Project task types

Often I get confused about kind of task to pickup while adding tasks in project. More than confusion it is like self-contradiction.

Today I thought of making my own notes about ‘Fixed Type’, ‘Fixed Duration’, Fixed Work’ kind of tasks with “Effort Driven” option. This is very much subjective in nature and differs in different contexts.  But having a context as a reference can help making better judgment.

Fixed Units

Let us assume a scenario

Need following kind of resources to perform a task
1) Architect - 1 - 50%
2) Development Lead - 1 - 100%
3) Full-time developers - 2 - 100%
4) Test Lead - 1 - 100%
5) Full-time testers - 2 - 100%
6) Tech writer - 1 - 50%
7) Designer - 1    - 25%

Initial estimate to complete this task is 10 days.

After 4 days, team realizes that it actually takes 2 additional days(total of 12 days) to complete the task.

Without "effort driven" option
All resources will be charged for 12 days as per units (%), thus increasing cost of the task. Even adding additional resources will not help in completing task within 10 days.

With "effort driven" option
There is a possibility to add resources in order to complete task within 10 days. However the total cost of the task will be same as above.

These are such tasks where we hard-lock resources and monitor duration. As task progresses and understanding of task improves, "effort driven" option can be exercised to meet schedules by adding more resources. But this is not commonly practiced for this kind of tasks.

Summary

Here cost of task and duration(within permissible period) is dynamic but resource availability is constrained. Normally core team is assigned with Fixed unit kind of tasks.

Fixed Work

In this mode "Effort Driven" option is default and can not be changed.

These are such types of tasks where know-how is well known but resource availability is not fixed. Moreover these type of tasks can span across comfortable durations. If target date gets postponed, resources become free accordingly. For some reason if work-effort increases or work-units reduce, duration increases accordingly.

Summary

Here cost of task is fixed but duration is dynamic (within acceptable period). Duration can be minimized based on resource availability.

Fixed duration

These are time constrained tasks. Where we start with experts and try to demystify complications as soon as possible. Then exercise "Effort Driven" option to meet target dates by adding additional resources.

Summary

Here duration is fixed but cost and resources are not constrained. Theses are like “support” kind of tasks where business continuity is involved.