Start-end relation not effectuated

[recumbentTom]

MSProject 2003. A rather simple project, with several subprojects and a few normal tasks in the main project. One of the sub-projects has a start to end relation to one of the tasks in the main project. But the result is (consequently) that it starts at a specific date (3 months later). I did not fix this date as a starting date and I tried everything (I think) to let it start just after its predecessor (just as it should). The start-date is independent from the end-date of the predecessor. What can I do?

 

[JulieInMaine]

Hi Tom,

I don't understand completely. You have a inserted (linked?) subproject with a predecessor in the main project. Is it a Finish to Start relationship or a Start to Finish relationship?

Are there resources assigned to the task? Do they have different schedules (non-working time) in their calendar? Are the tasks in the subproject the first tasks? What is the start date of the project -- open the subproject (outside of the master) and check Project > Project Information. Is the project scheduled from a start date or an end date?

It should be scheduled from a start date and the Start date should be earlier than the finish of the predecessor for the predecessor to drive the date.

I hope this helps.
Julie

 

[recumbentTom]

Hi Julie.
Thank you very much for your quick reaction. The start dates of the subprojects were different indeed.
Simple but stupid of me.

Tom

 

[recumbentTom]

Hi Julie,
Just after my response to you I was glad with the solution, but there is still something wrong. I will explain the project/problem:
Project exists of: A-M-B-N-C-O-D-P-Q. All tasks are normally linked as start-after-end. MNOPQ are tasks in the main project. ABCD are inserted subprojects, linked from a file. No resources assigned (yet), so normal time scheduling. All projects have same calendar. What do you mean by "first tasks"? Project is scheduled from a start date. Every task scheduled/linked ASAP.
Just after your advise the tasks connected to each other in the right way. I did some testing (extending/shortening tasks) and it stayed OK, for a while. I restarted my PC because of a MS system update.
After this I did some testing again: M is 1 week, if I extend M to e.g. 1 month B shifts afterwards and stays connected. If I shorten M back to 1 week, B does not shift back. Same for the other combinations N-C and O-D. I would expect that all tasks follow each other ASAP and stay close to each other.
It looks like magic. I restarted my PC again (don't be misled, I don't know if there is a cause and effect!). Everything is connected except M-B (B stays firm in position).
Can you help me again?
Regards, Tom

 

[recumbentTom]

Hi Julie,
I found the solution, although it seems strange to me.
I checked the start dates of the subprojectgs again. They were the same as they should be (the one of the main projectg). But I typed this same date anew, and everything changed to the situation that should be: so good connection between followers.
To me there seems to be no logic in this!!!!????
Problem solved, I hope. Until a new non-logical item comes up.
Regards,
Tom

 

[JulieInMaine]

Hi Tom,

Sorry for the delay getting back to you. What you note about dates not shifting as expected is well, unexpected. Double check that your calculation (Tools > Options, Calculation) is set to automatic.

Also, note that details on subprojects do not automatically "refresh" until you expand out the inserted subproject task.

Julie