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Fix Microsoft Project Fixed Work Task Duration Changes After Resource Units Change
Question details
The user needs to understand why a task configured as Fixed Work automatically changes its duration when the resource assignment percentage is modified, and wants to know if this is a software bug.
- Product
- Microsoft Project 2019
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Modifying resource assignment units (e.g., changing assignment to 10%) on a task configured as Fixed Work.
- Observed behavior
- The task duration automatically changes instead of the work remaining entirely static, causing confusion over whether the software is malfunctioning.
Before altering task types or resource assignment percentages, ensure you have saved a baseline or backup of your current project schedule to easily revert any unintended scheduling shifts.
Review Task Type and Utilize Scheduling Prompts
Understand Microsoft Project's scheduling formula and use the smart tag options to control how duration and work are adjusted.
This behavior is expected in Microsoft Project and is not a bug. Project relies on the scheduling formula: Work = Duration x Units. If a task is set to Fixed Work and you modify the Units (assignment percentage), Project must automatically adjust the Duration to keep the equation balanced.
While task types provide scheduling parameters, they are not completely rigid. Project provides on-the-fly options to override default recalculations when you make changes.
Change the resource assignment percentage for the Fixed Work task to your desired level (e.g., 10%).
Immediately after pressing Enter to confirm the percentage change, look for the small smart tag icon (Action button) that appears next to the modified field.
Click the smart tag to view the available scheduling recalculation options. By default, Project chooses to change the duration. To prevent this, select the option to keep the duration fixed and change the work instead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Fixed Work mean in Microsoft Project?
A Fixed Work task is a setting where the total amount of effort required to complete a task remains constant, regardless of changes to duration or resource assignment units. However, modifying the assignment units will force Project to recalculate the duration.
Why did my task duration change automatically when I reduced resource units?
Microsoft Project uses the formula Work = Duration x Units. If you lock Work (Fixed Work) and reduce the Units (assignment percentage), Project must automatically increase the Duration to ensure the assigned resources have enough time to complete the fixed amount of work.
How do I stop Microsoft Project from changing my task duration?
When you modify a resource assignment, click the Action smart tag that appears nearby and manually select the option to change the work while keeping the duration fixed. Alternatively, change the task type to 'Fixed Duration' before adjusting the resource units.
