Gantt Chart

Question 1

Uses and Features of a Gantt Chart

Answer 1

• Henry Gantt documented the use of the project planning tool
• The most widely used project planning tool in business
• Virtually used to represent a project plan over time
• Time is planned on the X axis running at the top/bottom of the chart
• Tasks/jobs to be completed are running along the Y axis

Question 2

Advantages of Gantt Charts

Answer 2

• Allows the business to breakdown complex problems into manageable actions
• Allows a structured approach change rather than reacting to day-to-day events/problems/tasks
• Allows tasks to be completed/planned in the most effective order to minimise jobs completion time.
• Allows managers to minimise meetings as the chart can be used to communicate work/tasks to be completed
• Can be used as a motivational tool as employee will always wanted to be ahead of progress

Question 3

Disadvantages of Gantt charts

Answer 3

• Need to purchase and train employees to use such software
• Can be time consuming and complex to breakdown large tasks and create chart
• Can be demotivating being micromanaged by a Gantt chart
• The chart does not provide solutions to problems rather just outlines tasks to be done
• Must be updated continually to be of value. Can’t fall behind actual work completed