Adaptable integrated-content product development system

• US 20030018511A1
• Filed: 05/22/2002
• Published: 01/23/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/15/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Barbara A. Bicknell, Kris D. Bicknell
• Original Assignee: Barbara A. Bicknell, Kris D. Bicknell
• Inventors: Bicknell, Kris D., Bicknell, Barbara A.
• Application Number:
  US10/152,717
• Publication Number:
  US 20030018511A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/9
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0631 Resource planning, allocation, distributing or scheduling for enterprises or organisations
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0635 Risk analysis of enterprise or organisation activities
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/80 Management or planning

Abstract

A product development system having application with respect to products and services across multiple industries and markets which reduces development time and increases probability of product or service success. The invention focuses on apparatus and methods of integrating sufficient information into product development cycles to help ensure successful product creation, and to help ensure that the product development cycle may be successfully repeated with respect to the development of additional products and services. A computer implement product planning tool provides a main project planning application having a hierarchical product planning architecture configured to be interactive with project planning tool user.

Claims

1. A computer implemented project planning system, comprising:

a. a computer implemented content loaded project planning template generator which creates a plurality of content loaded project planning templates;

b. a hierarchical project planning architecture organizational element which operates on said plurality of content loaded project planning templates;

c. a computerized project planning tool which acts upon said content loaded project planning templates as they are organized into said hierarchical project planning architecture; and

d. a computer implemented user interaction element to which said computerized project planning tool is responsive and with which a computerized project planning tool user may interact.

2. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 1, further comprising a computer implemented task content index generator configured to generate a task content index within plurality of content loaded project planning templates.

3. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 2, further comprising a selectable linked task content generator configured to generate a selectable linked task content within said task content index.

4. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 3, wherein said selectable linked task content generator comprises a task activity description element.

5. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 3, wherein said selectable linked task content generator comprises a basis of estimate generator.

6. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 3, wherein said selectable linked task content generator comprises an output generator.

7. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 3, wherein said selectable linked task content generator comprises an input generator.

8. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 3, wherein said selectable linked task content generator comprises a guide generator.

9. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 3, wherein said selectable linked task content generator comprises a risk/risk mitigation generator.

10. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 3, wherein said selectable linked task content generator comprises a process measure and product measure generator.

11. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 3, wherein said selectable linked task content generator comprises a task progress generator.

12. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 3, wherein said selectable linked task content generator comprises a lessons learned generator.

13. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 3, wherein said selectable linked task content generator comprises a courses generator.

14. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 13, further comprising a dependency generator.

15. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 14, wherein said dependency generator capable of a dependency between said selectable linked task content of at least two of said plurality of content loaded project planning templates.

16. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 1, further comprising a computer implemented task generator, wherein said task generator generates at least one task and further comprising a tailor element to which at least one said task is responsive.

17. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 16, and further comprising a tailored task detail memory element which is responsive to said tailor element and to which is responsive said content loaded project planning templates.

18. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 17, and further comprising an update element to which is responsive to said tailor element and to which is responsive said computerized project planning tool.

19. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 1, wherein said hierarchical project planning architecture organizational element further comprises a selectable task list generator.

20. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 19, wherein said hierarchical project planning architecture organizational element further comprises a skill set selector.

21. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 20, wherein said hierarchical project planning architecture organizational element further comprises a product development phase selector.

22. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 21, wherein said hierarchical project planning architecture organizational element further comprises a product development phase selector which selects from the group consisting of Concept Definition;

System Definition;

Design;

Design Validation;

Fabrication, Assembly, Integration, Test (FAIT); and

Production-Customer Support.

23. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 1, wherein said computer implemented user interaction element to which said computerized project planning tool is responsive comprises a project planning prompt generator which guides said computerized project planning tool user through said hierarchical project planning architecture.

24. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 23, wherein said project planning prompt generator which guides said computerized project planning tool user through said hierarchical project planning architecture comprises a vertical hierarchical project planning prompt generator.

25. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 23, wherein said project planning prompt generator which guides said computerized project planning tool user through said hierarchical project planning architecture comprises a content loaded horizontal hierarchical project planning prompt generator.

27. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 26, further comprising the step of generating a project planning task content index within said at least one content loaded project planning task.

28. Computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 27, further comprising the step of generating selectable linked task content within said project planning task index.

29. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 28, wherein said step of generating selectable linked task content within said project planning task index comprises generating a task activity description.

30. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 28, wherein said step of generating selectable linked task content within said project planning task index comprises generating a basis of estimate.

31. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 28, wherein said step of generating selectable linked task content within said project planning task index comprises generating outputs.

32. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 28, wherein said step of generating selectable linked task content within said project planning task index comprises generating inputs.

33. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 28, wherein said step of generating selectable linked task content within said project planning task index comprises generating guides.

34. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 28, wherein said step of generating selectable linked task content within said project planning task index comprises generating risk/risk mitigations.

35. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 28, wherein said step of generating selectable linked task content within said project planning task index comprises generating process measures and product measures.

36. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 28, wherein said step of generating selectable linked task content within said project planning task index comprises generating lessons learned.

37. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 28, wherein said step of generating selectable linked task content within said project planning task index comprises generating task progress.

38. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 28, wherein said step of generating selectable linked task content within said project planning task index comprises courses.

39. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 38, further comprises the step of generating dependency.

40. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 39, wherein said step of generating dependency comprises generating a dependency between said selectable linked task content of at least two of said plurality of content loaded project planning templates.

41. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in any one of claims 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, further comprising the step of tailoring task details of said selectable linked content loaded project planning task by said computerized project planning tool user.

42. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 41, further comprising the step of saving tailored task details.

43. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 42, further comprising the step of updating said computerized project planning tool with said tailored task details.

44. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 26, wherein said step of organizing said content loaded project planning templates into a hierarchical project planning architecture further comprises the step of generating selectable task lists.

45. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 44, wherein said step of organizing said content loaded project planning templates into hierarchical project planning architecture further comprises the step of generating selectable skill sets.

46. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 45, wherein said step of organizing said content loaded project planning templates into a hierarchical project planning architecture further comprises generating selectable product development phases.

47. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 46, wherein said step of generating selectable product development phases comprises generating product development phases selected from the group consisting of Concept Definition;

System Definition;

Design;

Design Validation;

Fabrication, Assembly, Integration, Test (FAIT); and

Production-Customer Support.

48. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 26, wherein said step of configuring said computerized project planning tool to interact with a computerized project planning tool user comprises generating project planning prompts to guide said computerized project planning tool user through said hierarchical project planning architecture.

49. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 48, wherein said step of generating project planning prompts to guide said computerized project planning tool user through said hierarchical project planning architecture comprises vertical hierarchical project planning prompts.

50. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 48, wherein said step of generating project planning prompts to guide said computerized project planning tool user through said hierarchical project planning architecture comprises content loaded horizontal hierarchical project planning prompts.

26. A computer implemented method of project planning, comprising the steps of:

a. generating content loaded project planning templates;

b. organizing said content loaded project planning templates into a hierarchical project planning architecture;

c. maintaining said content loaded project planning templates organized into said hierarchical project planning architecture within a computerized project planning tool; and

d. configuring said computerized project planning tool to interact with a computerized project planning tool user.

51. A content loaded project plan prepared by a computer implemented method of project planning as described in any one of claims 26, 27, 28, 39, 40, 44, 45, 46

52. A computer implemented project planning system, comprising:

a. a computer implemented navigator having computerized project planning prompts which guides a project planning tool user through a hierarchical project planning architecture;

b. a planning prompt generator;

c. a task list access element

d. a task list generator responsive to said task list access element having selectable task generators;

e. a content loaded project planning template responsive to said task generator;

f. a guide element having task content relative to said content loaded project planning template;

g. a task detail tailor element to which tailored task details are responsive and to which said content loaded project planning template is responsive;

h. a prompt element to which said task detail tailor element is responsive;

i. a tailored task detail memory element; and

j. a content loaded project planning template generator which generates at least one content loaded project planning template having tailored task details.

53. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 52, wherein said guide element having task content relative to said content loaded project planning template further comprises a task content selector having a task content index.

54. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 53, wherein said task content index comprises a task activity description selector.

55. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 53, wherein said task content index comprises a basis of estimate selector.

56. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 53, wherein said task content index comprises an output selector.

57. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 53, wherein said task content index comprises an input selector.

58. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 53, wherein said task content index comprises a guide selector.

59. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 53, wherein said task content index comprises a process measure and product measures selector.

60. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 53, wherein said task content index comprises a task progress selector.

61. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 53, wherein said task content index comprises a risk/risk mitigation selector.

62. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 53, wherein said task content index comprises a lessons learned selector.

63. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 53, wherein said task content index comprises a course selector.

64. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 53, wherein said task detail tailor element to which said content loaded project planning template is responsive comprises an activity description tailor element.

65. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 64, wherein said task detail tailor element to which said content loaded project planning template is responsive comprises a basis of estimate tailor element.

66. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 65, wherein said task detail tailor element to which said content loaded project planning template is responsive comprises an output tailor element.

67. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 65, wherein said task detail tailor element to which said content loaded project planning template is responsive comprises an input tailor element

68. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 65, wherein said task detail tailor element to which said content loaded project planning template is responsive comprises an guides tailor element.

69. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 65, wherein said task detail tailor element to which said content loaded project planning template is responsive comprises a task progress tailor element.

70. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 65, wherein said task detail tailor element to which said content loaded project planning template is responsive comprises a risks/risk mitigation tailor element.

71. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 65, wherein said task detail tailor element to which said content loaded project planning template is responsive comprises a process and product measures tailor element.

72. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 65, wherein said task detail tailor element to which said content loaded project planning template is responsive comprises a lessons learned tailor element.

73. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 65, wherein said task detail tailor element to which said content loaded project planning template is responsive comprises a courses tailor element.

74. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 52, wherein said task list access element comprises a hierarchical level selector having at least one product development phase.

75. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 74, wherein said hierarchical level selector selects from the group consisting of Concept Definition;

System Definition;

Design;

Design Validation;

Fabrication, Assembly, Integration, Test (FAIT); and

Production-Customer Support.

76. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 75, and further comprising a skill set selector.

77. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 52, and further comprising a tailored task detail export element to which a computerized project scheduling tool is responsive.

78. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 77, and further comprising a tailored task detail population element.

79. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 77, wherein said tailored task detail export element further comprises a link preservation element which is responsive to said tailored task detail export element.

80. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 79, wherein said link preservation element is further responsive to said tailored task detail population element.

81. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 80, and further comprising a tailored task detail deletion element and wherein said link preservation element is further responsive to said tailored task detail deletion element.

82. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 77, wherein said tailored task detail export element further comprises a dependency preservation element which is responsive to said tailored task detail export element.

83. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 82, wherein said dependency preservation element is further responsive to said tailored task detail population element.

84. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 83, wherein said dependency preservation element is further responsive to said tailored task detail deletion element.

85. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 52, and further comprising a ownership assignment element responsive to at least one content loaded task.

86. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 52, and further comprising a task assignment notification element.

87. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 86, and further comprising an additional task detail generator which communicates to at least one other computer user and responsive to at least one content loaded task.

88. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 87, and further comprising an additional task detail approval element.

89. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 88, and further comprising a filter responsive to said content loaded tasks.

90. A computer implemented method of project planning, comprising the steps of:

a. navigating at least one project planning tool user through a computer implemented hierarchial project planning architecture having computerized project planning prompts;

b. accessing a selectable task list having tasks;

c. prompting at least one planning project user to select at least one task from said selectable task list;

d. generating at least one content loaded project planning template responsive to said at least one task;

e. guiding said at least one project planning tool user with task content within said at least one content loaded project planning template;

f. prompting said at least one project planning tool user to tailor task details of said task content within said at least one content loaded project planning template;

g. tailoring said task details of said task content within said at least one content loaded project planning template;

h. saving tailored task details to memory of said at least one computerized project planning tool; and

i. generating a content loaded project planning template having tailored task details.

91. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 90, wherein said step of guiding said at least one project planning tool user with task content within said at least one content loaded project planning template comprises tutoring with selectable task content within a task content index.

92. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 91, wherein said step of guiding with selectable task content within a task content index comprises selecting a task description.

93. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 91, wherein said step of guiding with selectable task content within a task content index comprises selecting content a basis of estimate.

94. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 91, wherein said step of guiding with selectable task content within a task content index comprises selecting outputs.

95. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 91, wherein said step of guiding with selectable task content within a task content index comprises selecting inputs.

96. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 91, wherein said step of guiding with selectable task content within a task content index comprises selecting guides.

97. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 91, wherein said step of guiding with selectable task content within a task content index comprises selecting process measures and process measures.

98. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 91, wherein said step of guiding with selectable task content within a task content index comprises selecting product task progress.

99. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 91, wherein said step of guiding with selectable task content within a task content index comprises selecting risk/risk mitigations.

100. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 91, wherein said step of guiding with selectable task content within a task content index comprises selecting lessons learned.

101. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 91, wherein said step of guiding with selectable task content within a task content index comprises selecting courses.

102. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 90, wherein said step of tailoring said task content within said at least one content loaded project planning template comprises tailoring activity descriptions.

103. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 102, wherein said step of tailoring said task content within said at least one content loaded project planning template comprises tailoring said basis of estimate.

104. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 102, wherein said step of tailoring said task content within said at least one content loaded project planning template comprises tailoring said outputs.

105. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 102, wherein said step of tailoring said task content within said at least one content loaded project planning template comprises tailoring said inputs.

106. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 102, wherein said step of tailoring said task content within said at least one content loaded project planning template comprises tailoring said guides.

107. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 102, wherein said step of tailoring said task content within said at least one content loaded project planning template comprises tailoring said risks/risk mitigation.

108. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 102, wherein said step of tailoring said task content within said at least one content loaded project planning template comprises tailoring said product measures and process measures.

109. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 102, wherein said step of tailoring said task content within said at least one content loaded project planning template comprises tailoring said task progress.

110. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 102, wherein said step of tailoring said task content within said at least one content loaded project planning template comprises tailoring said lessons learned.

111. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 102, wherein said step of tailoring said task content within said at least one content loaded project planning template comprises tailoring said courses.

112. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 90, wherein said step of accessing a task list comprises selecting a product development phase.

113. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 112, wherein said step of selecting a product development phase comprises selecting from the group consisting of Concept Definition;

System Definition;

Design;

Design Validation;

Fabrication, Assembly, Integration, Test (FAIT);

Production-Customer Support.

114. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 112, further comprising the step of selecting a skill set.

115. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 114, further comprising the step of selecting a task list.

116. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 114, further comprising the step of selecting a task.

117. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 90, further comprising generating links between said tailored task details.

118. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 90, further comprising generating dependency between said tailored task details.

119. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 90, further comprising the step of exporting said tailored task details from said computerized project planning tool to a computerized project scheduling tool.

120. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 119, further comprising the step of populating said computerized project scheduling tool with said tailored task details.

121. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 119, wherein said step of exporting said tailored task details from said computerized project planning tool to a computerized project scheduling tool further comprises the step of preserving links between said tailored task details during export to said computerized project scheduling tool.

122. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 121, further comprising the step of preserving links between said tailored task details after populating said computerized project scheduling tool with said task details.

123. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 122, further comprising the step of preserving links between said tailored task details upon deleting at least one tailored task detail.

124. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 122, wherein said step of exporting said tailored task details from said computerized project planning tool to a computerized project scheduling tool further comprises the step of preserving dependency between said tailored task details during export to said computerized project scheduling tool.

125. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 121, further comprising the step of preserving dependency between said tailored task details after populating said computerized project scheduling tool with said task details.

126. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 121, further comprising the step of preserving dependency between remaining tailored task details after deleting at least one task detail.

127. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 90, further comprising the step of assigning ownership of at least one task by said project planning tool user to another project planning tool user.

128. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 90, further comprising the step of notifying said another project planning tool user of a task assignment.

129. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 128, further comprising the step of adding additional task details to said task content by said another project planning tool user assigned said at least one task.

130. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 129, further comprising the step of approving said additional task details.

131. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 130, further comprising the step of filtering said content loaded tasks.

133. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 132, further comprising a link generator responsive to said plurality of task details.

134. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 133, wherein said link generator further comprises a link preservation element.

135. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 134, wherein said link preservation element acts automatically upon deleting a task detail.

136. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 132, further comprising a dependency generator responsive to a plurality of linked task details.

137. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 136, wherein said dependency generator further comprises a dependency preservation element.

138. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 137, wherein said dependency preservation element acts automatically upon deleting a task detail.

139. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 132, further comprising a task detail tailor element to which said task details are responsive.

140. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 139 wherein said task detail tailor element comprises an activity description tailor element.

141. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 139, wherein said task detail tailor element comprises a Basis of Estimate tailor element.

142. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 139, wherein said task detail tailor element comprises an output tailor element.

143. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 139, wherein said task detail tailor element comprises an input tailor element.

144. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 139, wherein said task detail tailor element comprises a guides tailor element.

145. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 139, wherein said task detail tailor element comprises a task progress tailor element.

146. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 139, wherein said task detail tailor element comprises a risks/risk mitigation tailor element.

147. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 139, wherein said task detail tailor element comprises a risks &

lessons learned tailor element.

148. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 139, wherein said task detail tailor element comprises a process and product measures tailor element.

149. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 139, wherein said task detail tailor element comprises a courses tailor element.

150. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 132, further comprising a content loaded project planning template generator to which said plurality of task details are responsive.

151. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 150, wherein said content loaded project planning template generator generates a plurality of content loaded project planning templates.

152. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 151, and further comprising a hierarchical organizational element to which said plurality of content loaded project planning template generator are responsive.

153. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 152, wherein said hierarchical level arrangement element to which a plurality of content loaded project planning templates are responsive has a product development phase generator.

154. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 153, wherein said hierarchical level arrangement element is responsive a product development phase selected from the group consisting of Concept Definition;

System Definition;

Design;

Design Validation;

Fabrication, Assembly, Integration, Test (FAIT); and

Production-Customer Support.

155. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 154, wherein said hierarchical level arrangement element to which a plurality of content loaded project planning templates are responsive further comprises a skill set generator.

156. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 155, wherein said hierarchical level arrangement element to which a plurality of content loaded project planning templates are responsive further comprises a task list generator.

157. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 132, and further comprising:

a. an ownership assignment element; and

b. a notification element which communicates with a task owner.

159. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 158, further comprising the step of generating links between more than one task detail by said computerized project planning tool.

160. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 158, further comprising the step of generating dependency between more than one task detail by said computerized project planning tool.

161. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 159, wherein said step of exporting said at least one task detail from said computerized project planning tool to said computerized project scheduling tool further comprises the step of preserving said links between said more than one task detail.

162. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 160, wherein said step of exporting said at least one task detail from said computerized project planning tool to said computerized project scheduling tool further comprises the step of preserving said dependency between said more than one task detail.

163. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 161, wherein the step of populating said at least one computerized project scheduling tool automatically with said at least one task detail by said computerized project planning tool further comprises the step of preserving said links between said more than one task detail within said computerized project scheduling tool.

164. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 162, wherein the step of populating said at least one computerized project scheduling tool automatically with said at least one task detail by said computerized project planning tool further comprises the step of preserving said dependency between said more than one task detail within said computerized project scheduling tool.

165. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 163, further comprising the step of preserving said links between said more than one task detail upon deleting a task detail within said computerized project scheduling tool.

166. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 164, further comprising the step of preserving said dependency between said more than one task detail upon deleting a task detail within said computerized project scheduling tool.

167. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 166, wherein said step of preserving dependency between said more than one task detail upon deleting said at least one task detail comprises generating at least one replacement dependency between the task details automatically by said project planning tool.

168. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 167, wherein said step of holding said at least one task detail in at least one computerized project planning tool comprises holding said task detail in a content loaded project planning template

169. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 168, further comprising the steps of:

a. prompting said at least one computerized planning tool user to tailor said at least one task detail;

b. tailoring said at least one task detail; and

c. generating at least one tailored task detail by said computerized planning tool.

170. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 169, wherein said step of tailoring said at least one task detail of said at least one content loaded project planning template by said computerized project planning tool user comprises inputting activity descriptions.

171. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 169, wherein said step of tailoring said at least one task detail of said at least one content loaded project planning template by said computerized project planning tool user comprises inputting a basis of estimate.

172. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 169, wherein said step of tailoring said at least one task detail of said at least one content loaded project planning template by said computerized project planning tool user comprises inputting an outputs.

173. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 169, wherein said step of tailoring said at least one task detail of said at least one content loaded project planning template by said computerized project planning tool user comprises inputting an inputs.

174. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 169, wherein said step of tailoring said task details of said at least one content loaded project planning template by said computerized project planning tool user comprises inputting a guides.

175. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 169, wherein said step of tailoring said task details of said at least one content loaded project planning template by said computerized project planning tool user comprises inputting risks/risk mitigation.

176. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 169, wherein said step of tailoring said task details of said at least one content loaded project planning template by said computerized project planning tool user comprises inputting product measures.

177. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 169, wherein said step of tailoring said task details of said at least one content loaded project planning template by said computerized project planning tool user comprises inputting process measures.

178. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 169, wherein said step of tailoring said task details of said at least one content loaded project planning template by said computerized project planning tool user comprises inputting lessons learned.

179. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 169, wherein said step of tailoring said task details of said at least one content loaded project planning template by said computerized project planning tool user comprises inputting courses.

180. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 179, further comprising the step of arranging said content loaded project planning templates into heirarchial levels by the computer.

181. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 180, wherein said step of arranging said content loaded project planning templates in a heirarchial levels by the computer further comprises the step of generating selectable product development phases.

182. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 181, wherein said step of generating selectable product development phases comprises generating said selectable product development phases from the group consisting of Concept Definition;

System Definition;

Design;

Design Validation;

Fabrication, Assembly, Integration, Test (FAIT);

Production-Customer Support.

183. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 182, wherein said step of arranging said content loaded project planning templates in a heirarchial levels by the computer further comprises the step of generating skill sets.

184. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 183, wherein said step of arranging said content loaded project planning templates in a heirarchial levels by the computer further comprises the step of generating task lists.

185. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 184, wherein said step of arranging said content loaded project planning templates in a heirarchial levels by the computer further comprises generating a project planning task index.

186. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 158, further comprising the step of assigning ownership of at least one content loaded task by said computerized project planning tool user to at least one other computerized project planning tool user.

187. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 186, further comprising the step of notifying said other computer user of content loaded task assignment.

188. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 187, further comprising the step of adding additional task details to said content loaded task by said at least one other computer user assigned said at least one content loaded task.

189. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 188, further comprising the step of approving said additional task details.

190. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 189, further comprising the step of filtering said content loaded tasks by said computer.

192. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 191, futher comprising the step of activating said at least one task.

193. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 191, futher comprising the step of notifying said at least one other computerized planning tool user of assignment of said at least one task.

194. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 193, wherein said step of notifying said at least one other computerized planning tool user of assignment of said task further comprises the steps of:

a. selecting a notification indicator generated by said computerized planning tool;

b. selecting a assignment notification indicator generated by said computerized planning tool;

c. building a list of said at least one other computerized planning tool user by e-mail addresses within said computerized planning tool;

d. copying e-mail addresses to internal e-mail system automatically with said computerized planning tool; and

e. sending notification of assigned task to said task owner.

195. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 191, further comprises the steps of:

a. filtering said at least one task held in said project planning tool;

b. generating a filtered list of assigned tasks; and

c. selecting at least one of said assigned task by said task owner.

196. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 191, further comprises the step of tailoring said task details of said assigned task by said computerized project planning tool user.

197. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 196, wherein said step of tailoring said task details of said assigned task by said task owner comprises tailoring activity descriptions.

198. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 196, wherein said step of tailoring said task details of said assigned task by said task owner comprises tailoring said basis of estimate.

199. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 196, wherein said step of tailoring said task details of said assigned task by said task owner comprises tailoring said outputs.

200. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 196, wherein said step of tailoring said task details of said assigned task by said task owner comprises tailoring said inputs.

201. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 196, wherein said step of tailoring said task details of said assigned task by said task owner comprises tailoring said guides.

202. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 196, wherein said step of tailoring said task details of said assigned task by said task owner comprises tailoring said risks/risk mitigation.

203. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 196, wherein said step of tailoring said task details of said assigned task by said task owner comprises tailoring said process and product measures.

204. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 196, wherein said step of tailoring said task details of said assigned task by said task owner comprises tailoring said task progress.

205. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 196, wherein said step of tailoring said task details of said assigned task by said task owner comprises tailoring said lessons learned.

206. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 196, wherein said step of tailoring said task details of said assigned task by said task owner comprises tailoring said courses.

209. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 191, further comprising the step of exporting said task details from said at least one computerized project planning tool to at least one computerized project scheduling tool.

210. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 209, further comprising the step of populating said at least one computerized scheduling tool with said task details by said computerized planning project tool.

211. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 210, further comprising the step of generating links between task details by said computerized project planning tool.

212. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 210, further comprising the step of generating dependency between task details by said computerized project planning tool.

213. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 211, wherein said step of exporting said task details from said computerized project planning tool to said computerized project scheduling tool further comprises the step of preserving said links between said more than one task detail.

214. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 212, wherein said step of exporting said said at least one task detail from said computerized project planning tool to said computerized project scheduling tool further comprises the step of preserving said dependency task details.

215. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 211, wherein the step of populating said at least one computerized project scheduling tool automatically with said at least one task detail by said computerized project planning tool further comprises the step of preserving said links between said task details within said computerized project scheduling tool.

216. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 214, wherein the step of populating said at least one computerized project scheduling tool automatically with said at least one task detail by said computerized project planning tool further comprises the step of preserving said dependency between said task details within said computerized project scheduling tool.

217. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 195, further comprising the step of preserving said links between said task details upon deleting a task detail within said computerized project scheduling tool.

218. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 216, further comprising the step of preserving said dependency between said task detail upon deleting a task detail within said computerized project scheduling tool.

219. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 218, wherein said step of preserving dependency between said more than one task detail upon deleting said task details comprises generating at least one replacement dependency between the remaining task details automatically by said project planning tool.

132. A computer implemented project planning system comprising:

a. maintaining a plurality of task details responsive to at least one computerized project planning tool;

b. an external database;

c. an export element responsive to said project planning tool and said external database;

d. an automatic population element which is responsive to said plurality of task details and said export element;

158. A computer implemented method of project planning, comprising the steps of:

a. holding at least one task detail in at least one computerized project planning tool;

b. exporting said at least one task detail from said at least one computerized project planning tool to at least one computerized project scheduling tool;

c. populating said at least one computerized project scheduling tool automatically with said at least one task detail by said computerized project planning tool; and

d. generating a project schedule having said at least one task detail automatically by said at least one computerized project scheduling tool.

191. A computer implemented method of project planning, comprising the steps of:

a. holding at least one task in at least one computerized project planning tool;

b. prompting at least one computerized planning tool user by said computerized project planning tool to assign said task;

c. assigning said task automatically by said at least one computerized planning tool user to at least one task owner;

d. generating a content loaded project plan automatically by said at least one computerized project planning tool.

207. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in any one of claims 191, further comprising the step of validating data by said computerized planning tool.

208. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 207, further comprising the step of approving tailored task details.

220. A computer implemented project planning system comprising:

a. a content loaded task memory element;

b. a prompt element which is responsive to said content loaded task memory element;

c. an assignment element which is responsive to said prompt element and which communicates with at least one computer user; and

d. an automatic content loaded project plan generator which generates at least one content loaded project plan.

221. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 220, and further comprising a content loaded task activator

222. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 220, and further comprising a notification element which communicates with at least one other computerized planning tool user and which is responsive to said assignment element.

223. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 222, where in said notification element comprises:

a. a notification icon selection element;

b. an assignment notification icon selection element;

c. an e-mail address list element;

d. an automatic e-mail address copy element to which is automatically responsive an internal e-mail system;

e. an automatic e-mail task assignment notification element.

224. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 220, and further comprising a task detail addition element.

225. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 224, and further comprising:

a. a task owner prompt element having task detail input capability;

b. a task detail selection element which is responsive to said task owner prompt element;

c. a task detail input element which is responsive to said task detail selection element.

226. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 225, wherein said task detail selection element selects task detail from a group of task detail menus consisting of Basis of Estimate, Outputs, Inputs, Guides, Risks &

Lessons Learned.

227. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 226, wherein said task detail selection element comprises a Basis of Estimate tailor element and further comprising an input prompt element to which said Basis of Estimate input element is responsive.

228. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 226, wherein said task detail selection element comprises an output selection element and further comprising an input prompt element to which said output selection element is responsive.

229. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 226, wherein said task detail selection element comprises an input selection element and further comprising an input prompt element to which said input selection element is responsive.

230. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 226, wherein said task detail selection element comprises a guide selection element and further comprising an input prompt element to which said guide selection element is responsive.

231. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 226, wherein said task detail selection element comprises a risks &

lessons learned selection element and further comprising an input prompt element to which said risks &

lessons learned selection element is responsive.

232. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 227, and further comprising a data validation element.

233. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 232, and further comprising an additional task detail approval element.

234. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 223, and further comprising a non-labor total costs calculator.

235. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 220, and further comprising an export element which is responsive to at least one computerized project scheduling tool.

236. A computer implemented project planning system as described in claim 235, and further comprising an automatic population element which is responsive to at least one computerized project scheduling tool.

237. A computer implemented method of project planning as described in claim 236 and further comprising an automatic content loaded task integrator which is responsive to at least one computerized scheduling tool.

238. A computer implemented method of project planning, comprising the steps of:

a. holding at least one task in at least one computerized project planning tool;

b. prompting of at least one computerized planning tool user by said computerized project planning tool to estimate resources to said at least one task;

c. generating task details by said computerized project planning tool;

d. estimating resources for said task details;

d. generating a basis of estimate by said computerized project planning tool;

e. inputting estimated resources into said basis of estimate; and

f. generating an estimate of project plan resources automatically by said at least one computerized project planning tool.