Planning approaches
Gantt charts can be used to plan a project, including deliberatively accounting for timing, sequencing and dependency. Gantt charts are a fundamental planning perspective in project management. Modern Gantt charts allow for complicated sequencing, multiple dependencies, and strategic planning as the dynamics of a live project change.
Example applications
A classic engineering project management example is seen in building projects. Sequencing the project correctly will save large amounts of money, and produce a faster build. For example, if the plasterers install the walls before the electricians have installed cabling, then the amount of time taken to install power will increase, and probably require the plasterers to re-work and will delay the painters. Planning this out beforehand allows the project manager to plan logistics around jobs correctly, and prioritise activity when the schedule changes.
Steps
- list all the activities required to complete the project - estimate time that will be required for each activity
- look for dependencies, and activities that can run in parallel
- estimate the time and the critical path for the project
- plan for how you might ‘crash’ the project if the critical path gets extended
Key concepts
- an explanation of what a Gantt chart is, and how it is constructed, including how to find the critical path
- an example that walks through building and interpreting the Gantt chart
- advice to the student engineer on how to plan a project using a Gantt chart
Core resources
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Reid, R.D., and Sanders, N.R., Operations Management: An Integrated Approach, Wiley [Scheduling (Gantt Charts)]
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Couture, E., Bridging the Gantt, SANS Institute [PDF Online] is a good discussion about the pros and cons of using Gantt charts
Similar tools…
- PERT charts are a similar tool that allows you to explore a process flow in a graphical way
- Just-in-Time manufacturing is an example of how scheduling well can improve process flow and
reduce inventory costs
- Reid, R.D., and Sanders, N.R., Operations Management: An Integrated Approach, Wiley [Network Analysis (PERT charts)]