PSM #11: The Task

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PSM #11: The Task may be found here.

Task

• defintion
  • The task is the smallest practical unit of work in the plan.
  • The task is the basic building block for our plans.
  • A task represents the effort of one individual to produce an observable and necessary result.
• Attributes
  • A plan is build on tasks.
    • These tasks are sequenced.
      These tasks are networked in dependent relationships.
      On the map from ehre to there, tasks are the intermediate stops–but not milestones.
      Milestones represent the completion of a significant and related collection of tasks representing some aggregate value or utility.
    • Tasks are SMART
  • • They are specific.
      • Who, what, when, where, and why.
      • The why is important–it provides motivation!!
      • They are written. Remember planning is writing, not thinking.
    • They are measurable.
      • they have an evidence procedures, something to be measured.
      • Tasks allow us to track progress to our goals, since we can measure them.
    • They are attainable.
      • Ideally, taks are challenging to the assigned individual.
      • But they ware within the capabilities of the organization or person.
    • They are realistic.
      • Tasks are congruent with other goals.
      • Tasks are valuable to us.
    • Tasks are time based.
  • Tasks have effort associated with them.
    • Zero effort tasks are milestones.
    • From effort, we calculate the duration of the task.
    • From the duration and network, programs like Microsoft Project calculate start and end dates.
  • A task exists in one of sevral states.
    • Not started.
    • In progress.
    • Complete.
    • Late.
    • These states are observable.
• The status of the plan is derived from the tasks.
  • Task % complete is irrelevant. It is difficult to estimate the degree to which a task is complete.
  • Any task in progress could take forever.
  • A plan is only as complete as the sum of its completed tasks.
    • example: 100 hrs effort. Completed tasks sum to 50 hours, then the plan is 50% complete.
• Tasks ideally done by one person.
  • If assigned to one person, we can establish responsibility, authority, and accountability.
  • We must delegate responsibility, authority, and accountability.
  • If we don’t, then the person assigned the tasks does not have the necessary tools to complete it.

Craig @ March 14, 2006