Copy the same tasks to multiple projects 1

[perrymans]

Yeah, so I know how to use Project like Excel, not like Project.

I have multiple projects, short four month efforts. They all have the same tasks and the tasks have the same duration.

Each project has its own hard end date (there is a certification needed by date X). I want to set the task durations, give the end date, and build backwards (for forward planning).

Then I want to copy the tasks to the next effort (all in the same .mpp), change the end date and *magic* it all fills in for me.

Can this be done?

Thanks. Sean.

 

[PDQBach]

Yes.

Oh, wait, you want to know *how* to do it. <grin>

Template
1. Create a template project (it seems you may have already done that). If you haven't then create a template project showing the tasks and link the tasks with predecessors and successors. Do *NOT* type anything in the Start or Finish columns. The Start dates should depend on the Predecessor/Successor linkages and the Finish dates should depend on the task Duration. You can confirm that you have done this correctly by:
2. View > Gantt
3. Insert the "Constraint Type" column.
4. *ALL* tasks must show "As Soon As Possible". If they do not then you have entered a Start or a Finish date. On those tasks, change the Constraint Type to "As Soon As Possible" and create the necessary Predecessor/Successor links (with Lags, if necessary).

Detail Projects
1. Launch MS Project
2. Click on Insert > Project
3. In the "Insert Project" dialog, navigate to the folder with the template project and click ONCE on it
4. Clear the check box "Link to Project"
5. Click on the "Insert" button in the "Insert Project" dialog.
6. Click on Project > Project Information
7. In the "Project Information" dialog box change "Schedule From" to "Project Finish Date"; click on OK
8. In the project file find the task which finishes last. In the Finish date for that task enter the Finish date you want the project finish
9. Click on File > Save As, navigate to the folder where you want to save the file, choose a unique name and click on the "Save" button in the "Save As" dialog box.
10. Lather, rinse, repeat for each project file.