Gantt Chart - Revision history

Tkokotas at 15:04, 18 December 2018

2018-12-18T15:04:05Z

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			''Developed by Katrine Boesgaard''


	[[File:gantt_simple.png\|500px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1: A simple Gantt chart. The red boxes is the phases. The blue is the tasks that belong under each phase. Source: http://www.idealware.org/blog/tools-gantt-charts]]		[[File:gantt_simple.png\|500px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1: A simple Gantt chart. The red boxes is the phases. The blue is the tasks that belong under each phase. Source: http://www.idealware.org/blog/tools-gantt-charts]]
	A Gantt chart is a commonly used tool within project management, which, briefly, shows the progress of an on-going project. It is usually made as a bar chart and it relies upon [[Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)]], which is a method within project management as well. An example of a simple Gantt chart is shown in Figure 1 to the right. In this case only the duration of the different phases of a project is shown, and then the start and end time of the tasks which needs to be performed during each of the phases.		A Gantt chart is a commonly used tool within project management, which, briefly, shows the progress of an on-going project. It is usually made as a bar chart and it relies upon [[Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)]], which is a method within project management as well. An example of a simple Gantt chart is shown in Figure 1 to the right. In this case only the duration of the different phases of a project is shown, and then the start and end time of the tasks which needs to be performed during each of the phases.

KB1991: /* Example of managing a project with Gantt charts */

2015-09-28T18:31:27Z

Example of managing a project with Gantt charts

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	This is an example made to show how to use and apply the Gantt chart to a project. It is assumed that a building project needs to be planned, and a chart is required, which contains information about when each task can begin, which and how many workers are required for the tasks, the duration of the project, and where the dependencies and the critical path is.		This is an example made to show how to use and apply the Gantt chart to a project. It is assumed that a building project needs to be planned, and a chart is required, which contains information about when each task can begin, which and how many workers are required for the tasks, the duration of the project, and where the dependencies and the critical path is.

	The first step is to create a work breakdown structure, which means breaking the project up in smaller parts that is goals, milestones and tasks. This is done in order to simplify the project and make it easier to make a time schedule. In the work breakdown structure is each task, their task dependencies plus the duration of each task defined.		The first step is to create a work breakdown structure, which means breaking the project up in smaller parts that is goals, milestones and tasks - Just like explained above. This is done in order to simplify the project and make it easier to make a time schedule. In the work breakdown structure is each task, their task dependencies plus the duration of each task defined.

	When this is done a table can be set up with all the collected information. A simplified example of such a table is shown in Table 1.		When this is done a table can be set up with all the collected information. A simplified example of such a table is shown in Table 1.

KB1991: /* Limitations */

2015-09-28T08:17:26Z

Limitations

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	* A last limitation about using Gantt chart is that they don’t show how much work actually is needed for each assignment. They only show the length of it. For instance a shorter bar could require 20 times more workers than a longer bar, but it won’t be visible in a Gantt chart. So the tool doesn’t entirely reflect the entire picture of a project.		* A last limitation about using Gantt chart is that they don’t show how much work actually is needed for each assignment. They only show the length of it. For instance a shorter bar could require 20 times more workers than a longer bar, but it won’t be visible in a Gantt chart. So the tool doesn’t entirely reflect the entire picture of a project.

	Even though the above listed disadvantages, the Gantt chart still is a very useful tool within project management. Especially if you aren’t that familiar with project management, it is a good starting tool since it is easy to understand and create. If a larger project ~~need~~ to be planned, Gantt charts might not be the best tool to use due to the above limitations. But for smaller projects and events, or if the project manager is very experienced the Gantt chart definitely is a good way to organize and manage projects.		Even though the above listed disadvantages, the Gantt chart still is a very useful tool within project management. Especially if you aren’t that familiar with project management, it is a good starting tool since it is easy to understand and create. If a larger project needs to be planned, Gantt charts might not be the best tool to use due to the above limitations. But for smaller projects and events, or if the project manager is very experienced the Gantt chart definitely is a good way to organize and manage projects.

	==References==		==References==

KB1991: /* How to apply the Gantt chart */

2015-09-28T08:04:04Z

How to apply the Gantt chart

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	[[File:WBS2.JPEG\|600px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 4: Example of a work breakdown structure. Source: http://www.projectminds.com/Article13.html]]		[[File:WBS2.JPEG\|600px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 4: Example of a work breakdown structure. Source: http://www.projectminds.com/Article13.html]]
	However, before the programs can be used, the work breakdown structure has to be created. Here each of the tasks and subtasks are defined in order to obtain knowledge about the total amount of work needed for the specific project. In figure 4 an example of a work breakdown structure is shown, in this case for creating a webpage. In the top of it we have level 1 of the project, which is the name of the project; ''Webside project''. Then in level 2 the ~~general~~ tasks is defined, which is ''Design'', ''Content'' and ''Development''. However, these tasks doesn't contain enough information about the amount of work there will be required for each task. Therefore a level 3 is created for each task, describing the subtasks that ~~belongs~~ to each task. For instance the layout needs to be chosen, the graphics needs to be designed and the design has to be approved before the task ''Design'' is completed. Therefore a Gantt chart consists of all the subtasks in a project, and that is why the work breakdown structure has to be completed before the chart can be started.		However, before the programs can be used, the work breakdown structure has to be created. Here each of the tasks and subtasks are defined in order to obtain knowledge about the total amount of work needed for the specific project. In figure 4 an example of a work breakdown structure is shown, in this case for creating a webpage. In the top of it we have level 1 of the project, which is the name of the project; ''Webside project''. Then in level 2 the overall tasks are defined, which is ''Design'', ''Content'' and ''Development''. However, these tasks doesn't contain enough information about the amount of work there will be required for each task. Therefore a level 3 is created for each task, describing the subtasks that belong to each task. For instance the layout needs to be chosen, the graphics needs to be designed and the design has to be approved before the task ''Design'' is completed. Therefore a Gantt chart consists of all the subtasks in a project, and that is why the work breakdown structure has to be completed before the chart can be started.

	===Example of managing a project with Gantt charts===		===Example of managing a project with Gantt charts===

KB1991: /* How to applicate the Gantt chart */

2015-09-28T08:00:59Z

How to applicate the Gantt chart

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	In Figure 3 a larger and more advanced Gantt chart is shown, since it contains a lot more information than the chart in Figure 1. For instance is it added who is responsible for which task, which tasks is connected with other tasks and the milestones for the project.<ref>[''www.gantt.com'']''What is a Gantt Chart?''</ref>		In Figure 3 a larger and more advanced Gantt chart is shown, since it contains a lot more information than the chart in Figure 1. For instance is it added who is responsible for which task, which tasks is connected with other tasks and the milestones for the project.<ref>[''www.gantt.com'']''What is a Gantt Chart?''</ref>

	==How to ~~applicate~~ the Gantt chart==		==How to apply the Gantt chart==
	A Gantt charts is applicable in practically every kind of event or project, where tasks need to be planned and organized relatively to each other. An example where it is used can for instance be in the planning of a building process. In such a process a lot of things like ordering materials, hiring workers and planning when and in which order every thing needs to happen, a Gantt chart is a very useful tool because it gives a good and manageable overview of the progress.		A Gantt charts is applicable in practically every kind of event or project, where tasks need to be planned and organized relatively to each other. An example where it is used can for instance be in the planning of a building process. In such a process a lot of things like ordering materials, hiring workers and planning when and in which order every thing needs to happen, a Gantt chart is a very useful tool because it gives a good and manageable overview of the progress.

KB1991: /* Dependencies */

2015-09-28T07:59:53Z

Dependencies

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	'''Partial dependencies'''		'''Partial dependencies'''
	In this case the dependency describe the time there has to pass between the start of one task to the beginning of another task.		In this case the dependency describe the time there has to pass between the start of one task to the beginning of another task.
	All three types of dependencies are indicated as an horizontally going arrow in a Gantt chart. <ref>[Orr, Alan (2003) ''Uncharted territory''] </ref>
			All three types of dependencies are indicated as a horizontally going arrow in a Gantt chart. <ref>[Orr, Alan (2003) ''Uncharted territory''] </ref>

	[[File:critical path.jpeg\|500px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 2: An example of the critical path in a project. Source: https://beyondcenter.wordpress.com/tag/critical-path-method/]]		[[File:critical path.jpeg\|500px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 2: An example of the critical path in a project. Source: https://beyondcenter.wordpress.com/tag/critical-path-method/]]

KB1991 at 07:48, 28 September 2015

2015-09-28T07:48:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:48, 28 September 2015
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	TeamGantt is an online program, which is designed to create and share Gantt charts. It is a simple program that is easy to use due to its drag and drop functions, and then it is easy to share with co-workers, clients, stakeholders etc., since it is web-based. Another useful feature about the program, is that it is possible to make comments to each ‘block’ in the chart, as well as files can be uploaded and connected to a block.<ref>[''https://teamgantt.com/gantt-chart-software/'']''Features - TeamGantt''</ref>		TeamGantt is an online program, which is designed to create and share Gantt charts. It is a simple program that is easy to use due to its drag and drop functions, and then it is easy to share with co-workers, clients, stakeholders etc., since it is web-based. Another useful feature about the program, is that it is possible to make comments to each ‘block’ in the chart, as well as files can be uploaded and connected to a block.<ref>[''https://teamgantt.com/gantt-chart-software/'']''Features - TeamGantt''</ref>

	[[File:WBS2.JPEG\|600px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 3: Example of a work breakdown structure. Source: http://www.projectminds.com/Article13.html]]
	However, before the programs can be used, the work breakdown structure has to be created. Here each of the tasks and subtasks are defined in order to obtain knowledge about the total amount of work needed for the specific project. In figure X an example of a work breakdown structure is shown, in this case for creating a webpage. In the top of it we have level 1 of the project, which is the name of the project; ''Webside project''. Then in level 2 the general tasks is defined, which is ''Design'', ''Content'' and ''Development''. However, these tasks doesn't contain enough information about the amount of work there will be required for each task. Therefore a level 3 is created for each task, describing the subtasks that belongs to each task. For instance the layout needs to be chosen, the graphics needs to be designed and the design has to be approved before the task ''Design'' is completed. Therefore a Gantt chart consists of all the subtasks in a project, and that is why the work breakdown structure has to be completed before the chart can be started.		[[File:WBS2.JPEG\|600px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 4: Example of a work breakdown structure. Source: http://www.projectminds.com/Article13.html]]
			However, before the programs can be used, the work breakdown structure has to be created. Here each of the tasks and subtasks are defined in order to obtain knowledge about the total amount of work needed for the specific project. In figure 4 an example of a work breakdown structure is shown, in this case for creating a webpage. In the top of it we have level 1 of the project, which is the name of the project; ''Webside project''. Then in level 2 the general tasks is defined, which is ''Design'', ''Content'' and ''Development''. However, these tasks doesn't contain enough information about the amount of work there will be required for each task. Therefore a level 3 is created for each task, describing the subtasks that belongs to each task. For instance the layout needs to be chosen, the graphics needs to be designed and the design has to be approved before the task ''Design'' is completed. Therefore a Gantt chart consists of all the subtasks in a project, and that is why the work breakdown structure has to be completed before the chart can be started.

	===Example of managing a project with Gantt charts===		===Example of managing a project with Gantt charts===
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	When this is done a table can be set up with all the collected information. A simplified example of such a table is shown in Table 1.		When this is done a table can be set up with all the collected information. A simplified example of such a table is shown in Table 1.

	[[File:gantt_my2.png\|600px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 3: Gantt chart showing the example. 'Red box': Critical path, 'Green box': Regular task, 'Blue box': Float of the regular tasks, 'Arrows': The dependencies.]]		[[File:gantt_my2.png\|600px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 5: Gantt chart showing the example. 'Red box': Critical path, 'Green box': Regular task, 'Blue box': Float of the regular tasks, 'Arrows': The dependencies.]]

	{\|class="wikitable"		{\|class="wikitable"
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	\|}		\|}

	When this is done, the Gantt chart can be created in for instance excel (Or another program). The example created for this example is shown in figure 3. The critical path tasks are the red blocks and the other tasks are the green boxes. The blue boxes are indicating the float of the green tasks, and the arrows indicate the dependencies of the tasks in relation to each other.		When this is done, the Gantt chart can be created in for instance excel (Or another program). The example created for this example is shown in figure 5. The critical path tasks are the red blocks and the other tasks are the green boxes. The blue boxes are indicating the float of the green tasks, and the arrows indicate the dependencies of the tasks in relation to each other.
	This can as mentioned be done in a more advanced way, and contain more information than this particular chart. But as mentioned, this is only a simplified example that was made in order to give an understanding of creating Gantt charts.		This can as mentioned be done in a more advanced way, and contain more information than this particular chart. But as mentioned, this is only a simplified example that was made in order to give an understanding of creating Gantt charts.

KB1991: /* How to applicate the Gantt chart */

2015-09-28T07:45:10Z

How to applicate the Gantt chart

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	*'''TeamGantt'''		*'''TeamGantt'''
	TeamGantt is an online program, which is designed to create and share Gantt charts. It is a simple program that is easy to use due to its drag and drop functions, and then it is easy to share with co-workers, clients, stakeholders etc., since it is web-based. Another useful feature about the program, is that it is possible to make comments to each ‘block’ in the chart, as well as files can be uploaded and connected to a block.<ref>[''https://teamgantt.com/gantt-chart-software/'']''Features - TeamGantt''</ref>		TeamGantt is an online program, which is designed to create and share Gantt charts. It is a simple program that is easy to use due to its drag and drop functions, and then it is easy to share with co-workers, clients, stakeholders etc., since it is web-based. Another useful feature about the program, is that it is possible to make comments to each ‘block’ in the chart, as well as files can be uploaded and connected to a block.<ref>[''https://teamgantt.com/gantt-chart-software/'']''Features - TeamGantt''</ref>

			[[File:WBS2.JPEG\|600px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 3: Example of a work breakdown structure. Source: http://www.projectminds.com/Article13.html]]
			However, before the programs can be used, the work breakdown structure has to be created. Here each of the tasks and subtasks are defined in order to obtain knowledge about the total amount of work needed for the specific project. In figure X an example of a work breakdown structure is shown, in this case for creating a webpage. In the top of it we have level 1 of the project, which is the name of the project; ''Webside project''. Then in level 2 the general tasks is defined, which is ''Design'', ''Content'' and ''Development''. However, these tasks doesn't contain enough information about the amount of work there will be required for each task. Therefore a level 3 is created for each task, describing the subtasks that belongs to each task. For instance the layout needs to be chosen, the graphics needs to be designed and the design has to be approved before the task ''Design'' is completed. Therefore a Gantt chart consists of all the subtasks in a project, and that is why the work breakdown structure has to be completed before the chart can be started.

	===Example of managing a project with Gantt charts===		===Example of managing a project with Gantt charts===

KB1991: /* Bibliography */

2015-09-28T07:12:00Z

Bibliography

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:12, 28 September 2015
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	* '''https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newPPM_03.htm''': This is a page about planning and scheduling team projects, with the Gantt chart as the main focus. It provides a lot of information about the origins of the tool, why it is good to use in project management, how you create a Gantt chart and a few good examples.		* '''https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newPPM_03.htm''': This is a page about planning and scheduling team projects, with the Gantt chart as the main focus. It provides a lot of information about the origins of the tool, why it is good to use in project management, how you create a Gantt chart and a few good examples.

			* '''http://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Gantt-Chart''': This internet page provides information and a guide of how to create a Gantt chart if using an excel sheet. It is explained step by step, and is very easy to follow.

KB1991 at 10:12, 24 September 2015

2015-09-24T10:12:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:12, 24 September 2015
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	[[File:gantt_simple.png\|500px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1: A simple Gantt chart. Source: http://www.idealware.org/blog/tools-gantt-charts]]		[[File:gantt_simple.png\|500px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1: A simple Gantt chart. The red boxes is the phases. The blue is the tasks that belong under each phase. Source: http://www.idealware.org/blog/tools-gantt-charts]]
	A Gantt chart is a commonly used tool within project management, which, briefly, shows the progress of an on-going project. It is usually made as a bar chart and it relies upon [[Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)]], which is a method within project management as well. An example of a simple Gantt chart is shown in Figure 1 to the right. In this case only the duration of the different phases of a project is shown, and then the start and end time of the tasks which needs to be performed during each of the phases.		A Gantt chart is a commonly used tool within project management, which, briefly, shows the progress of an on-going project. It is usually made as a bar chart and it relies upon [[Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)]], which is a method within project management as well. An example of a simple Gantt chart is shown in Figure 1 to the right. In this case only the duration of the different phases of a project is shown, and then the start and end time of the tasks which needs to be performed during each of the phases.
	The history of the Gantt chart goes all the way back to the 1890s where the first version of it was invented by a polish engineer called Karol Adamiecki. The purpose of it was to be a methodology for work harmonization, which was based on graphical analysis. His contribution to the project management tools is known by the name harmonygraph. <ref>[''http://www.mosaicprojects.com.au/PDF_Papers/P042_History%20of%20Scheduing.pdf ''] ''A brief history of scheduling'' </ref>		The history of the Gantt chart goes all the way back to the 1890s where the first version of it was invented by a polish engineer called Karol Adamiecki. The purpose of it was to be a methodology for work harmonization, which was based on graphical analysis. His contribution to the project management tools is known by the name harmonygraph. <ref>[''http://www.mosaicprojects.com.au/PDF_Papers/P042_History%20of%20Scheduing.pdf ''] ''A brief history of scheduling'' </ref>
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	Many project managers also uses the Gantt chart to indicate how much of the project and tasks is finished. This can be done in several ways. First, a bar can be placed in the bottom of the chart, which percentage is showing the progress of the entire project. Another way is to indicate how far in the progress every task is by adding such a bar to each task. When doing this, the information needs to be up to date the entire time though, in order to gain anything from it. In this way the project manager easily can keep track on the progress with the project, and quickly be aware of any delays. <ref>[Orr, Alan (2003) ''Uncharted territory''] </ref>		Many project managers also uses the Gantt chart to indicate how much of the project and tasks is finished. This can be done in several ways. First, a bar can be placed in the bottom of the chart, which percentage is showing the progress of the entire project. Another way is to indicate how far in the progress every task is by adding such a bar to each task. When doing this, the information needs to be up to date the entire time though, in order to gain anything from it. In this way the project manager easily can keep track on the progress with the project, and quickly be aware of any delays. <ref>[Orr, Alan (2003) ''Uncharted territory''] </ref>

	[[File:gantt_complex.jpeg\|400px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 2: A more complex Gantt chart. Source: www.gantt.com]]		[[File:gantt_complex.jpeg\|400px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 3: A more complex Gantt chart. Source: www.gantt.com]]
	In Figure 2 a larger and more advanced Gantt chart is shown, since it contains a lot more information than the chart in Figure 1. For instance is it added who is responsible for which task, which tasks is connected with other tasks and the milestones for the project.<ref>[''www.gantt.com'']''What is a Gantt Chart?''</ref>		In Figure 3 a larger and more advanced Gantt chart is shown, since it contains a lot more information than the chart in Figure 1. For instance is it added who is responsible for which task, which tasks is connected with other tasks and the milestones for the project.<ref>[''www.gantt.com'']''What is a Gantt Chart?''</ref>

	==How to applicate the Gantt chart==		==How to applicate the Gantt chart==