Hi,

Today I will explain how to use Manually Scheduled Summary Tasks and its Subtasks in MS PROJECT 2013

First I will create new Project, and then I will create one Manually Scheduled Summary Task, like in picture below:

Now I will create three Subtasks, and I will link them:

Finally I will make those Tasks as Subtasks:

and I will get:

Notice that there is a difference between Summary Tasks, and Subtasks, because Summary Task is supposed to have 5 days duration (manually entered), but auto schedule (Subtasks), are supposed to have 7 days duration. Finish date has red underline, and on the left side of the Screen there is a red bar, which warn me that something is wrong:

If I hoover mouse under Finish date field I will get:

So I will Right-click at the Finish date field, and I will get:

I will choose: Fix in Task Inspector, and I will get:

As you can see I have two options:

1. Move Finish date: It will move finish date to 19.05.2015, which is proper date, according to Schedule, but it will keep Summary Task in Manually Scheduled mode
2. Auto Schedule: It will switch Task from Manually to Auto Scheduled mode, and move the date to the 19.05.2015, as well

The real question is: Why should anyone has Summary Task in Manually scheduled mode? The answer is very Simple: In planning phase you can have top-down approach, so you will first plan your Summary Tasks, and then you will see the “real” situation, when you will now much more about tasks which should be done to accomplish Summary Tasks. After you see a difference, you should decide what are you going to do. Are you cut the Scope, or maybe crash or fast track your tasks, or you will extend the whole duration. Whatever you do remember this advice: When you are finished with planning phase, and before you save your plan as a Baseline, turn all Summary Task  to Auto Mode. It is best approach!

Regards

1.