Gantt Charts - Revision history

S175068 at 19:16, 22 March 2021

2021-03-22T19:16:42Z

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	A page describing Gantt Charts as a tool in Project Management ~~by Bente Meidahl Münsberg s175068~~, as part of the course 42433 Advanced Engineering Project, Program and Portfolio Management F21 on DTU.		A page describing Gantt Charts as a tool in Project Management, made as part of the course 42433 Advanced Engineering Project, Program and Portfolio Management F21 on DTU.

	=Abstract=		=Abstract=

S175068: /* Annotated Bibliography */

2021-02-28T11:05:48Z

Annotated Bibliography

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	The book ''''The Gantt Chart'''' from 1922 by Wallace Clark describes the original use of Gantt Charts and the purpose. It is recommended to read this book if you are interested in how Gantt himself used the tool.<ref name=theGanttChart> Clark, Wallace. The Gantt Chart, a Working Tool of Management. The Ronald Press Company, 1922</ref>.		The book ''''The Gantt Chart'''' from 1922 by Wallace Clark describes the original use of Gantt Charts and the purpose. It is recommended to read this book if you are interested in how Gantt himself used the tool <ref name=theGanttChart> Clark, Wallace. The Gantt Chart, a Working Tool of Management. The Ronald Press Company, 1922</ref>.

	The Journal article and Conference paper ''''Gantt Charts: A Centenary Appreciation'''' by James M. Wilson describes the development of the Gantt Chart and the first application of Gantt Charts for projects<ref name="GanttChartCentenaryAppreciation"> Wilson, James M. “Gantt Charts: A Centenary Appreciation.” European Journal of Operational Research, vol. 149, no. 2, 2003, pp. 430-435. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/s0377-2217(02)00769-5.</ref>.		The Journal article and Conference paper ''''Gantt Charts: A Centenary Appreciation'''' by James M. Wilson describes the development of the Gantt Chart and the first application of Gantt Charts for projects <ref name="GanttChartCentenaryAppreciation"> Wilson, James M. “Gantt Charts: A Centenary Appreciation.” European Journal of Operational Research, vol. 149, no. 2, 2003, pp. 430-435. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/s0377-2217(02)00769-5.</ref>.

	The Journal article ''''Effective Use of Gantt Chart for Managing Large Scale Projects'''' by Pankaja Pradeep Kumar gives an introduction on how to plan and control large-scale projects, the main focus is on the construction industry<ref name=EffecUse> Kumar, Pankaja Pradeep. “Effective Use of Gantt Chart for Managing Large Scale Projects.” Cost Engineering Journal, 2005, p. 15. EBSCO. </ref>.		The Journal article ''''Effective Use of Gantt Chart for Managing Large Scale Projects'''' by Pankaja Pradeep Kumar gives an introduction on how to plan and control large-scale projects, the main focus in the article is, projects in the construction industry <ref name=EffecUse> Kumar, Pankaja Pradeep. “Effective Use of Gantt Chart for Managing Large Scale Projects.” Cost Engineering Journal, 2005, p. 15. EBSCO. </ref>.

	The book ''''Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling'''' by Harold Kerzner gives an end-to-end description of project management including the use of Gantt Charts<ref name=PMsys> Kerzner, Harold. Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. 10th ed., e-book, Wiley, 2009, page 495-502. </ref>.		The book ''''Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling'''' by Harold Kerzner gives an end-to-end description of project management including the use of Gantt Charts <ref name=PMsys> Kerzner, Harold. Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. 10th ed., e-book, Wiley, 2009, page 495-502. </ref>.

	= References =		= References =
	<references/>		<references/>

S175068: /* Level of detail */

2021-02-28T11:03:31Z

Level of detail

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	A '''Top-level Gantt Chart''' is a Gantt Chart showing the main project phases. This gives the project manager a good overview of the entire project and an outline of the time frame. It does not specify the different phases or subprojects, meaning it will not describe the specific tasks. The Top-level Gantt Chart is a tool well used towards the sponsors, executives, and external partners who only need to see the big picture for the project. It can also be used to keep subprojects within the timeframe by clearly marking critical deadlines and dependent subprojects <ref name=Vargas> Vargas, Ricardo Viana. Practical Guide to Project Planning (ESI International Project Management Series). PAP/CDR, e-book, Auerbach Publications, 2008, page 49. </ref>.		A '''Top-level Gantt Chart''' is a Gantt Chart showing the main project phases. This gives the project manager a good overview of the entire project and an outline of the time frame. It does not specify the different phases or subprojects, meaning it will not describe the specific tasks. The Top-level Gantt Chart is a tool well used towards the sponsors, executives, and external partners who only need to see the big picture for the project. It can also be used to keep subprojects within the timeframe by clearly marking critical deadlines and dependent subprojects <ref name=Vargas> Vargas, Ricardo Viana. Practical Guide to Project Planning (ESI International Project Management Series). PAP/CDR, e-book, Auerbach Publications, 2008, page 49. </ref>.

	A more detailed Gantt Chart showing the different individual tasks can be used to structure a project on a more operational level. This type of Gantt Chart is useful for the employees directly involved in the project e.g., the team members performing or managing tasks that have other tasks depending on them. This is also a useful tool for the project manager to visually show the team members the progress and the critical tasks that might be in the project <ref name="GanttChartCentenaryAppreciation"> Wilson, James M. “Gantt Charts: A Centenary Appreciation.” European Journal of Operational Research, vol. 149, no. 2, 2003, pp. 430-435. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/s0377-2217(02)00769-5.</ref>. One way of doing this could be by weekly going through the chart with the team members e.g., on a board meeting, and making sure it is always visual to keep the team members aware of deadlines, etc. It is important to update the chart, so it presents the actual state.		A more detailed Gantt Chart showing the different individual tasks can be used to structure a project on a more operational level. This type of Gantt Chart is useful for the employees directly involved in the project e.g., the team members performing or managing tasks that have other tasks depending on them. This is also a useful tool for the project manager to visually show the team members the progress and the critical tasks that might be in the project <ref name="GanttChartCentenaryAppreciation"> Wilson, James M. “Gantt Charts: A Centenary Appreciation.” European Journal of Operational Research, vol. 149, no. 2, 2003, pp. 430-435. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/s0377-2217(02)00769-5.</ref>. One way of doing this could be by weekly going through the chart with the team members e.g., on a board meeting, and making sure it is always visual to keep the team members aware of deadlines, etc. It is important to update the chart, so it presents the actual state of the project.

	= Limitations of the Gantt Chart =		= Limitations of the Gantt Chart =

S175068: /* Level of detail */

2021-02-28T11:03:11Z

Level of detail

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:03, 28 February 2021
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	A '''Top-level Gantt Chart''' is a Gantt Chart showing the main project phases. This gives the project manager a good overview of the entire project and an outline of the time frame. It does not specify the different phases or subprojects, meaning it will not describe the specific tasks. The Top-level Gantt Chart is a tool well used towards the sponsors, executives, and external partners who only need to see the big picture for the project. It can also be used to keep subprojects within the timeframe by clearly marking critical deadlines and dependent subprojects <ref name=Vargas> Vargas, Ricardo Viana. Practical Guide to Project Planning (ESI International Project Management Series). PAP/CDR, e-book, Auerbach Publications, 2008, page 49. </ref>.		A '''Top-level Gantt Chart''' is a Gantt Chart showing the main project phases. This gives the project manager a good overview of the entire project and an outline of the time frame. It does not specify the different phases or subprojects, meaning it will not describe the specific tasks. The Top-level Gantt Chart is a tool well used towards the sponsors, executives, and external partners who only need to see the big picture for the project. It can also be used to keep subprojects within the timeframe by clearly marking critical deadlines and dependent subprojects <ref name=Vargas> Vargas, Ricardo Viana. Practical Guide to Project Planning (ESI International Project Management Series). PAP/CDR, e-book, Auerbach Publications, 2008, page 49. </ref>.

	A more detailed Gantt Chart showing the different individual tasks can be used to structure a project on a more operational level. This type of Gantt Chart is useful for the employees directly involved in the project e.g., the ~~workers~~ performing or managing tasks that have other tasks depending on them. This is also a useful tool for the project manager to visually show the ~~workers~~ the progress and the critical tasks that might be in the project <ref name="GanttChartCentenaryAppreciation"> Wilson, James M. “Gantt Charts: A Centenary Appreciation.” European Journal of Operational Research, vol. 149, no. 2, 2003, pp. 430-435. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/s0377-2217(02)00769-5.</ref>. One way of doing this could be by weekly going through the chart with the ~~workers~~ e.g., on a board meeting, and making sure it is always visual to keep the ~~workers~~ aware of deadlines, etc. It is important to update the chart, so it presents the actual state.		A more detailed Gantt Chart showing the different individual tasks can be used to structure a project on a more operational level. This type of Gantt Chart is useful for the employees directly involved in the project e.g., the team members performing or managing tasks that have other tasks depending on them. This is also a useful tool for the project manager to visually show the team members the progress and the critical tasks that might be in the project <ref name="GanttChartCentenaryAppreciation"> Wilson, James M. “Gantt Charts: A Centenary Appreciation.” European Journal of Operational Research, vol. 149, no. 2, 2003, pp. 430-435. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/s0377-2217(02)00769-5.</ref>. One way of doing this could be by weekly going through the chart with the team members e.g., on a board meeting, and making sure it is always visual to keep the team members aware of deadlines, etc. It is important to update the chart, so it presents the actual state.

	= Limitations of the Gantt Chart =		= Limitations of the Gantt Chart =

S175068: /* Responsibility and resources */

2021-02-28T10:59:46Z

Responsibility and resources

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	In some software, it is possible to show the responsible person for a task. This makes it possible for the project manager to always know which team member the manager should go to if a task e.g., is behind schedule. The responsibility can also show if it is always the same team member who is ahead or behind on the responsibilities, and the project manager can then be proactive trying to solve problems before they occur.		In some software, it is possible to show the responsible person for a task. This makes it possible for the project manager to always know which team member the manager should go to if a task e.g., is behind schedule. The responsibility can also show if it is always the same team member who is ahead or behind on the responsibilities, and the project manager can then be proactive trying to solve problems before they occur.

	Sometimes it is possible to add resources to the different tasks as well. This is especially beneficial if some of the tasks need the same resources and there is a need for effective resource planning <ref>Jaber, Khaled, et al. “An Empirical Study on the Effect of 3D Visualization for Project Tasks and Resources.” Journal of Systems and Software, vol. 115, 2016, pp. 1–17. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/j.jss.2016.01.011.</ref>. A case where this would be beneficial could be the development of a new app. Some tasks might require assistance from a specific technical support department. If these tasks are planned at the same time, the support ~~apartment~~ might not have the resources to help on multiple tasks, here it would be important to make the plan according to the available resources.		Sometimes it is possible to add resources to the different tasks as well. This is especially beneficial if some of the tasks need the same resources and there is a need for effective resource planning <ref>Jaber, Khaled, et al. “An Empirical Study on the Effect of 3D Visualization for Project Tasks and Resources.” Journal of Systems and Software, vol. 115, 2016, pp. 1–17. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/j.jss.2016.01.011.</ref>. A case where this would be beneficial could be the development of a new app. Some tasks might require assistance from a specific technical support department. If these tasks are planned at the same time, the support deapartment might not have the resources to help on multiple tasks, here it would be important to make the plan according to the available resources.

	===Level of detail===		===Level of detail===

S175068: /* Milestones */

2021-02-28T10:59:24Z

Milestones

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	===Milestones===		===Milestones===
	[[File:Gantt Chart microsoft project milestone.png\|thumb\|500px\|Figure 4: Milestones in Microsoft Project, own creation]]		[[File:Gantt Chart microsoft project milestone.png\|thumb\|500px\|Figure 4: Milestones in Microsoft Project, own creation]]
	In most Gantt Charts it is also possible to add milestones. This will usually be shown as a diamond shape, and in e.g., Microsoft Project they are made by setting the duration for a task to zero days, this can be seen in figure 4. Milestones symbolize a change or a stage in the project and they can help the project manager control that the project is on track and secure the stakeholders about the progress in the project. Milestones are important as they show the completion of a key activity, it can also early indicate problems in the project. The number of milestones is important as too few milestones make it difficult to keep track of the progress and too many make the milestones lose their value <ref name= BS> AXELOS. Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 2017 Edition, The Stationery Office Ltd, 2017. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral-proquest- com.proxy.findit.dtu.dk/lib/DTUDK/detail.action?docID=4863041, page 94 and 113. </ref>. Besides this, milestones are a great place to mark ~~this~~ completion of part of the project with a celebration to keep up the good spirit and show appreciation of the team members.		In most Gantt Charts it is also possible to add milestones. This will usually be shown as a diamond shape, and in e.g., Microsoft Project they are made by setting the duration for a task to zero days, this can be seen in figure 4. Milestones symbolize a change or a stage in the project and they can help the project manager control that the project is on track and secure the stakeholders about the progress in the project. Milestones are important as they show the completion of a key activity, it can also early indicate problems in the project. The number of milestones is important as too few milestones make it difficult to keep track of the progress and too many make the milestones lose their value <ref name= BS> AXELOS. Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 2017 Edition, The Stationery Office Ltd, 2017. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral-proquest- com.proxy.findit.dtu.dk/lib/DTUDK/detail.action?docID=4863041, page 94 and 113. </ref>. Besides this, milestones are a great place to mark the completion of part of the project with a celebration to keep up the good spirit and show appreciation of the team members.

	===Dependency===		===Dependency===

S175068: /* Features of the Gantt Chart */

2021-02-28T10:58:56Z

Features of the Gantt Chart

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	=Features of the Gantt Chart=		=Features of the Gantt Chart=
	A Gantt Chart consist of a number of rows and columns with information, and a bar visualization of the information shown on a timeline. Depending on the use of the Gantt Chart the time will usually be shown as days or weeks, but it could even be made in hours or minutes if a very detailed plan should be made for a project. The rows show the different tasks that need to be completed within the project.		A Gantt Chart consist of a number of rows and columns with information, and a bar visualization of the information shown on a timeline. Depending on the use of the Gantt Chart the time will usually be shown as days or weeks, but it could even be made in hours or minutes if a very detailed plan should be made for a project. The rows show the different tasks that need to be completed within the project.
	Depending on which ~~program~~ the user decides to make their Gantt Chart in, there are different features to add. The following will describe some of the most common features there can be included in a Gantt Chart view.		Depending on which software the user decides to make their Gantt Chart in, there are different features to add. The following will describe some of the most common features there can be included in a Gantt Chart view.

	[[File:Gantt Chart microsoft project.png\|1000px\|thumb\|centre\|Figure 2: Gantt Chart in Microsoft Project, own creation]]		[[File:Gantt Chart microsoft project.png\|1000px\|thumb\|centre\|Figure 2: Gantt Chart in Microsoft Project, own creation]]

S175068: /* Progress */

2021-02-27T12:27:55Z

Progress

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	===Progress===		===Progress===
			[[File:Gantt Chart microsoft project progress.png\|thumb\|400px\|Figure 6: Progress in Microsoft Project, own creation]]

	The tracking of progress in Gantt Charts is another useful feature. In most software the progress for each task can be typed in as a percentage completion of the task, the completed part of the task will then change color to visualize the progress.		The tracking of progress in Gantt Charts is another useful feature. In most software the progress for each task can be typed in as a percentage completion of the task, the completed part of the task will then change color to visualize the progress.

	~~[[File:Gantt Chart microsoft project progress.png\|thumb\|500px\|Figure 6: Progress in Microsoft Project, own creation]]~~

	In figure 6 the progress can be seen as it is visualized in Microsoft Project. The progress is shown as the darker color in the middle of the bars. This feature is very useful for the project manager in the execution of a project. As he visually can see how far along a task is and if some tasks are ahead of behind schedule. This makes it possible for the project manager to keep track of the actual progress compared to the planned progress and act on any delay issues and potentially make changes to keep the project on schedule and on budget <ref name=painless> McGhee, Pamela, and Peter McAliney. Painless Project Management: A Step-by-Step Guide for Planning, Executing, and Managing Projects. 1st ed., e-book, Wiley, 2007, page 96-101. </ref>.		In figure 6 the progress can be seen as it is visualized in Microsoft Project. The progress is shown as the darker color in the middle of the bars. This feature is very useful for the project manager in the execution of a project. As he visually can see how far along a task is and if some tasks are ahead of behind schedule. This makes it possible for the project manager to keep track of the actual progress compared to the planned progress and act on any delay issues and potentially make changes to keep the project on schedule and on budget <ref name=painless> McGhee, Pamela, and Peter McAliney. Painless Project Management: A Step-by-Step Guide for Planning, Executing, and Managing Projects. 1st ed., e-book, Wiley, 2007, page 96-101. </ref>.

S175068 at 12:26, 27 February 2021

2021-02-27T12:26:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:26, 27 February 2021
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	A page describing Gantt Charts as a tool in Project Management.		A page describing Gantt Charts as a tool in Project Management by Bente Meidahl Münsberg s175068, as part of the course 42433 Advanced Engineering Project, Program and Portfolio Management F21 on DTU.

	=Abstract=		=Abstract=

S175068: /* Useful programs to produce Gantt Charts */

2021-02-27T12:24:13Z

Useful programs to produce Gantt Charts

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	Excel is a very simple software there can be used to make simple Gantt Charts for projects. It is relatively easy to make your own simple Gantt Charts by manually or automatically formatting cells depending on when the task is located. Excel has various templates that can be used for making Gantt Charts more automated. Most of these will only include the features task, start, finish, duration, and sometimes progress. Some examples are these Simple Gantt Chart [https://templates.office.com/en-us/simple-gantt-chart-tm16400962], Date tracking Gantt chart [https://templates.office.com/en-us/date-tracking-gantt-chart-tm22588720], and Agile Gantt chart [https://templates.office.com/en-us/agile-gantt-chart-tm55723235]. Excel is a good starting point if you have a simple project without too many dependencies and few tasks.		Excel is a very simple software there can be used to make simple Gantt Charts for projects. It is relatively easy to make your own simple Gantt Charts by manually or automatically formatting cells depending on when the task is located. Excel has various templates that can be used for making Gantt Charts more automated. Most of these will only include the features task, start, finish, duration, and sometimes progress. Some examples are these Simple Gantt Chart [https://templates.office.com/en-us/simple-gantt-chart-tm16400962], Date tracking Gantt chart [https://templates.office.com/en-us/date-tracking-gantt-chart-tm22588720], and Agile Gantt chart [https://templates.office.com/en-us/agile-gantt-chart-tm55723235]. Excel is a good starting point if you have a simple project without too many dependencies and few tasks.

	This reference is a step-by-step guideline on how to create a simple Gantt Chart in Microsoft Excel or PowerPoint from excel data <ref> “Excel Gantt Chart Tutorial +Free Template + Export to PPT.” Office Timeline, www.officetimeline.com/make-gantt-chart/excel. Accessed 18 Feb. 2021. </ref>		This reference is a step-by-step guideline on how to create a simple Gantt Chart in Microsoft Excel or PowerPoint from excel data <ref> “Excel Gantt Chart Tutorial +Free Template + Export to PPT.” Office Timeline, www.officetimeline.com/make-gantt-chart/excel. Accessed 18 Feb. 2021. </ref>.

	'''Microsoft Project:'''		'''Microsoft Project:'''
	Microsoft Project is another well-known project management software. Microsoft Project has a lot of different features including automatic scheduling, resource and material planning, cost tracking, automatic progress reports, and portfolio management since a user can connect multiple projects and use the same resources. As Microsoft Project has many features it can seem quite complicated and confusing when first starting using it. <ref> Santos, Jose Maria Delos. “Microsoft Project Pros & Cons.” Project-Management.Com, 12 Feb. 2021, project-management.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-using-microsoft-project-software. </ref>		Microsoft Project is another well-known project management software. Microsoft Project has a lot of different features including automatic scheduling, resource and material planning, cost tracking, automatic progress reports, and portfolio management since a user can connect multiple projects and use the same resources. As Microsoft Project has many features it can seem quite complicated and confusing when first starting using it <ref> Santos, Jose Maria Delos. “Microsoft Project Pros & Cons.” Project-Management.Com, 12 Feb. 2021, project-management.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-using-microsoft-project-software. </ref>.

	'''Project for the Web:'''		'''Project for the Web:'''
	Project for the Web is Microsoft’s newest solution for cloud-based project management. Project for the Web is an easy to use very intuitive software there are well integrated with Microsoft Teams and in general on the Microsoft platform. Project for the Web can be used to plan and manage projects of any size. <ref name=PFTW> Microsoft. “What Is Project for the Web?” Microsoft, support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/what-is-project-for-the-web-c19b2421-3c9d-4037-97c6-f66b6e1d2eb5. Accessed 19 Feb. 2021. </ref> Project for the Web currently have three main views a grid view, showing the tasks and associated information, board view, showing the tasks as small notes divided into the user's desired categories, and a timeline view, showing the actual Gantt Chart. Project for the Web has less features than Microsoft Project, but the easy access and possibilities of multiple people editing and working on the same project at the same time make it ideal for collaboration and working as a team from different locations.		Project for the Web is Microsoft’s newest solution for cloud-based project management. Project for the Web is an easy to use very intuitive software there are well integrated with Microsoft Teams and in general on the Microsoft platform. Project for the Web can be used to plan and manage projects of any size <ref name=PFTW> Microsoft. “What Is Project for the Web?” Microsoft, support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/what-is-project-for-the-web-c19b2421-3c9d-4037-97c6-f66b6e1d2eb5. Accessed 19 Feb. 2021. </ref>. Project for the Web currently have three main views a grid view, showing the tasks and associated information, board view, showing the tasks as small notes divided into the user's desired categories, and a timeline view, showing the actual Gantt Chart. Project for the Web has less features than Microsoft Project, but the easy access and possibilities of multiple people editing and working on the same project at the same time make it ideal for collaboration and working as a team from different locations.

	'''Other online software:'''		'''Other online software:'''