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C3D Platform Guidebook FINAL2

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    USERSGUIDETO DOT PROJECT

    THEMANAGEMENTTOOLOFTHE

    C3D PRIVATE NETWORK

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    DotProject is a powerful tool that will allow managing the tasksassociated with C3D projects (as outlined in the MOUs written for eachtranche of funding). We can discuss the progress of the project, associate

    important files to relevant tasks, share reports, manage workflow etc.

    Please read this before starting:

    Please use Mozilla Firefox as your browser instead of InternetExplorer. It can be downloaded for free at www.mozilla.com andinstalled very easily. Some of the pop-up windows do not loadproperly using Internet Explorer.

    Use the navigation buttons provided within the Dot Project

    system to get back and forth between elements rather than theback button of your Internet browser this will avoid a lot of errormessages.

    This guide covers the basics of using the Dot Project software.There are some features on the C3D platform not covered here tokeep this guide simple. For more detailed information about how touse the full range of tools on the platform, you can visit thefollowing websites:

    - www.dotproject.net (homepage for the software, but rather

    technical)- http://docs.dotproject.net (a lot of user documentation in the left

    column of the page)- http://sites.sakienvirotech.com/moodle/course/category.php?id=3

    (step-by-step guidance on how to use specific parts of DotProject)

    Demo ProjectTo help illustrate the explanations provided here, we have created asample project on the C3D platform to help you navigate throughthe various tools. We have used thisproject for all of the screen

    shots in this manual. It may be useful for you to log in as the userof this Demo project as you are navigating through the system forthe first time. Follow the instructions and see if you can obtain thesame screen shot as the one shown.

    We have tried to make the Demo project fun and interesting toencourage you to explore it. While the guide is lengthy, it is mostlyscreen shots. It will take you around an hour to navigate through allof the steps. To follow along with the explanations below, pleaselogin as Demo:Login: DemoPassword: c3ddemo

    Dot Project Users Guide for C3D June 2006 2

    http://www.mozilla.com/http://www.dotproject.net/http://docs.dotproject.net/http://sites.sakienvirotech.com/moodle/course/category.php?id=3http://www.mozilla.com/http://www.dotproject.net/http://docs.dotproject.net/http://sites.sakienvirotech.com/moodle/course/category.php?id=3
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    **Please note there are still a few bugs in the system if you come upagainst something you dont understand or that doesnt work, it could be a

    result of these bugs. When in doubt email Blane ([email protected])

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    Table of Contents

    1.0 Getting started: .........................................................................................................5

    2.0 Projects .....................................................................................................................9SHOWING TASK STATUS ................................................................................... 13

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    1.0 Getting started:

    LOGGING ONTO THE C3D DOTPROJEC WORKSPACE:Enter into the new C3D website at www.c3d-unitar.org; click on Private

    Network at the bottom left of the page. You will be prompted to enteryour login name and password. Your login name and an initial passwordhave been sent by UNITAR. You can also change this password yourself toremember it more easily. UNITAR can reset your password in the casethat you misplace or forget it: just send an email to one of us.

    PASSWORDS AND PREFERENCESTo change your password or any of your preferences, click on the My Infolink in the upper right-hand side of the screen. The edit this user link willallow you to change your password, contact information, etc, while theedit preferences will allow you to set your preferences for using thesystem (e.g. tabbed vs flat view see below).

    The TODAY Layout:When you first log into the platform you will see your today layout. Themain part ofthe today layout is divided into two separate sections -Events and Tasks.

    Below is an example of the today layout for the Demo user and project(his tasks view):

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    http://www.c3d-unitar.org/http://www.c3d-unitar.org/
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    Demos Events view:

    To shift back and forth between the today tasks and events views,simply click on the desired tab in the mid-left of the screen.

    In the two sample views, you can see an event to which Demo has beenregistered as a participant. If you move your cursor over the appointment

    name, you will see that this is a hyperlink which you can click on to go todetails of the appointment. Alternatively if you leave your mouse pointer"hovering" over the link, dotProject will display details of the appointment,if they are available.

    How to add events and tasks is explained in the tasks and calendarsections below.

    PAGE LAYOUT AND NAVIGATION

    Tabbed v. Flat

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    In all screens, you have the option of viewing the page with tabs, i.e. youmay switch back and forth between the various elements of that page.

    Examples of tabs

    In the two screenshots that follow, you can see the difference between thetabbed view (first) and the flat view (second). In the flat view allelements are listed on one page and you must scroll up and down to seethem.

    An example of a flat view

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    Navigation

    Arrows 1, 2 & 3 point to elements that are present on all pages. Arrow 1points to the links to the general pages on all projects, tasks, etc, whilearrow 2 points to user specific elements your to do list (Todo), yourtasks and events for the day (Today) and your contact info and access

    to the platform (My Info).

    The button indicated by arrow 4 is present on every page, but its functionchanges depending on which page you are on. For instance, in theProject section, it will allow you to add a new project, in the Filessection a new file, etc. Arrow 3 serves as a shortcut, allowing you to addan item (partner, contact, event, file, etc.) without having to navigate toanother page.

    Finally the little life preserver logo beside Arrow 4 is the help button it ison every page and will direct you to dotprojects help manual.

    Understanding the Icons on the screen:

    Help

    Edit

    Edit task

    Click on this icon to Check-out a document (when you want tomodify it)

    Click on this icon to Check-in a document (when you want to up-load a revised version of a document it will be automatically given a

    new version number).Flags that there is a problem

    Milestone

    Unread messages

    Delete

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    2.0 Projects

    Projects are the core of the dotProject software and should be created as

    the fist step. They are the root element to which tasks (the actual workrequired) are added, users are assigned and so on. dotProject will notallow tasks to be generated that are not attached to a project.

    We have created Projects corresponding to each of the activities of theC3D programme and referred to in various MOUs signed by UNITAR andpartners. It is free to partners to create projects and related tasks at theirdiscretion.

    ACCESSING THE PROJECT MODULE

    To access the complete list of C3D projects, click on Projects at the topleft side of the screen. Note that there is a filter at the top right side ofthe screen that allows you to select the projects associated with aparticular partner. By default, the first view you will see is the set ofprojects for your institution.

    PROJECT MAIN SCREENThe main project module screen lists all of the projects that match theinstitutional filter you have applied (upper right-hand side of screen), split

    into the tabbed categories listed across the screen (All projects, Proposed,In planning, etc).

    The fields displayed across the listings provide you with details on theprojects such as Project Name (click on this link to see more details aboutthe project); Start and End Dates, Priority, Project Owner, Number of Tasks(and the number of tasks assigned to you), Status (and the number ofprojects within that status grouping). To sort the projects in ascending ordescending order for one of the fields, just click on the field heading.

    There are options at the bottom of the screen that can be used to changestatuses of projects based on the projects selected in the Selection

    column.

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    9

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    PROJECT- SPECIFIC SCREENThe detailed project screen can be displayed by clicking on the name of aspecific project.

    The top part of the screen includes summary, contact and status

    information about the project.

    The tabs at the bottom of the screen provide you with access to a range ofProject features including tasks, inactive tasks, forums that are connectedto this project, gantt chart display for this project only, task logs and filesattached to the project.

    The flat view of the project screen gives you an overview of the project.Each of these features is discussed in subsequent sections.

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    STARTING A NEW PROJECT

    To make a new project either select project in the New Item drop-downmenu on the upper right-hand side of the screen or click on the newproject button in the mid-right side of the main project screen.

    The New Project screen will appear.

    Here you will be required to fill in a number of fields:

    Project Name

    Project Owner: Who is the person in charge of the project

    Partner: Which institution will oversee the project/isresponsible for the work

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    Start & Finish Dates

    Status: Whether it is proposed or in progress, etc.

    Description: Brief overview of the project

    Contacts: The contact details of any persons selected underthis heading will be displayed in the project view

    Departments: Same structure as contacts

    After you have filled in all the details, hit the submit button to save theproject. If you navigate away from the page before submitting theproject details, all material will be lost. Once a project ha7s beensubmitted you will be returned to the project main screen.

    EDITING A PROJECT

    To edit a project, select the desired project from the list of projects on theproject main screen. Under the View Project heading (left), select editthis project. This will bring up the same page one fills in for a newproject, but with the current data for the specific project.

    DELETING A PROJECT

    To delete a project, select the desired project from the list of projects onthe project main screen. Once in the View Project page, select deleteproject (right) by the little trash can icon.

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    3.0 Tasks

    The task module allows you to create, manage and monitor tasks withinprojects. To start, we have created tasks associated each project on the

    basis of the activities described in each partners MOUs with UNITAR.

    ACCESSING THE TASKS MAIN SCREEN

    You can access the list tasks associated with your institution by clicking onTasks at the top left side of the screen. Note there are two levels offilters for this page. First, one may select which institution one would likethe task list for from the Partner drop-down menu; second one mayselect the types of tasks (all, unfinished, etc). By default all institutions(all companies) and my unfinished tasks are selected.

    SHOWING TASK STATUS

    To assist in displaying tasks, dotProject colour codes the date sections ofeach individual task line to give you a quick visual cue of the status oftasks.

    Future tasks are left uncoloured. (Eg Demo must retire).

    Dates in pale green/grey are those that have started and are consideredto be on time - in other words a percentage of the task has beencompleted (see below on how to update task completion status). (Eg.Demos statistics project, which is 35% complete).

    Dates in pale yellow are those that should have started, however therehas been no report on their status (eg all Demos post-2012 tasks).

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    Dates in red are overdue. This colour indicates that the task end date haspast; but that elements of the task are outstanding (i.e. percentage of taskcompleted is not 100). (Eg. Demos avoiding dangerous climate changeproject is well-overdue).

    Dates in bright green represent tasks that have been completed. Thesetasks are not automatically displayed. One must choose filters that willallow you to see all tasks, like my tasks or all tasks to view thecompleted ones. (eg make Demo project).

    The colour of the task is reflective of its status. To change the percentcomplete, click on the desired task to bring up the View task screen forthat task, then select edit this task. Adjust the progress percentage inthe edit task screen and click save.

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    DETAILED TASK SCREENA detailed screen for each specific task can be displayed by clicking on thename of a task. All active, unfinished tasks are listed on the main tasks,the today and the associated detailed project pages.

    The task detail display screen is divided into two halves - with the topstatic information displayed constantly and the bottom section dividedinto display tabs (Task log; new log and files the flatview is shown herefor Demos statistics task).

    Static details in the upper part of the screen will be addressed in thecreate/edit task section.

    The bottom half of the screen is grouped into tabs:

    Task Logs / New Log

    The purpose of the task log is to assist you in keeping track of theprogress of the task beyond just a %.

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    For example, in Demos statistics task, we can see that he attending SB24,how many hours he worked there and a brief description of what heaccomplished.

    Logs can be unclassified or sorted under an email, phone call, helpdesk orfax (see the Reference option - arrow). In Demos second log, we seethat he received a phone call. The log describes the contents of the call.

    If problems have arisen, they can be flagged by clicking the problem box(see arrow). In the task log, the specific problem task will be displayed inred as occurred for Demos second task.

    Each log entry can be mailed to the project contacts or recipients to keepthem abreast of the task development (see arrow).

    Logs that do no longer need to be kept can easily be deleted by clickingon the garbage can icon at the far right of the task log.

    Files

    This tab shows the files that are associated with this task. Files can eitherbe attached by clicking on the new file button (right) once you are in aspecific task view or from the files tab/flat section by following the linkattach a file.

    CREATING AND EDITING TASKS

    Tasks are created by clicking on the new task button visible in either aspecific project screen or any other task detail screen. In the former case,the task will simply be associated with that specific project, in the latter itis assumed that the other task is the parent task (ie you are able to make

    principle and subsequent tasks). Remember all tasks must be associatedwith a project; they cannot exist independently.

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    To edit a task, you must first select to view that specific task and then

    click edit this task or click on on the right hand side of the main Tasksscreen.

    Creating or editing pre-existing tasks is basically the same function so we

    have outlined both below. When you click on the New Task button orselect an existing task to edit, dotProject will displays a new form thateach user can easily complete. In the case of editing tasks, dotProject willload the current data into this form.

    Most of the fields on this form are fairly self-explanatory, but in brief:

    Task Name Whatever name you want displayed on all listings

    Status Set to active to include the task in all today and todo listings.Inactive tasks are only visible when the show inactive taskoption is selected from the Tasks main page. Inactive status is agood way to store drafts of tasks that one may need to do. Whenthey are required, one can simply change them to active tasks.Bonus points go to those that can find Demos inactive task.

    Progress Percent of the task complete. This field is likely to be updatedduring editing.

    Milestone Tick on it if the current task is a milestone. Milestones are

    represented by and are written in bold text.

    Details Tab

    The details tab contains the following information:

    Task Owner The name of the task creator as set during entry - by default it willalways be the current user

    Access There are four access levels Public means that all platform users will be able to view and edit it.

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    Protected or Participant mean that no users will be allowed toview the task details or edit them, however the task heading willstill appear on the task list. To assign other users to be able to viewand edit this task, select their names under the human resourcessection.Private means only the task user will be able to view and edit the

    task. Even if you assign someone under the human resourcessection, they still will not have access. Please note thatadministrators will always have access to task regardless of thesetting.

    Web Address This field can be used to provide a web address that relates to thetask.

    Task Parent: This drop-down menu allows you to select the parent for the currenttask being created /edited.

    Child tasks are indented under the parent and connected to the

    parent using this link.

    Demos task on demonstrating how a post-2012 agreement wouldbe made is the parent task of the post-2012 agreement task.

    SelectContacts

    Click on this box to add a C3D contact(s) to the task. Thesecontacts will be displayed on the main info box about the task whenit is viewed.

    TargetBudget

    Stores the target budget for this task.

    Description Large text box which can be used to provide a detailed descriptionof the task.

    Dates

    The dates tab includes a notation of the daily working hours and workingdays as set in your system configuration in addition to just the start andend dates.

    Start Date andTime

    Date and time for the task to commence

    Finish Date andTime

    Date and time for the task to be completed

    ExpectedDuration

    Number and unit of expected duration for the task either hoursor days

    Calculate -Duration /Finish Date

    Clicking on the Duration option calculates the duration based onthe start and end dates and times set. If you do not have either ofthese options set accurately then you could end up with an oddfigure in the duration field.

    DEPENDENCIESThe most important feature in this section is that one may set tasks to bedependant on one another.

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    For instance, in Demos task list the getting a post-2012 agreementtaskdepends on the developing countries taking some emission reductioncommitments taskwhich in turn depends on the developed countriesshowing demonstrable progress task. This dependency chain is evident inthe dependencies and tasks depending on this task sections of the

    view task section (see below).

    To set a dependency, simply select the task which you would like yours to

    be dependent upon and click .

    This tool also has more advanced options for tracking the progress of thetasks. Those interested in these features are referred to the dotProjecttraining manual at http://sites.sakienvirotech.com/dp_docs/tiki/tiki-index.php?page=Introduction

    ResourcesThe human resources tab contains the following information:

    Resources /Assigned to

    These boxes allow you to select users to assign to the task by highlighting thename and clicking on the arrow in the required direction.

    Percentage Directly under the resource assignment boxes is a % box - use this to select

    the percentage of a resources time that you wish to assign to a task BEFOREyou do the assignment

    Additional Email

    Comments

    Enter any additional comments that you wish to send out when notifications of

    this task go to the assignees. The details you enter in this box will not beretained / stored.

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    http://sites.sakienvirotech.com/dp_docs/tiki/tiki-index.php?page=Introductionhttp://sites.sakienvirotech.com/dp_docs/tiki/tiki-index.php?page=Introductionhttp://sites.sakienvirotech.com/dp_docs/tiki/tiki-index.php?page=Introductionhttp://sites.sakienvirotech.com/dp_docs/tiki/tiki-index.php?page=Introduction
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    Notify Assignees

    of Task by Email

    This option is clicked on by default and will cause dotProject to automatically

    send notification of the new / updated task to all assignees EXCEPT if theassignee is the user making the changes - they will not receive an email

    notification.

    DELETING AN INDIVIDUAL TASK

    There are two options to delete a task. The first option is to select thedesired task from the task list on the Today page, then change its status

    in the update task status drop-down menu at the bottom right of thescreen and press the update task button.

    Alternatively, view the specific task (either from the Today, Task orSpecific Project screens) and click delete task in the upper right-handcorner (same as for projects, etc).

    Files attached to a specific task will not automatically be deleted, but theywill be listed in the Files Module as unattached to any particular project -they should sort to the top of the files page as a result. You will have tomanually remove those files if you would like them deleted as well.

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    4.0 C3D Calendar

    INSTRUCTIONS

    Monthly DisplayThe calendar module can be selected from the main option listing. Thedefault view will be the monthly view.

    At the top of the screen there are two filter options that can be applied:

    Partner Select the name of the partner to only display entries that belong to thatpartner. All can be used to display details for all C3D partners.

    EventFilter

    This option allows you to select a filter for entries to be displayed eitherall events, those you have created or those involving you.

    At the top of the calendar month display there are left and right arrowsthat can be used to scroll forwards and backwards through months.

    You can change the view from the monthly view to a daily view by clickingon the number of any day in either the previous / current / next month.

    ENTERING A NEW EVENT IN THE CALENDAR

    There are two ways of entering a new event:

    1. Select Event from the New Item box at the top of the screen.2. Click on the New Event button on the Day / Today View of the Calendar (youcan access this view from the main calendar by clicking on any of the day / dateson any of the months)

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    This form is completed as follows:

    EventTitle:

    Enter the name / short description of the event

    Description

    Enter a full description for the calendar event

    PrivateEntry

    Click this option to make the event private - in other words onlyviewable in the calendar for the person posting the event. Be carefulwith this because even if you have assigned other people to the eventif private is ticked on, they will not be able to see the entry in theircalendar.

    Start / EndDate

    These options will automatically indicate the date youve clicked on ifthe event is added from the daily calendar view, or the current date if anew event is selected by clicking on New Item at the top of thescreen.

    Start / EndTime

    Select the required start and end times for the event

    Reoccurs: You can select if this event occurs more than once on a regular basis.

    x times Use this field to indicate the number of reoccurrences required. If theRecurs box is filled in, the x times field must be filled in otherwisethe event will not appear in the calendar

    Invited toEvent

    This is the list of all the users that have been included in the event. Toinvite a new user, select his/her name from the box and click on theright arrow below the box.

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    5.0 Files

    This page describes the features of the Files Module. The files moduleallows you to store files related to your projects and tasks, and to edit or

    review other files that have been posted. The review process is similar toin a library. You can Check Out (download) and Check In (Upload) files,and let others know that you have been working on them.

    ACCESSING THE FILES PAGETo access the files page, either click on the Files link in the upper lefttoolbar. This page will display a list of all of the files on the system. Likewith other pages, there is a Filter in the top left-hand side that allows oneto sort files based on the different projects. If a project is not listed in thatFilter listing, this means that it has no files associated with it at thepresent time. Files are also sorted based on subject matter: general,mitigation, SD & CC, etc.

    ADD A FILEOne can add a file directly from the main Files page, from a specific taskpage or by selecting file from the New Item drop-down menu (upper-right). If you add a file from any one of these places, it will always appearin the Files module.

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    One adding a file, one must:

    Choose which category it should belong to: General,Mitigation, V&A, etc.

    Choose which project it should belong to

    Chose which task, if any, it belongs to

    Write a brief description of the file

    To upload a file, click browse to search your computer, select the correctfile and click on submit.

    The issue of versions is discussed below.

    Important:

    When naming files to be uploaded to the DotProject file module, please donot use spaces or accents in the file names. Instead of spaces, use theunderscore key (eg. project_summary.doc). This avoids having unusualcharacters in the file names after they have been uploaded.

    EDITING FILES - CHECKING IN AND OUT

    DotProject incorporates a basic file version control system. It allows you tocheck out a file to edit it and will block other users from uploadingversions of this file. The system is easiest explained by way of anexample. Please keep in mind that the check in and out is the same as ifyou were taking a book in and out in a library.

    Lets say 4 platform users are working together on a grant request projectdocument.

    User A writes a first draft (version 1) and asks users B, C & D toreview it and make comments/corrects.

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    If B, C & D all work and make changes to version 1, we will havethree different versions of the second draft. If instead user Auploaded the draft to the platform, only one of the other userswould be able to check it out at a time.

    So if B had checked out the document, when C or D go to uploadtheir version of the file the system will not allow it.

    Thus C and D will have to wait until B is finished to make changes tothis new document and upload it to the system.

    Now that you have an overview, lets look at the various steps in detail

    Checking Out A File (not the same as downloading a file)Demo has uploaded his CV to the platform and asked partners to review it.However Demo realizes that he has forgotten to add his work experience.He would like to block the document and work on it before others start to

    make their corrections/comments. To do this Demo needs to check outthe file.

    To check out a file, click on the little icon. This will bring you to thecheckout screen.

    Here you can write the reason (CO reason) why you have checked out

    the file. You could also include the date by which you think you will befinished working on it. This reason will appear beside the file in questionwhenever anyone accesses the file listings on the main files page. Onceyou have checked the document back in, this reason is deleted.

    Uncheck the Notify Assignees of Task or Project Owner by Email option ifyou do not wish dotProject to automatically send an email to advise thatthe file has been checked out.

    Once you have written a reason, click on submit.

    Now when anyone accesses the file listings, they will see the name of theuser that has checked out a file is the co box.

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    They will not find the icon and will not be able to check out thedocument themselves.

    DURING THIS TIME THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT CAN STILL BEACCESSED BY CLICKING ON THE FILE NAME. IT IS THEREFOREPOSSIBLE TO DOWNLOAD THIS VERSION AND START MAKINGCHANGES. THUS, IT IS UP TO THE USER TO KNOW NOT TO MAKECHANGES WHEN SOMEONE ELSE HAS CHECKED OUT THE FILE!!

    Please note that the user that has checked out the file will see thisicon instead of his or her name in the co box.

    Opening or Downloading a fileThe checking out process is for helping to keep track of versions ofdocuments, it is not related to the downloading process.

    To download a file either click on the desired filename or on the editicon and the download link. Either process will result in a pop-up windowasking you if you would like to open or save the file. Please note that if youopen the file, it will be within your internet browser so if you close the fileyou will also shutdown the platform: best to use the navigation buttons toget back and forth.

    Checking in Files

    To check in a file that you have previously checked out, you should click

    on the icon on the main Files screen.

    This will load the check in form, which consists of:

    Revisionstatus

    If you tick major revision the version number will increase by 1 unit e.g. from version 1 to version 2.

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    If you tick minor revision the version number will increase by 0.01units eg. From version 1.00 to version 1.01.

    Description This field will automatically contain the existing document descriptionwhich you can update / overwrite for this version, if required.

    Upload File Using the upload file / browser combination locate the file that youwish to upload as the new version

    FinalVersion

    Tick this option if this is the final version. The file will no longer beable to be checked out. The word final will appear in the co box.

    NotifyAssignees

    Tick on or off depending on whether you want email advice to be sent

    Once all the fields are filled out, click submit.

    Different Versions of the same file

    Once a document has been checked out/ checked back in its version

    number will change. Only the most recent version will be listed on thefiles page; however older versions are accessible by clicking on thenumber in brackets by the version number.

    This option displays a list of all the versions uploaded directly below themain files listing. The layout / columns on this display are the same as thestandard listing except that it does not include facilities for checking out /checking in previous versions.

    You can, however click on the file name of any of the revisions to displaythe contents of the file / version.

    Click on the version number again to remove this listing.

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    Deleting a File or Version

    Click on the edit icon to the extreme left of any of the file listing willallow you to edit any of the header information stored against any of thefiles or to delete that file.

    DemoIn the Demo for executive secretary project, you can see that one fileDemos cover letter has been checked out by demo for further editing,while there are two versions of Demos CV.

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    6.0 Forums

    Forums allow partners to discuss on topics about the programme orspecific project/task-related matters.

    Like the other main pages, the Forum page has a filter that allows you to

    select forums you created, that you have selected to watch, that arerelated to your project or that belong to your institution.

    MAKING A NEW FORUMTo make a new forum, click on the new forum button on the main Forumpage. This will bring up the page you see below, where you will need to fillin the forum name, which project it belongs to, who owns it, who willmoderate it and a short description of the Forum.

    Forums can be edited by clicking on the edit icon on the main Forumpage.

    VIEWING A FORUMTo view a forum simply click on the forum name from the listings on themain Forum page. This will bring up a page with the general description ofthe forum and a listing of all its discussion topics.

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    VIEWING A TOPICTo view a topic, simply click on the topic name from the list that appearson one of the specific forum pages. Please note that there are threeoptions for viewing the topic listings:

    Normal: One post is shown after another. One must scrolldown to view all of the contributions

    Collapsed: Under this view only the author, time & date of thepost and subject line of the post are listed. One must click onthe desired subject line to view the message. [Bugs currentlyexist for this option if you are viewing the platform in InternetExplorer].

    Single Message: Under this view the author, time & date andsubject line are listed, as in the collapsed view, however in anopposing column one of the message is listed. Click back andforth on the subject lines to display the desired message.

    **The single message view is shown below.

    STARTING FORUM TOPICSTo start a topic you must first select a forum by clicking on a forum namefrom the listings on the main Forum page. To create a new topic you clickon the start a new topic option (just under the forum summary).

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    You will need to input:

    Subject Subject line for the topic

    Message Body of the topic

    Use the submit button to record your topic.

    POSTING AND REPLYING TO MESSAGES

    Replying to Topics

    To reply to any topic within a forum, first select that topic from the specificforum page (see the viewing a forum section). A list of the original topicand any associated previous replies will be displayed. At the top right ofthe listing of replies there is an option for Post Reply. Click on post replyand the same screen as is used when creating a topic will be displayed,only this time, the original topic will be displayed in the top part of thescreen and the last reply will be automatically incorporated into theMessage box at the bottom. Type your response into the bottom messagebox and click the submit button.

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    Any unread messages will be flagged with the light bulb icon.

    Deleting / Editing Topics

    If you have permission to either edit or delete any particular topics there

    will be an edit icon and a delete icon on the last line / right handside of the topic.

    ADDITIONAL FORUM FUNCTIONS

    mailto Link

    The user names included in the Detailed Topic listing is a mailto link - click

    on the user's name to send them an email. The email you send will not berecorded in the forum.

    Watches (Forums and Topics)

    Watches can be placed on forums and topics by ticking the box either onthe main forum display (against the forum name) or on the Topic display(beside the topic subject). Once a forum watch has been set the systemwill send an email any time a new message is added to the forum.


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