This document provides instructions for a series of exercises to practice fine-tuning tasks in Microsoft Project. The exercises include: 1) interrupting work on a task, 2) adjusting working time for individual tasks, 3) entering fixed costs, 4) setting up a recurring task, 5) viewing the critical path, 6) scheduling summary tasks manually, and 7) inactivating tasks. The steps provided guide the user through making specific changes to tasks, such as splitting tasks, changing calendars, entering costs, assigning resources, and hiding/showing subtasks.

1. LAB 7 – FINE-TUNING TASK DETAILS
Exercise 1 – Interrupting Work on A Task
1. Select Task 3. On the Task tab, in the Editing group, click Scroll to Task.
It is informed that there will be a Morale Event on Nov 18.
2. On the Task tab, in the Schedule group, click Split Task.

2. 3. Move the mouse pointer over the Gantt bar of Task 3 until start date appears in the
ScreenTip, and then release the mouse button.
A split indicating an interruption of work on a task will appear as dotted line in the Gantt chart.

3. Exercise 2 – Adjusting Working Time for Individual Tasks
1. Click Change Working Time, on the Project tab, in the Properties group.
In the Change Working Time dialog box, click Create New Calendar.
Key-in Monday-Wednesday in the Name box. Make sure Make a copy of is selected, and
Standard is selected. Click Ok.

4. Now, select the Work Weeks tab. Make sure select the [Default] in the Name box. Then click
Details. Select Thursday and Friday and select the Set day(s) to these specific working times
option. Click Ok.
The Monday-Wednesday calendar is created and it is ready to be applied in the task.
2. Select Task 9. On the Task tab, in the Properties group, click Information.

5. On the Task Information dialog box, click Advanced tab. In the Calendar box, select Monday-
Wednesday from the list. Click OK.
Changing Task Type
1. On the View tab, in the Task View group, click Task Usage.

6. 2. Select any task, for example, Task 5.
3. On the Task tab, in Editing group, click Scroll to Task.

7. 4. Click the Start column heading. On the Format tab, in the Columns group, click Insert
Column. Click on the Assignment Units when the list of fields appeared.
Click the Start column heading. On the Format tab, in the Columns group, click Insert Column.
Click on the Peak when the list of fields appeared.

8. 5. In the duration field of Task 5, key-in 20d and press Enter.
6. Point at Task 5’s duration field and click Action button. Select the Resources will work fewer
hours per day, so the task will take longer.

9. 7. Select Task 13. On the Task tab, in Editing group, click Scroll to Task. On the Task tab, in
Properties group, click Information.
Click Advanced tab. On the Task type box, select the Fixed Duration option. Click OK.
In Work field for Task 13, key-in 150h and press Enter.

10. Exercise 3 - Entering Fixed Costs
1. On the View tab, in the Task Views group, click on the Other Views and click Task Sheet.
On the View tab, in the Data group, click Tables, and then click Cost.
In the Fixed Cost field for Task 12, key-in 500, and press the Tab key.

11. Exercise 4 – Setting Up A Recurring Task
1. On the View tab, in Task Views group, click Gantt Chart.
2. Select Task 1. On the Task tab, in the Insert group, click arrow below the Task button and
then click Recurring Task.
A Recurring Task Information dialog box will appear. In the Task Name box, key-in Weekly
Meeting. Duration, 1h. Select Weekly and Monday. Select date on the Start and End box. Click
OK.
3. Verify Task 1 and select it. On the Resource tab, in the Assignments group, click Assign
Resources.

12. 4. Click name, and hold down Ctrl key while clicking other names. Then click Assign, then click
Close.
Exersice 5 - Viewing the Project’s Critical Path
1. On the View tab, in the Task Views group, click arrow below the Gantt Chart button and click
More Views.
2. In the More Views dialog box, select Detail Gantt and click Apply.

13. 3. On the View tab, in the Zoom group, click Entire Project.
4. To view the Gantt Chart, go to the View tab, in the Task Views group, click the arrow below
the Gantt Chart button and select Gantt Chart.

14. Exercise 6 – Scheduling Summary Tasks Manually
1. On the View tab, in the Data group, click Outline and then click Outline Level 1.
All subtask and nested summary task will be hidden. Only the top-level tasks will be visible.
2. On the View tab, in the Zoom group, click Entire Project. The minus sign next to the
summary task had changed to plus sign indicating that the subtasks were hidden. The
duration of the individual tasks will be easily viewed and compared.
3. Type 30d in the duration field of Task 11 and press Enter.
4. Type 50d in the duration field of Task 24 and press Enter.
5. On the View tab, in the Data group, click Outline, and click All Subtasks.
6. Click the minus sign next to the name of recurring Task 1. The recurring task will be
collapsed.

15. Exercise 7 – Inactivating Tasks
1. Select the name of Task 18. On the Task tab, in the Schedule group, click Inactivate.
After inactivate:
2. The task can be reactivate simply by clicking the Inactivate button again.