Project Planning Equipment
Network Analysis and Gantt Charts are 2 project management equipment that help with performing tasks towards a time tangent. In a project, networks form the foundation for managing the project. While the WBS forms the backbone of the project tasks along with deliverables, the scheduled time for each and every task to happen is demonstrated by a network diagram. In the network diagram, each activity includes a fixed start time along with a fixed finish. Dependencies of jobs are based on the time allocated for each, where one might start only once a certain task is completed or may start at the same time together with another.
Network Diagram Dependencies and Terms
There are 4 logical dependencies which are followed within a network diagram.
- Finish - Start (One task needs to finish prior to the next task starts. Eg. Sit in a car. Drive the car. )
- Start – Start (One task needs to start prior to the next task starts. Eg. The invitee should begin eating his lunch ahead of the host starts eating his lunch)
- Start – Finish (One task should start ahead of the next could finish. Eg. Security measures have to start before the President setting out for the function. )
- Finish – Finish (One task needs to finish prior to the next one completes. Eg. Security checks must be finished prior to the President’s car arrives. )
Some other dependencies worth remembering are:
- Mandatory Dependencies: Where it's apparent that routines follow a specific logical pattern regardless of choice. (Eg. Build the foundation. Erect the partitions. )
- Discretionary Dependencies: Dependencies that are not mandatory but are recommended best according to earlier experiences. (Eg. Painting a wall with vertical strokes as against horizontal strokes. )
- External Dependencies: Dependencies that involve actions which are based on external agents not directly associated with the project. (Eg. Corporation XYZ needs to write the soft ware just before Corporation ABC could install it. )
Gantt Charts
Gantt Charts are charts which were developed by Henry L. Gantt in the early 1900’s. As an industrialist professional and researching ways to simplify control over his projects, he created the chart that has gain popularity worldwide. Gantt charts are graphical representations of jobs next to time. In the beginning there have been no dependencies manifested on the chart, but throughout the more recent decades dependencies too were charted.
In the Gantt Chart, jobs are manifested across the vertical axis and also have a fixed measure for calculation. Time is manifested across the horizontal axis of the graph and could extend just as much as the duration allotted for each job. Downward arrows at the start or end of the time schedule between jobs point out dependencies.
Benefits of Network Analysis and Gantt Charts
Network Analysis and Gantt Charts have their positive aspects.
Network Diagrams:
* Makes optimum use of the 4 M’s – Man, Machine, Money and also Material.
* Optimizes and raises effectiveness of stakeholders and jobs specified to each.
* Minimizes the general project length by controlling parallel jobs.
* As it controls all routines of a project all together, the accomplishment of a project could be assured.
* Drawing up network diagrams assist in discovering all probable jobs which can be performed in a project.
Gantt Charts:
* Simple to draw
* Simple to decipher and also understand
* Offers clearness of a project’s status
* Simple to use as a briefing tool in a conference covering an entire set of actions.
* One chart could show many routines.
* One of the easiest ways of reporting and also documenting a project’s development.
* It's a tool which can be used throughout all streams of work.
