#SAT [[00 - Outcome 2 - Analysis and Design#3. features of project management using Gantt charts, including|U3-AOS2-KK3]] ## GanttProject software https://www.ganttproject.biz/ ## Project management and Gantt Charts There are a number of key terms you should understand in relation to Project Management and are used in the design of a [[10 - Unit 3/AOS2 - Analysis and Design/Gantt Chart]]. * **Project** * A set of interrelated tasks carried out over a fixed period and within a budget and other constraints. * A project is temporary, that is, it has a defined start and end date. * Usually, projects involve a team, many people with different skills who are allocated tasks which they need to complete at a specified point in a time. * **Project Manager** * The person responsible for planning the project and coordinating all the resources (ie. people, money and equipment) to ensure that it is completed successfully by the due date. * **Milestone** * A point in the project that marks a significant stage in the project, such as the completion of a key task. * It has zero duration * **Task** * A part of the project that needs to be completed as part of the whole project. * **Gantt Chart** * A tool used to visually represent the tasks that need to be completed, the length of each task and when the tasks will be completed. * **Critical Path** * The consecutive tasks from the beginning to end of the project that take the longest time. * It would delay the end date of the project if any of the tasks were to take longer than expected. * **Predecessor** * A task that must be completed before the current task can begin. * **Successor** * A task that starts after the current task has been completed. * This is also known as a dependent task. * **Slack Time** * Extra time between tasks in case of delays in completing previous tasks. ### Identification of tasks What are the main tasks that need to be completed to take a particular project from start to finish? The identification of these tasks is vital as it will often give those involved in the project a good sense of ### Project Table A project table allows a project manager to brainstorm the tasks that will be involved throughout the project. This can be used to help plan, create, implement and evaluate the solution. The project table usually outlines the following information: * Task name * Task description * Length of each task * Resources required to complete the task * Dependent tasks A project table allows a project manager to brainstorm the tasks that will be involved throughout the project. This can be used to help plan, create, implement and evaluate the solution. The project table usually outlines the following information: * Task ID * Task name * Task description * Length of each task * Resources required to complete the task * Dependent tasks | Task ID | Task Name | Description | Duration | Resources Required | Dependent Tasks | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | | | | | | | **Benefits of using a project table:** * Allows all tasks to be identified without being concerned about the sequence. * Easily identifies dependent tasks. * Provides details about what each task involves. * Identifies the resources that are needed for each task. **Limitations of using a project table:** * Does not indicate length of project. * Difficult to identify the critical path. ## Example Gantt Chart **![[Pasted image 20251215122826.png]]** ## Review Questions ![[2024 Exam#Multi-choice#Question 9]] ![[Pasted image 20260127104327.png]] **Question 19** The progress of this project has been recorded using **A.** annotations and adjustments. **B.** progress journals. **C.** change logs. **D.** SRS **Question 20** Dependencies are indicated **A.** using arrows. **B.** by shading cells. **C.** in the ‘Task’ column. **D.** in the ‘Duration (weeks)’ column. **Question 2 (5 marks)** Ryan has constructed a Gantt chart that outlines the tasks, time allocations and dependencies for each task within the project. The partially completed Gantt chart is shown below ![[Pasted image 20260127105056.png]]a. Complete the Gantt chart using the information provided. 3 marks b. i. Using the diamond symbol (♦), indicate an additional milestone on the Gantt chart above. 1 mark ii. Provide a justification for the placement of this milestone. 1 mark