Sub Tasks

OVERVIEW

Sub Tasks are the lowest level of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). They are simple checklist actions that must be completed for the task to be completed successfully. They provide project managers and stakeholders with more information about the task. The process of creating a WBS involves decomposing activities into smaller, more manageable parts.

A common way to differentiate between a task and a subtask is by using the 8 to 80 rule. If the activity is estimated to take between 8 and 80 hours, it may be a task. If the activity is estimated to take less time than 8 hours, it may be a sub task. Some examples of sub tasks are: scheduling a meeting or booking a meeting room. This rule may not apply to all of tasks and sub tasks 100% or the time, so use best judgement and organizational design standards when and where appropriate.

USING SUB TASKS

Create Sub Tasks

Sub Tasks are created by clicking on “Enter List Item,” typing in a sub task, then hitting enter on the keyboard. Hit enter after each task, then click “Save” when complete.

Reordering Sub Tasks

Sub Tasks can be re-ordered as needed. This is done using a simple click and drag process:

  1. Select a task
  2. Click and hold on the stacked lines icon to the left of the sub task name
  3. Drag the sub task to change the order
  4. Let go when in desired position.

Advanced Sub Task Overlay

The advanced sub-task overlay allows for further detail to be added to the sub-task. Click the Advanced Edit button to access the Advanced Sub Task Edit overlay. From the overlay you can:

  • Mark sub tasks as complete
  • Provide/edit a description,
  • Add sub-tasks.

The fields chosen to display and their order on the overlay is controlled by the Advanced Edit field set on the Project Sub-Task object. For information on how to, please see Admin Guide: Configure Advanced Sub-Task Overlay

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