6 steps from project scope to schedule

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6 Steps from Project Scope to Schedule with MindGenius by Andrew Makar


Process of translating project scope into an actionable task can be a tedious one

MindGenius solves this problem in 6 easy steps


MindGenius takes results of brainstorming session and helps you organize thoughts and ideas

Step 1. Brainstorm the project scope


Fig. 1 Brainstorm Project Scope

In Figure 1, MindGenius was used to collect and organize project requirements


Use a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to define the scope

In MindGenius, Select Home - Map Layouts and select the affinity map layout to change the map layout (Figure 2)


Fig. 2 WBS


Assign dependencies between the tasks in the Work Breakdown Structure.

Select Tasks - Gantt View from the MindGenius navigation bar

In the Predecessors column, enter the task number of the preceding tasks which will adjust the Gantt chart (Figure 3).

Step 2. Assign task dependencies in the Gantt Chart view


Fig. 3 Gantt Chart Sequencing


Tasks can be added, removed and moved throughout the task outline

Any change to the tasks in this view will also be reflected in the mind map view

This means project managers can choose the view that makes the most sense for the job


The next step is to estimate the duration of the tasks

Clicking on a task will allow the user to adjust task parameters i.e. start dates, finish dates, milestones and costs.

Step 3. Estimate task duration


Fig. 4 Duration Estimation


Define project team and assign them to specific tasks.

Double click on the Resource column and select Edit Resource List.

Step 4. Assign resources to tasks


Fig. 5 Define the project team


Team members can be assigned to a specific task by clicking on the check box (Figure 6)

Track specific work and team member progress


Fig. 6 Assign team members to tasks


Fig. 7 Assign Resources in Gantt View


Project manager can switch back to the mind map view (Figure 8)

Fig. 8 Resource Assignment Map View


By selecting the Task - Create Resource Map button, tasks will be organised by resource

Navigate and filter map by resource using the Map Explorer

Step 5. Create a Resource Map and filter for Resource Assignments


Fig. 9 Resource Map


Small project – MindGenius can manage schedule

Larger project - entire mind map can be exported to Microsoft Project.

Milestones, start, finish dates, resources and costs will all easily export to the Microsoft Project schedule.

Step 6. Export to Microsoft Project for detailed schedule development (optional)


In 6 easy steps, project managers can define project scope and generate a meaningful project schedule within a single tool.

Fig. 10 MS Project Export


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6 steps from project scope to schedule

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