Using the Task Form View to Add Additional Resources
One of the most popular views
for assigning resources is the Gantt Chart view with the Task Form view
in the bottom pane. You can also add resources in that view by using the
resource details in the lower pane. To add resources in the Task Form
view, follow these steps:
1. | Display the Gantt Chart view. Select the Task tab and click the Details control in the Properties group.
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2. | If
the resource details are not displayed in the Task Form view, click
anywhere in the lower pane to activate it and then select the Format
tab. Select Resources and Predecessors (see Figure 1).
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3. | In the top pane, select a task.
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4. | Click
in the Resource Names column in the Task Form view, where you can
select an existing resource to assign to the task, or you can type in
the name of a new resource to assign to the task. In Figure 8.11,
Gasoline is being typed in as an additional resource. If you type in a
new name and click the OK button, Project will provide the default
values for the Assignment Units and Work because you did not. (Resources
are not created automatically unless you check Automatically Add New
Resources and Tasks under the I tab, Options, Advanced is checked.)
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5. | Double-click
the resource name to display the Resource Information dialog box, where
you can fill in the rest of the fields that define the resource. |
Understanding Resource Constraints
In order to complete the
resource definition process, resource constraints need to be completed.
There are few definable resource constraints, but there are many
different constraining factors on a resource. Human resources might be
constrained due to scheduling conflicts, overallocation, availability,
physical location, or controlled budgets. Other resources such as
machinery might be constrained due to condition, compatibility, or
failure. These and other resource constraining factors can create
serious headaches for project managers and are often the root cause for
task or project failures. Using Project can help avoid these headaches
and manage resource constraining factors with more control.
By using Project 2010, you can
create a profile for a resource that will help you manage your project
from start to finish. You have, at your fingertips, all the attributes
of a resource that could potentially lead to problems or constraints.
For example, Mary Powell is a resource you need for a specific task, but
when assigning her to a task, you realize there is a conflict. Perhaps
she is on vacation, or lives in another city, or only works part time,
or has already been assigned to tasks and is unavailable during the time
you have allotted for completing the task.
As a
project manager, you have to analyze the risks involved with changing
your plan and predict all the various outcomes. Maybe there is another
resource that can perform the task you want to assign to Mary Powell, or
maybe you can move the task to a later date when she is available to
work on it. You need to weigh the risks and ask yourself: “If I wait
until Mary is available to start this task, what will be the
consequences? Is it worth the risk, or should I assign another resource
to the task?” If you have another resource that is capable and
available, chances are you should assign the task to the other resource.
But if Mary Powell is the only qualified resource to complete the task,
it is worth the wait. Resource and risk management are significantly
aided by Project.
