Do you use recurring tasks in your project schedule?

Andrew Makar Program Manager| AMAKAR LLC Oakland Township, Mi, United States

Earlier this week I received a question regarding recurring tasks and using them in Microsoft Project to track a weekly status meeting.

I've got my opinion...which I posted as a blog article...plus a quick tutorial on how to add a recurring task in Microsoft Project.

http://www.tacticalprojectmanagement.com/tactical-tips/project-management-tips/83-should-you-use-recurring-tasks-in-your-microsoft-project-schedule.html

What's your viewpoint?

Thanks!

Andy Makar

[email protected]

Learn how to EFFECTIVELY develop a project schedule
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Posted: Jul 1, 2009 10:16 AM

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Elyse Nielsen Senior Project Manager| Ascension Health Information Services Haines City, Fl, United States

Hi Andy,

I agree with you. I normally do not use recurring tasks in project plans.

The only scenario, seen using recurring tasks successfully is when a vendor is justifying the time for an effort. The recurring project tasks are displayed in addition to the tasks as hours are reviewed.

Thanks for sharing!
Elyse
http://www.anticlue.net/

Posted: Jul 3, 2009 5:12 AM

Peter Wright Programme Manager| BAE Systems Southport, Merseyside, United Kingdom

I also agree. For normal business project and programme management re-occurring tasks cause more problems as you should like them to other tasks and given their quantity makes the plan very complex.

In a supplier role however, were I have been asked to provide a Project Plan I have used the re-occurring task like Elyse says, to justify the cost and effort in the contract. You are then able to show the amount of meetings and who is attending etc using project.

Posted: Jul 3, 2009 12:06 PM

Julie Goff Brisbane, Q, Australia

They seemed a good idea for regular meetings, but in the end were too hard to manage if changes were needed. So I don't use them any more.

Posted: Jul 24, 2009 1:36 AM

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Do you use recurring tasks in your project schedule?

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