 3 weeks ago. Offline
Joined: 14 Aug 2006
Posts: 57
Groups: GPC Qatar, Petro-Chem / Oil & Gas
Hi James ,

Your presumption about task set at "fixed duration" was correct.

But what does this behaviour implies , does it mean if i have task whose duration is fixed , i cannot have idle time for that task . Since splitting will negate the definition of task " Duration " ?

Or is there some other angle to it ?

thanks,

regards,

vinod
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Tue, 2007-01-23 05:18
#3
James Griffiths
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Joined: 19 May 2006
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Hi Vinod,

Your task-type is probably set at "Fixed Duration". Double-click on the task, click "Advanced" tab, change the task-type to either "Fixed Work" or "Fixed Units". This will then display the duration in accordance with how many "activity days". Note, however, that all summary-task durations are set at Fixed Duration, so you cannot change those.

HTH

James.
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Tue, 2007-01-23 04:47
#4
Trevor Rabey
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Joined: 29 Nov 2005
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When I try what you are doing, my original duration is preserved, regardless of how many times I split the Task, down to 5 x 1 day splits with one day spaces.

Your definition, using "active" days is pretty close.

Splits are pretty much the only exception to the definition of duration as:
the number of working days, according to the calendar for that task, from the start of the task to the finish of the task.

Check your calendar for the task.
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