Looking for basic project management software for a Mac

[Anastasius]

Any recommendations ?

We're moving to a new old house and what something fairly high-level just to map out a rough overview of what needs to be done, when and in what sequence. There are a few freebies in the App Store but as far as I can see all need Yosemite or later. I prefer Mavericks.

[MrGongGong]

A4 squared paper
& Supercollider

[Dave2002]

Maybe this might help - http://blog.capterra.com/free-open-s...ment-software/

I suppose a few issues might be

Cross platform
Off line use
Cost
Privacy etc.

[Globaltruth]

Any recommendations ?

We're moving to a new old house and what something fairly high-level just to map out a rough overview of what needs to be done, when and in what sequence. There are a few freebies in the App Store but as far as I can see all need Yosemite or later. I prefer Mavericks.

I don't know your requirements so can only suggest based on what we used when we moved a few years back - basic spreadsheet software (ok, it was Excel), this was because only 2 of us needed to use it, and, as is so often the way, it wasn't the technology that delivered the project ...

[task on LH axis, dates across top, comments box on the right where we defined dependencies/pre-reqs/co-reqs/resources]

hope that helps?

[Anastasius]

Maybe this might help - http://blog.capterra.com/free-open-s...ment-software/

I suppose a few issues might be

Cross platform
Off line use
Cost
Privacy etc.

Many thanks, Dave. Very useful starting point as I'd not thought about web-based ones. You know my views re privacy !!

[Anastasius]

I don't know your requirements so can only suggest based on what we used when we moved a few years back - basic spreadsheet software (ok, it was Excel), this was because only 2 of us needed to use it, and, as is so often the way, it wasn't the technology that delivered the project ...

[task on LH axis, dates across top, comments box on the right where we defined dependencies/pre-reqs/co-reqs/resources]

hope that helps?

Mmmm...I like that idea as well. Many thanks for suggesting it.

[Dave2002]

Many thanks, Dave. Very useful starting point as I'd not thought about web-based ones. You know my views re privacy !!

I don't think they are all exclusively web based. MeisterTask seems to be Mac/Mavericks compatible.

Don't know if it's any good, though.

[MrGongGong]

Don't you just need a spreadsheet ?
What else is needed anyway?
All the dates, priority etc can be done in this way and even linked to a calendar if you need

And save the "high level" stuff for making squeaky-gate music

[Anastasius]

Hard to see how a spreadsheet can show dependencies.

[MrGongGong]

Hard to see how a spreadsheet can show dependencies.

You mean you can't have a simple list ?
Like this

1: Have idea
2: Get commission, talk to Opera director
3: Draft score
4: Talk to Opera director
5: Revise score
6: Make parts
7: Panic because you think it's a bit shit
8: Go to 1st rehearsal and realise it's not bad but needs revising in a few places

and so on ?

What's the problem

1: dig foundations
2: pur concrete
3: wait

etc etc

???

Methinks you might be over egging the complexity (a guess though)
People who know how to do the spreadsheet thing well can make all sorts of things conditional (which is, I guess?, what you mean?)

[Anastasius]

No, if all I wanted was a list then I'd use TextEdit!

Your example is linear and has no dependencies.

To give you an example ...one wall (of a stone construction) has had the render removed. Do we replace it or not? There is an ugly external flue goes up on the outside of the house on that wall. Ideally we'd like to move the flue into the actual chimney flue and so out of sight. But before we do that we need to have a camera inspection of the flue. It might be kinked or not large enough. Then there are Building Regulations to consider. Damn stupid idiots have deemed that render is a thermal element and so theoretically if one is re-rendering then you have to either use a very thick thermal render outside...not very sensible on a period property or have to lose several inches off the internal dimensions of every room that shares that external wall, by stripping off whatever plaster there might be, adding thick Kingspan, adding plasterboard, then re-plastering then re-decorating. Bloody stupid idea IMO.

I've had a look at workflow charting software but a bit of a steep learning curve. Funnily enough, I'm currently playing around with a Mind Map program which admittedly doesn't do dependencies but is very visual and works well as an aide-memoire/basis for discussion etc. Plus colour coding 'bubbles' means that I can assign work to me or external contractors.

[Dave2002]

You mean you can't have a simple list ?
Like this

1: Have idea
2: Get commission, talk to Opera director
3: Draft score
4: Talk to Opera director
5: Revise score
6: Make parts
7: Panic because you think it's a bit shit
8: Go to 1st rehearsal and realise it's not bad but needs revising in a few places

and so on ?

What's the problem

1: dig foundations
2: pur concrete
3: wait

etc etc

???

Methinks you might be over egging the complexity (a guess though)
People who know how to do the spreadsheet thing well can make all sorts of things conditional (which is, I guess?, what you mean?)

Depends on the overall complexity. Critical path software can be used to confirm or estimate the overall time, and to spot slack in the timings. If specialists are needed for some tasks, then getting them scheduled correctly can be very useful, and avoid time delays or unwanted charges. Some projects can't become operational until officially signed off, and the same may happen for intermediate stages. There can also be functional dependencies e.g. Build walls Then put on roof, though some houses have walls which are non supportive.

Small projects could be done with pencil and paper, and common sense, but larger projects may be too complex.

[MrGongGong]

Small projects could be done with pencil and paper, and common sense, but larger projects may be too complex.

Like this you mean ?
I wonder what software they used ?

[MrGongGong]

No, if all I wanted was a list then I'd use TextEdit!

Your example is linear and has no dependencies.

To give you an example ...one wall (of a stone construction) has had the render removed. Do we replace it or not? There is an ugly external flue goes up on the outside of the house on that wall. Ideally we'd like to move the flue into the actual chimney flue and so out of sight. But before we do that we need to have a camera inspection of the flue. It might be kinked or not large enough. Then there are Building Regulations to consider. Damn stupid idiots have deemed that render is a thermal element and so theoretically if one is re-rendering then you have to either use a very thick thermal render outside...not very sensible on a period property or have to lose several inches off the internal dimensions of every room that shares that external wall, by stripping off whatever plaster there might be, adding thick Kingspan, adding plasterboard, then re-plastering then re-decorating. Bloody stupid idea IMO.

I've had a look at workflow charting software but a bit of a steep learning curve. Funnily enough, I'm currently playing around with a Mind Map program which admittedly doesn't do dependencies but is very visual and works well as an aide-memoire/basis for discussion etc. Plus colour coding 'bubbles' means that I can assign work to me or external contractors.

I really fail to see your problem
This is much simpler than sorting out a short orchestral piece, it's score and it's parts
Yes, some things are dependent on others and might make a difference (my "dependency" is like usually 2 rehearsals and 1 tam tam OR 1 rehearsal and 4 tam tams)

You might decide that these "dependencies" are huge problems but any simple operation has them as well (I can't think until i've had coffee, is there enough coffee?)
Your example seems very simple to me, some things need to wait until you find stuff out (does the 2nd clarinet player have an Eb one?) what's the big deal?
You can make a simple spreadsheet if you want that copes with this IF you are so inclined (and do multiple sheets with formulas etc)

[Anastasius]

I really fail to see your problem
This is much simpler than sorting out a short orchestral piece, it's score and it's parts
Yes, some things are dependent on others and might make a difference (my "dependency" is like usually 2 rehearsals and 1 tam tam OR 1 rehearsal and 4 tam tams)

You might decide that these "dependencies" are huge problems but any simple operation has them as well (I can't think until i've had coffee, is there enough coffee?)
Your example seems very simple to me, some things need to wait until you find stuff out (does the 2nd clarinet player have an Eb one?) what's the big deal?
You can make a simple spreadsheet if you want that copes with this IF you are so inclined (and do multiple sheets with formulas etc)

Well, since you are failing to see the problem then there is little point in you participating any further in this thread, I hope.