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To create an initial iteration plan in Microsoft Project

The initial iteration plan is a critical part of planning each iteration. After you have created the first iteration or iteration 0, subsequent iterations follow a pattern.

Steps

1

In the Microsoft Project task list, collapse all of the subtasks under the single summary tasks. Type "Iteration n+1" in the empty task slot below the collapsed summary task, where iteration n is the previous iteration that was just collapsed. Make sure the "Iteration n+1" task is fully outdented.

2

Link the n and n+1 iterations by selecting both tasks and clicking the chain icon for linking tasks on the toolbar. The "finish to start" relationship should appear in the Gantt chart.

3

Look for the "Publish and Refresh" column in the task list. Set the value "Do Not Publish" for the iteration task.

4

In Visual Studio Team System, be sure that any scenario or quality of service requirement work items scheduled for the iteration have the "Exit Criteria" flag set to "Yes."

5

On the Microsoft Project toolbar, click "Get Work Items". From the "Get Work Items" dialog box, choose the "Query" radio button. From the selection list to the right of the radio button, choose the query "Project Checklist."

6

Press the "run" button. The new work items should appear in the dialog box. Close the "Get Work Items" dialog box by clicking the "OK" button. The work items should be transferred into the project plan.

7

Select the new work items and press the right arrow button to move them into the iteration.

8

Select the tasks below the iteration, right-click, and select "Task Information" from the menu. On the "Advanced" tab, change "Task type" to "Fixed Duration" and set "Duration" to the iteration length.

9

On the File menu, click Save to save the file to the project portal.

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