Open one of the following project files as the background for this lesson:

LESSON_B2_END.MPP

   your own project file

LESSON_B3_START.MPP

   sample project file

Walkthrough

3m 39s
 

Reference

B3.1
Changing how the outline is displayed
 
  The project's outline is best displayed in a Gantt chart view.  To apply this view:
  • From the View menu, select Gantt chart.

The Trade Show project's outline depicts three summary tasks, each containing four subtasks:
 
 
  • This outline can be collapsed by clicking on the icon beside a summary task's name:

  • The fully collapsed outline looks like:
Within the Formatting Toolbar, the and buttons can also be used to collapse / expand the outline.  The drop down can select the levels of detail to display.  
  Breaks in the task ID sequence can indicate that an outline has been collapsed:
   

 
 

Reference

B3.1
Displaying project-level information
 
  Collapsing an outline is a useful way to display strategic information within a project.  This could be used to inform the project's sponsor and other key stakeholders with high-level information about the status of the project.  In addition, a project summary task can be displayed, which will provide a one-line top-level summary.  To display a project summary task:
 
 
  1. From the Tools menu, choose Options.
  2. On the View tab, select the 'Show Project summary task' check box, then confirm with OK.

  1. Displaying the project summary task on row 0 of the outline:
The project's percent complete, cost and work values can also be summarized at project summary task level:  
   

Walkthrough

2m 41s
 

Reference

B3.2
Using the task form view
 
  When reviewing the links between tasks, the Task Form view can be added to the current window.  This can display at a glance how tasks relate to each other and you can edit the links as well.  Within the form, you can see additional information in the lower pane (that contains the task form) about the selected object within the upper pane.  To display the form:
  • From the Window menu, select Split.
 
 

As shown above:

  • The selected milestone in the upper pane is 'Show opens'.
  • The tasks 'Post invitations', 'Hold team briefing' and 'Construct booth' are all predecessors of 'Show opens'.
The currently active pane has a bright left border (same as the Title Bar for the Microsoft Project window).  
   
    Use the command Window..Remove Split to return to a single window configuration.

 
 

Reference

B3.2
Displaying links between tasks
 
  A classic Gantt chart simply displays tasks against a timescale, without any link lines between the task bars.  Sometimes this classic display can make for a clearer looking view (especially if it is printed out).  To review the Gantt chart for the Trade Show project without link lines displayed:
 
 
  1. From the Format menu, choose Layout.
  2. Choose to hide the link lines, followed by OK.

  1. Displayed as:
Hiding the links does not remove them.  Use the Layout dialog box (Format..Layout) to restore link display.  
     

Lesson quiz
 

Save your project with the following filename:

LESSON_B3_END.MPP

© Project Learning International Limited 2007
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