Project Estimation and scheduling
Outline:
Estimation overview Cocomo: concepts, process and tool. Detailed schedule/planning terminology and processes Planning Tools (MS Project)
Estimation
The single most important task of a project: setting realistic expectations. Unrealistic expectations based on inaccurate estimates are the single largest cause of software failure.
Futrell, Shafer and Shafer, Quality Software Project Management
Why its important to you!
Program development of large software systems normally experience 200-300% cost overruns and a 100% schedule slip 15% of large projects deliverNOTHING! Key reasonspoor management and inaccurate estimations of development cost and schedule If not meeting schedules, developers often pay the price!
The Problems
Predicting software cost Predicting software schedule Controlling software risk Managing/tracking project as it progresses
Fundamental estimation questions
How much effort is required to complete an activity? How much calendar time is needed to complete an activity? What is the total cost of an activity? Project estimation and scheduling are interleaved management activities.
Software cost components
Hardware and software costs. Travel and training costs. Effort costs (the dominant factor in most projects)
The salaries of engineers involved in the project; Social and insurance costs. Costs of building, heating, lighting. Costs of networking and communications. Costs of shared facilities (e.g library, staff restaurant, etc.).
Effort costs must take overheads into account
Costing and pricing
Estimates are made to discover the cost, to the developer, of producing a software system. There is not a simple relationship between the development cost and the price charged to the customer. Broader organisational, economic, political and business considerations influence the price charged.
Software pricing factors
Market opportunity A d evelopment organisation may quote a low price because it wishes to move into a new segment of the software market. Accepting a low profit on one project may give the opportunity of more profit later. T he experience gained may allow new products to be developed. If an organisation is unsure of its cost estimate, it may increase its price by some contingency over and above its normal profit. A c ustomer may be willing to allow the developer to retain ownership of the source code and reuse it in other projects. T he price charged may then be less than if the software source code is handed over to the customer. If the requirements are likely to change, an organisation may lower its price to win a contract. After the contract is awarded, high prices can be charged for changes to the requirements. Developers in financial difficulty may lower their price to gain a c ontract. It is better to make a sm aller than normal profit or break even than to go out of business.
Cost estimate uncertainty Contractual terms
Requirements volatility Financial health
Nature of Estimates
Man Months (or Person Months), defined as 152 man-hours of direct-charged labor Schedule in months (requirements complete to acceptance) Well-managed program
4 Common (subjective) estimation models
Expert Judgment Analogy Parkinsons law Price to win
Expert judgment
One or more experts in both software development and the application domain use their experience to predict software costs. Process iterates until some consensus is reached. Advantages: Relatively cheap estimation method. Can be accurate if experts have direct experience of similar systems Disadvantages: Very inaccurate if there are no experts!
Estimation by analogy
The cost of a project is computed by comparing the project to a similar project in the same application domain Advantages: May be accurate if project data available and people/tools the same Disadvantages: Impossible if no comparable project has been tackled. Needs systematically maintained cost database
Parkinson's Law
The project costs whatever resources are available Advantages: No overspend Disadvantages: System is usually unfinished
Cost Pricing to win
The project costs whatever the customer has to spend on it Advantages: You get the contract Disadvantages: The probability that the customer gets the system he or she wants is small. Costs do not accurately reflect the work required. How do you know what customer has? Only a good strategy if you are willing to take a serious loss to get a first customer, or if Delivery of a radically reduced product is a real option.
Top-down and bottom-up estimation
Any of these approaches may be used top-down or bottom-up. Top-down
Start at the system level and assess the overall system functionality and how this is delivered through sub-systems.
Bottom-up
Start at the component level and estimate the effort required for each component. Add these efforts to reach a final estimate.
Top-down estimation
Usable without knowledge of the system architecture and the components that might be part of the system. Takes into account costs such as integration, configuration management and documentation. Can underestimate the cost of solving difficult low-level technical problems.
Bottom-up estimation
Usable when the architecture of the system is known and components identified. This can be an accurate method if the system has been designed in detail. It may underestimate the costs of system level activities such as integration and documentation.
Estimation methods
Each method has strengths and weaknesses. Estimation should be based on several methods. If these do not return approximately the same result, then you have insufficient information available to make an estimate. Some action should be taken to find out more in order to make more accurate estimates. Pricing to win is sometimes the only applicable method.
Pricing to win
This approach may seem unethical and unbusinesslike. However, when detailed information is lacking it may be the only appropriate strategy. The project cost is agreed on the basis of an outline proposal and the development is constrained by that cost. A detailed specification may be negotiated or an evolutionary approach used for system development.
Algorithmic cost modeling
Cost is estimated as a mathematical function of product, project and process attributes whose values are estimated by project managers The function is derived from a study of historical costing data Most commonly used product attribute for cost estimation is LOC (code size) Most models are basically similar but with different attribute values
Criteria for a Good Model
Definedclear what is estimated Accurate Objectiveavoids subjective factors Results understandable Detailed Stablesecond order relationships Right Scope Easy to Use Causalfuture data not required Parsimoniouseverything present is important
Software productivity
A measure of the rate at which individual engineers involved in software development produce software and associated documentation. Not quality-oriented although quality assurance is a factor in productivity assessment. Essentially, we want to measure useful functionality produced per time unit.
Productivity measures
Size related measures based on some output from the software process. This may be lines of delivered source code, object code instructions, etc. Function-related measures based on an estimate of the functionality of the delivered software. Function-points are the best known of this type of measure.
Measurement problems
Estimating the size of the measure (e.g. how many function points). Estimating the total number of programmer months that have elapsed. Estimating contractor productivity (e.g. documentation team) and incorporating this estimate in overall estimate.
Lines of code
What's a line of code?
The measure was first proposed when programs were typed on cards with one line per card; How does this correspond to statements as in Java which can span several lines or where there can be several statements on one line.
What programs should be counted as part of the system? This model assumes that there is a linear relationship between system size and volume of documentation. A key thing to understand about early estimates is that the uncertainty is more important than the initial line dont see one estimate, seek justifiable bounds.
Productivity comparisons
The lower level the language, the more productive the programmer
The same functionality takes more code to implement in a lower-level language than in a highlevel language.
The more verbose the programmer, the higher the productivity
Measures of productivity based on lines of code suggest that programmers who write verbose code are more productive than programmers who write compact code.
System development times
Analysis Assembly code High-level language 3 weeks 3 weeks
Design 5 weeks 5 weeks
Coding 8 weeks 4 weeks
Testing 10 weeks 6 weeks Productivity
Documentation 2 weeks 2 weeks
Size Assembly code High-level language 5000 lines 1500 lines
Effort 28 weeks 20 weeks
714 lines/month 300 lines/month
Empirical Model (COCOMO)
Provide computational means for deriving S/W cost estimates as functions of variables (major cost drivers) Functions used contain constants derived from statistical analysis of data from past projects:
can only be used if data from past projects is available must be calibrated to reflect local environment relies on initial size and cost factor estimates which themselves are questionable
COCOMO
COCOMO (CONSTRUCTIVE COST MODEL) -First published by Dr. Barry Boehm, 1981 Interactive cost estimation software package that models the cost, effort and schedule for a new software development activity.
Can be used on new systems or upgrades
Derived from statistical regression of data from a base of 63 past projects (2000 - 512,000 DSIs)
Where to Find CoCoMo
http://sunset.usc.ede Or do a Google search on Barry Boehm.
Productivity Levels
Tends to be constant for a given programming shop developing a specific product. ~100 SLOC/MM for life-critical code ~320 SLOC/MM for US Government quality code ~1000 SLOC/MM for commercial code
Nominal Project Profiles
Size
MM
2000 SLOC 5
8000 SLOC 21
8
32000 SLOC 91
14
128000 SLOC 392
24
Schedule 5 Months Staff 1.1 SLOC/ MM 400
2.7
376
6.5
352
16
327
Input Data
Delivered K source lines of code(KSLOC) Various scale factors:
Experience Process maturity Required reliability Complexity Developmental constraints
COCOMO
Uses Basic Effort Equation
Effort=A(size)exponent
Effort=EAF*A(size)exponent Estimate man-months (MM) of effort to complete S/W project 1 MM = 152 hours of development
Size estimation defined in terms of Source lines of code delivered in the final product
15 cost drivers (personal, computer, and project attributes)
COCOMO Mode & Model
Three development environments (modes)
Organic Mode Semidetached Mode Embedded Mode
Three increasingly complex models
Basic Model Intermediate Model Detailed Model
COCOMO Modes
Organic Mode
Developed in familiar, stable environment Product similar to previously developed product <50,000 DSIs (ex: accounting system)
Semidetached Mode
somewhere between Organic and Embedded
Embedded Mode
new product requiring a great deal of innovation inflexible constraints and interface requirements (ex: real-time systems)
COCOMO Models
Basic Model
Used for early rough, estimates of project cost, performance, and schedule Accuracy: within a factor of 2 of actuals 60% of time
Intermediate Model
Uses Effort Adjustment Factor (EAF) fm 15 cost drivers Doesnt account for 10 - 20 % of cost (trng, maint, TAD, etc) Accuracy: within 20% of actuals 68% of time
Detailed Model
Uses different Effort Multipliers for each phase of project (everybody uses intermediate model)
Basic Model Effort Equation (COCOMO 81)
Effort=A(size)exponent
A is a constant based on the developmental mode
organic = 2.4 semi = 3.0 embedded = 3.6
Size = 1000s Source Lines of Code (KSLOC) Exponent is constant given mode
organic = 1.05 semi = 1.12 embedded = 1.20
Basic Model Schedule Equation (COCOMO 81)
MTDEV (Minimum time to develop) = 2.5*(Effort)exponent 2.5 is constant for all modes Exponent based on mode
organic = 0.38 semi = 0.35 embedded = 0.32
Note that MTDEV does not depend on number of people assigned.
Counting KSLOC
Still how to estimate KSLOC
Get 2 experts to provide estimates.
Better if estimates are based on software requirements Even better if estimates are based on design doc Good to get best estimate as well as +- size. Make sure they address integration/glue code/logic. Take average of experts.
If using Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) in scheduling, estimate KSLOC per task. Note not all tasks have KSLOC.
Remember COCOMO is strict development effort not management, reporting or user support. COCOMO Does NOT include defining the Requirements/Specification!
Some beginners guidelines
A good estimate is defendable if the size of the product is identified in reasonable terms that make sense for the application. Without serious experience, estimating Lines of Code for a substantial application can be meaningless, so stick to what makes sense. Bottom up is better for beginners. An estimate is defendable if it is clear how it was achieved. If the estimate simply came from SWAG, or whatever sugar-coated term you would like to give for an undefendable number), that information itself gives us an understanding of the legitimacy we can apply to the numbers, and we should expect a large uncertainty. If it was achieved by taking the business targets and simply suggesting we can fit all the work into the available time, we can send the estimator back to the drawing board. A good estimate allows all the stakeholders to understand what went into the estimate, and agree on the uncertainty associated with that estimate. With that, realistic decisions can be made. If there is any black magic along the way, or if there is a suggestion that you can accurately predict, you are in for trouble.
Basic COCOMO assumptions
Implicit productivity estimate Organic mode = 16 LOC/day Embedded mode = 4 LOC/day Time required is a function of total effort NOT team size Not clear how to adapt model to personnel availability
Intermediate COCOMO
Takes basic COCOMO as starting point Identifies personnel, product, computer and project attributes which affect cost and development time. Multiplies basic cost by attribute multipliers which may increase or decrease costs
Attributes
Personnel attributes Analyst capability Virtual machine experience Programmer capability Programming language experience Application experience Product attributes Reliability requirement Database size Product complexity
More Attributes
Computer attributes Execution time constraints Storage constraints Virtual machine volatility Computer turnaround time Project attributes Modern programming practices Software tools Required development schedule
Intermediate Model Effort Equation (COCOMO 81)
Effort=EAF*A(size)exponent
EAF (effort adjustment factor) is the product of effort multipliers corresponding to each cost driver rating A is a constant based on the developmental mode
organic = 3.2 semi = 3.0 embedded = 2.8
Size = 1000s Delivered Source Instruction (KDSI) Exponent is constant given mode
COCOMO COST DRIVERS
Ratings range: VL, L, N, H, VH, XH
RELY DATA CPLX RUSE DOCU TIME STOR PVOL ACAP
Reliability Database Size Complexity Required Reusability Documentation Execution Time Constant Main Storage Constraint Platform Volatility Analyst Capability
PCAP AEXP PEXP LTEX PCON TOOL SITE SCED
Programmer Capability Applications Experience Platform Experience Language and Tool Experience Personnel Continuity Use of Software Tools Multisite Development Required Schedule
Gone:VIRT,TURN,MDDP,VEXP New: RUSE, DOCU, PVOL, PCON
Example COCOMO
TURN and TOOL Adjustments
COCOMO 81 Rating COCOMO Multiplier: CPLX COCOM Multiplier: TOOL
VH
1.00
1.15
1.23
1.3
1.24
1.10
1.00
Intermediate Model Example
Highly complex intermediate organic project with high tool use: exp1 Effort=EAF*A(KDSI) Estimate 3000 DSIs CPLX = 1.3 (VH) MTDEV= 2.5*(Effort)exp2 TOOL = 1.10 (L) EAF = 1.3*1.10 = 1.43 Effort = 1.43 * 3.2 * 31.05 = 14.5 man months MTDEV = 2.5 * 14.50.38 = 6.9 months Staff required = 14.5/6.9 = 2.1 people
Example with options
Embedded software system on microcomputer hardware. Basic COCOMO predicts a 45 person-month effort requirement Attributes = RELY (1.15), STOR (1.21), TIME (1.10), TOOL (1.10) Intermediate COCOMO predicts 45 * 1.15 * 1.21 * 1.10 *1.10 = 76 person-months. Assume total cost of person month = $7000. Total cost = 76 * $7000 = $532, 000
Option: Hardware Investment
Processor capacity and store doubled TIME and STOR multipliers = 1 Extra investment of $30, 000 required Fewer tools available TOOL = 1.15
Total cost = 45 * 1.24 * 1.15 * $7000 = $449, 190 Cost saving = $83, 000
Cocomo in practice (89 projects)
Canned Language Multipliers were accurate can be tuned/calibrated for a company. Modeling personnel factors, and creating options/scenarios can be a valuable tool. Assumptions and Risks should be factored into the model
Tool Demonstration
(web based version)
http://sunset.usc.edu/research/COCOMOII/expert_cocomo/expert_cocomo2000.html http://sunset.usc.edu/research/COCOMOII/expert_cocomo/expert_cocomo2000.html Its Free and easy to use. So Use it! You can also get a standalone win32 version
Free CoCoMo Tools
COCOMO II - This program is an implementation of the 1981 COCOMO Intermediate
Model. It predicts software development effort, schedule and effort distribution. It is available for SunOS or MS Windows and can be downloaded for free. The COCOMO II model is an update of COCOMO 1981 to address software development practice's in the 1990's and 2000's.
Revised Intermediate COCOMO (REVIC) is available for downloading from the US
Air Force Cost Analysis Agency (AFCAA).
TAMU COCOMO is an on-line version of COCOMO from Texas A&M University. Agile COCOMO - The Center continues to do research on Agile COCOMO II a cost
estimation tool that is based on COCOMO II. It uses analogy based estimation to generate accurate results while being very simple to use and easy to learn.
COCOTS - The USC Center is actively conducting research in the area of off-the-shelf
software integration cost modelling. Our new cost model COCOTS (COnstructive COTS), focuses on estimating the cost, effort, and schedule associated with using commercial off-theshelf (COTS) components in a software development project. Though still experimental, COCOTS is a model complementary to COCOMO II, capturing costs that traditionally have been outside the scope of COCOMO. Ideally, once fully formulated and validated, COCOTS will be used in concert with COCOMO to provide a complete software development cost estimation solution.
Resources
Software Cost Estimating With COCOMO II Boehm,
Abts, Brown, Chulani, Clark, Horowitz, Madachy, Reifer, Steece ISBN:013-026692-2
COCOMO II - http://sunset.usc.edu/research/COCOMOII/ NASA Cost Estimating Web Site http://www1.jsc.nasa.gov/bu2/COCOMO.html
Longstreet Consulting - http://www.ifpug.com/freemanual.htm Barry Boehm Bio http://sunset.usc.edu/Research_Group/barry.html
Conclusions
Experience shows that seat-of-the-pants estimates of cost and schedule are 50%- 75% of the actual time/cost. This amount of error is enough to get a manager fired in many companies. Lack of hands-on experience is associated with massive cost overruns. Technical risks are associated with massive cost overruns. Do your estimates carefully! Keep them up-to-date! Manage to them!
Project Scheduling/Planning
COCOMO his high-level resource estimation. To actually do project need more refined plan.
Work breakdown structures (WBS)
Types: Process, product, hybrid Formats: Outline or graphical org chart High-level WBS does not show dependencies or durations What hurts most is whats missing Becomes input to many things, esp. schedule
Estimation
History is your best ally
Especially when using LOC, function points, etc.
Use multiple methods if possible
This reduces your risk If using experts, use two
Get buy-in Remember: its an iterative process! Know your presentation techniques
Estimation
Bottom-up
More work to create but more accurate Often with Expert Judgment at the task level
Top-down
Used in the earliest phases Usually with/as Analogy or Expert Judgment
Analogy
Comparison with previous project: formal or informal
Expert Judgment
Via staff members who will do the work Most common technique along w/analogy Best if multiple experts consulted
Estimation
Parametric Methods
Know the trade-offs of: LOC & Function Points
Function Points
Benefit: relatively independent of the technology used to develop the system We will re-visit this briefly later in semester (when discussing software metrics) Variants: WEBMO (no need to know this for exam)
Re-Use Estimation
See QSPM outline
U Calgary
Your Early Phase Processes
Initial Planning:
Why
SOW, Charter
What/How (partial/1st pass)
WBS Other planning documents Software Development Plan, Risk Mgmt., Cfg. Mgmt.
Estimating
Size (quantity/complexity) and Effort (duration) Iterates
Scheduling
Begins along with 1st estimates Iterates
Scheduling
Once tasks (from the WBS) and size/effort (from estimation) are known: then schedule Primary objectives
Best time Least cost Least risk
Secondary objectives
Evaluation of schedule alternatives Effective use of resources Communications
Terminology
Precedence:
A task that must occur before another is said to have precedence of the other
Concurrence:
Concurrent tasks are those that can occur at the same time (in parallel)
Leads & Lag Time
Delays between activities Time required before or after a given task
Terminology
Milestones
Have a duration of zero Identify critical points in your schedule Shown as inverted triangle or a diamond Often used at review or delivery times
Or at end or beginning of phases Ex: Software Requirements Review (SRR) Ex: User Sign-off
Can be tied to contract terms
Terminology
Example Milestones
Terminology
Slack & Float
Float & Slack: synonymous terms Free Slack
Slack an activity has before it delays next task
Total Slack
Slack an activity has before delaying whole project
Slack Time TS = TL TE
TE = earliest time an event can take place TL = latest date it can occur w/o extending projects completion date
Scheduling Techniques
Mathematical Analysis
Network Diagrams
PERT CPM GERT
Bar Charts
Milestone Chart Gantt Chart
Network Diagrams
Developed in the 1950s A graphical representation of the tasks necessary to complete a project Visualizes the flow of tasks & relationships
Mathematical Analysis
PERT
Program Evaluation and Review Technique
CPM
Critical Path Method
Sometimes treated synonymously All are models using network diagrams
MS-Project Example
Network Diagrams
Two classic formats
AOA: Activity on Arrow AON: Activity on Node
Each task labeled with
Identifier (usually a letter/code) Duration (in std. unit like days)
There are other variations of labeling There is 1 start & 1 end event Time goes from left to right
Node Formats
Network Diagrams
AOA consists of
Circles representing Events
Such as start or end of a given task
Lines representing Tasks
Thing being done Build UI
a.k.a. Arrow Diagramming Method (ADM)
AON
Tasks on Nodes
Nodes can be circles or rectangles (usually latter) Task information written on node
Arrows are dependencies between tasks a.k.a. Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM)
Critical Path
The specific set of sequential tasks upon which the project completion date depends
or the longest full path
All projects have a Critical Path Accelerating non-critical tasks do not directly shorten the schedule
Critical Path Example
CPM
Critical Path Method
The process for determining and optimizing the critical path
Non-CP tasks can start earlier or later w/o impacting completion date Note: Critical Path may change to another as you shorten the current Should be done in conjunction with the you & the functional manager
4 Task Dependency Types
Mandatory Dependencies
Hard logic dependencies Nature of the work dictates an ordering Ex: Coding has to precede testing Ex: UI design precedes UI implementation
Soft logic dependencies Determined by the project management team Process-driven Ex: Discretionary order of creating certain modules
Discretionary Dependencies
4 Task Dependency Types
External Dependencies
Outside of the project itself Ex: Release of 3rd party product; contract signoff Ex: stakeholders, suppliers, Y2K, year end
Resource Dependencies
Two task rely on the same resource Ex: You have only one DBA but multiple DB tasks
Task Dependency Relationships
Finish-to-Start (FS)
B cannot start till A finishes A: Construct fence; B: Paint Fence
Start-to-Start (SS)
B cannot start till A starts A: Pour foundation; B: Level concrete
Finish-to-Finish (FF)
B cannot finish till A finishes A: Add wiring; B: Inspect electrical
Start-to-Finish (SF)
B cannot finish till A starts (rare)
Example Step 1
Milestone Chart
Sometimes called a bar charts Simple Gantt chart
Either showing just highest summary bars Or milestones only
Bar Chart
Gantt Chart
Gantt Chart
Disadvantages
Does not show interdependencies well Does not uncertainty of a given activity (as does PERT)
Advantages
Easily understood Easily created and maintained
Note: Software now shows dependencies among tasks in Gantt charts
In the old days Gantt charts did not show these dependencies, bar charts typically do not. Modern Gantt charts do show them.
Reducing Project Duration
How can you shorten the schedule? Via
Reducing scope (or quality) Adding resources Concurrency (perform tasks in parallel) Substitution of activities
Compression Techniques
Shorten the overall duration of the project Crashing
Looks at cost and schedule tradeoffs Gain greatest compression with least cost Add resources to critical path tasks Limit or reduce requirements (scope) Changing the sequence of tasks
Fast Tracking
Overlapping of phases, activities or tasks that would otherwise be sequential Involves some risk May cause rework
Mythical Man-Month
Book: The Mythical Man-Month
Author: Fred Brooks
The classic book on the human elements of software engineering First two chapters are full of terrific insight (and quotes)
Mythical Man-Month
Cost varies as product of men and months, progress does not. Hence the man-month as a unit for measuring the size of job is a dangerous and deceptive myth Reliance on hunches and guesses
What is gutless estimating?
The myth of additional manpower
Brooks Law Adding manpower to a late project makes it later
Mythical Man-Month
Optimism
All programmers are optimists 1st false assumption: all will go well or each task takes only as long as it ought to take The Fix: Consider the larger probabilities
Cost (overhead) of communication (and training)
His formula: n(n-1)/2
How long does a 12 month project take?
1 person: 1 month 2 persons = 7 months (2 man-months extra) 3 persons = 5 months (e man-months extra)
Fix: dont assume adding people will solve the problem
Mythical Man-Month
Sequential nature of the process
The bearing of a child takes nine months, no matter how many women are assigned
What is the most mis-scheduled part of process?
Testing (the most linear process)
Why is this particularly bad?
Occurs late in process and w/o warning Higher costs: primary and secondary
Fix: Allocate more test time
Understand task dependencies
Mythical Man-Month
Q: How does a project get to be a year late?
A: One day at a time
Studies
Each task: twice as long as estimated Only 50% of work week was programming
Fixes
No fuzzy milestones (get the true status) Reduce the role of conflict Identify the true status
Planning and Scheduling Tools
Big variety of products, from simple/single project to enterprise resource management See for instance:
http://www.columbia.edu/~jm2217/#OtherSoftware http://www.startwright.com/project1.htm
Some free tools to play with:
Ganttproject (java based) Some tools on linux
Free evaluation
Intellysis project desktop FastTrack Schedule
MS-Project
Mid-market leader Has approx. 50% overall market share 70-80% MS-Project users never used automated project tracking prior (a first tool) Not a mid/high-end tool for EPM (Enterprise Project Mgmt.) While in this class you can get a free copy though MS Academic Alliance email me if interested.
Project Pros
Easy outlining of tasks including support for hierarchical Work breakdown structures (WBS) Resource management Accuracy: baseline vs. actual; various calculations Easy charting and graphics Cost management Capture historical data
Project Cons
Illusion of control Workgroup/sharing features ok, still in-progress Scaling No estimation features Remember:
Being a MS-Project expert does not make you an expert project manager! No more so than knowing MS-Word makes you a good writer.
Project UI
(Un)Link Buttons Toolbars Outline Buttons Indicators Enter Tasks Here Timescale
Gantt Chart View Bar
Task Bars Task Sheet Milestone
Split Bar
The MS-Project Process
Move WBS into a Project outline (in Task Sheet) Add resources (team members or roles) Add costs for resources Assign resources to tasks Establish dependencies Refine and optimize Create baseline Track progress (enter actuals, etc.)
Create Your Project
File/New Setup start date Setup calendar
Menu: Project/Project Information Often left with default settings Hours, holidays
Enter WBS
Outlining Sub-tasks and summary tasks Do not enter start/end dates for each Just start with Task Name and Duration for each Use Indent/Outdent buttons to define summary tasks and subtasks You can enter specific Start/End dates but dont most of the time
Establish Durations
Know the abbreviations
h/d/w/m D is default
Can use partial
.5d is a half-day task
Elapsed durations Estimated durations
Put a ? after duration
DURATION != WORK (but initial default is that it is)
Add Resources
Work Resources
People
(can be % of a person. All resources split equally on task.
Tboult[25%], Eng1 means task gets 25% of tboults time, 100% of Eng1 thus it gets 1.25MM per month).
Material Resources
Things Can be used to track costs
Ex: amount of equipment purchased
Not used as often in typical software project
Resource Sheet
Can add new resources here
Or directly in the task entry sheet
Beware of mis-spellings (Project will create near-duplicates)
Setup costs
Such as annual salary (put yr after Std. Rate)
Effort-Driven Scheduling
MS-Project default Duration * Units = Work
Duration = Work / Units (D = W/U) Work = Duration * Units (W = D*U) Units = Work / Duration (U = W/D)
Adding more resources to a task shortens duration Can be changed on a per-task basis
In the advanced tab of Task Information dialog box Task Type setting
Beware the Mythical Man-month
Good for laying bricks, not always so for software development
Link Tasks
On toolbar: Link & Unlink buttons
Good for many at once
Or via Gantt chart
Drag from one task to another
Milestones
Zero duration tasks Insert task normally but put 0 in duration Common for reports, Functional module/test completions, etc. Good SE practice says milestones MUST be measurable and well spread through the project.
Make Assignments
Approach 1. Using Task Sheet
Using Resource Names column You can create new ones by just typing-in here
2. Using Assign Resources dialog box
Good for multiple resources Highlight task, Tools/Resources or toolbar button
3. Using Task Information dialog
Resources tab
4. Task Entry view
View/More Views/Task Entry Or Task Entry view on Resource Mgmt. toolbar
Save Baseline
Saves all current information about your project
Dates, resource assignments, durations, costs
Fine Tune
Then is used later as basis for comparing against actuals Menu: Tools/Tracking/Save Baseline
Project 2002
3 Editions: Standard, Professional, Server MS Project Server 2002
(TBs never used server 2002 or newer) Based on docs.
Upgrade of old Project Central Includes Project Web Access, web-based UI (partial) Workgroup and resource notification features Requires SQL-Server and IIS Portfolio Analyzer
Drill-down into projects via pivot tables & charts
Portfolio Modeler
Create models and what-if scenarios
SharePoint Team Services integration
Newer versions of Project
MS-Project Professional
Build Team feature
Skills-based resource matching
Resource Pools: with skill set tracking Resource Substitution Wizard
Project Guide feature
Customizable process component
