How can I set up my scope in BigPicture to show an Epic and its stories from multiple projects?

[Rob Horan]

See the image below.  This is a gross oversimplification, but assume an epic with 3 stories, each in a different project.  In BigPicture the structure is destroyed due to an emphasis on project-based nodes.  That might be good for some, but for others that's irrelevant - the actual hierarchy is what matters - the Epic and its stories and their subtasks, regardless of project.  Basically, get rid of project nodes.

How can I build that tree in BigPicture?  Is it even possible?

[Anna-SoftwarePlant · Accepted solution]

Hi @Rob Horan

Just at this moment, I've finished my answer regarding your first question :) You can find it in this thread. 

Question no 2 - if you deselect Projects in Box Configuration >> Tasks >> Scope Definition; they shouldn't be displayed on the Gantt chart more. Please try to Clear Cache (Jira Administration >> Manage Apps >> BigPicture Technical Configuration >> Advanced >> Clear Cache). Please let me know did it help. 

[Rob Horan]

Hi Anna,

It looks like my setting didn't save properly.  I must have clicked something incorrectly.  THANK YOU  - I am getting a lot of questions about BigPicture from one source, and I can answer many, but not all.  I'm off to look into BigTemplate for answers now.  Thanks!

[Anna-SoftwarePlant]

@Rob HoranI answer your questions with pleasure. BigPicture is an advanced tool. However, once it's adjusted & configured properly, it is very supportive both in planning projects as well as day-to-day leading and reporting.

Moreover, I do hope that our conversations make a significant contribution for other users who are facing similar issues, so keep asking, please :)

[Anna-SoftwarePlant · Accepted solution]

Hi @Rob Horan 

Yes, it’s possible :) Please note that in Box Configuration >> Tasks >> Scope Definition, apart from defining your Program's scope, you can also select which elements will be displayed as tasks. 

You can add the following Jira task types to the scope:

• Project
• Version (Start date and Release date can be synchronized)
• Sprint (start date and end date of the sprint can be synchronized)
• Component

I see that in the case you described below, you added Projects. To resolve the situation, please remove them. Below you can find my simplified example. I recreated your case; I have 3 projects + 1 epic that is a parent of 2 stories. 

To remove project nodes, please go to Box Configuration and disable ‘Projects’ in the Task Type drop-down list.

Make sure that you have selected epics as Structure Builder. Once it’s done your WBS will be displayed as you expected.

[Rob Horan]

Hi Anna,

This is extremely helpful.  I have two quick follow ups.

• How can I manually add tasks?  I don't mean create new tasks, I mean manually add existing tasks that were not part of the original scope.
• How can I prevent the project nodes from showing?  I have the structure I need but the project nodes are still appearing.