Project Scope and Time Management Unit 7

Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of a Gantt chart in project time management?

To ensure that all activities are planned for, their order of performance is accounted for, and activity time estimates are recorded (correct)

To develop a cash flow statement

To illustrate interrelationships and dependencies between activities and resources

To create a work breakdown structure (WBS)

What should be established before creating a Gantt chart?

Work breakdown structure (WBS) (correct)

Procurement schedule

Resource histogram

Network diagram

What do the thick bars represent in a Gantt chart?

Milestones

Resource allocation

Dependencies between activities

Activities' duration (correct)

What is a limitation of Gantt charts?

They do not adequately illustrate interrelationships and dependencies between activities and resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the calendar timescale in a Gantt chart typically shown in?

Days, weeks, hours, months, or years Signup and view all the answers

What should a Gantt chart be developed as for the procurement schedule, resource histogram, and cash flow statement?

A time structure Signup and view all the answers

What do the thin connecting arrows represent in a Gantt chart?

Dependencies between activities Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using a Gantt chart in project time management?

It is a low-cost, easy-to-understand method Signup and view all the answers

What is an activity float in a Gantt chart?

A float at the end of an activity from early finish to late finish, denoted as a dotted line with a symbol Signup and view all the answers

Why are some project managers reluctant to show activity floats in a Gantt chart?

Because it could encourage working to the later finish Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a hammock in a Gantt chart?

To gather together a number of sub-activities into one master activity Signup and view all the answers

What is an event in a Gantt chart?

A key point in time with zero duration Signup and view all the answers

What is the line of balance technique used for?

To calculate required resources for each stage of production Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a revised Gantt chart?

To mark actual progress on the original plan Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a Rolling Horizon Gantt chart?

To focus on a short period ahead Signup and view all the answers

What is a major limitation of using a rolling horizon Gantt chart on its own?

Planned activities not being worked on may be conveniently forgotten Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a Trend Gantt chart?

To enable a synopsis of the direction and trend of a project at a glance Signup and view all the answers

Why is sorting an iterative process?

Because data becomes more structured after each iteration Signup and view all the answers

At what level can a Trend Gantt chart be drawn to limit the number of activities?

Hammock level Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of subdividing scope into milestones?

It makes data capture more accurate Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of incorporating a network diagram with a production schedule?

To establish the start and finish dates for each activity Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a Logic Gantt chart?

It shows the activity's logical relationships explicitly Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the benefits of using a Gantt chart?

The activity float is easier to comprehend when displayed Signup and view all the answers

What is a prerequisite for forecasting the procurement schedule and cash flow statement?

A scheduled Gantt chart Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the shortcomings of a Gantt chart?

Showing interrelationships Signup and view all the answers

What does a Gantt chart ultimately show?

What has to be done and when it needs to be done Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gantt Charts in Project Time Management

Gantt charts provide a standard format for displaying schedule information by listing activities with their corresponding start and finish dates on a calendar.
Activities listed should coincide with the information on the WBS, activity, and milestone lists.
Low-cost and easy to understand, Gantt charts use horizontal bars to depict each project activity along a timeline.
Key purposes of Gantt charts include:
Ensuring all activities are planned for
Accounting for the order of performance
Recording activity time estimates
Developing overall project time

Drawing a Gantt Chart

Tabular reports provide the structure to present information, which should be used in conjunction with other planning documents.
It's a good idea to establish the WBS before creating a Gantt chart.
A simple Gantt chart example is shown for a house-building project, with activity data listed and depicted with a calendar timescale.

Features of a Gantt Chart

An activity float shows a ‘float’ at the end of an activity from early finish to late finish, denoted as a dotted line with a symbol (usually a diamond or upturned triangle) at the end.
Some software packages allow for ‘select’ or ‘filter’, ‘sort’ or ‘order’ functions to aid in formatting.
A hammock is a summary activity that gathers together a number of sub-activities into one master activity, which can link with the WBS.
An event is a key point in time with zero duration, also called a keydate or milestone, which gives focus to when work must be completed and provides a clear measure of progress.

Variations of the Gantt Chart

Revised Gantt chart: actual progress can be marked on the original plan, drawn above, inside, or underneath the original bar, to establish progress trends.
Rolling Horizon Gantt chart: a simplified chart focusing on a short period ahead, based on the latest data, and worked on by someone close to the center of action.
Trend Gantt chart: a progress trend chart showing the direction and trend of a project at a glance, drawn by hand on the original Gantt chart and photocopied for circulation.
Logic Gantt chart: shows activity logical relationships explicitly in Gantt chart format, appropriate for modest-sized projects.

Benefits of the Gantt Chart

Easy to assimilate chart presentation
Displays activity progress very simply and clearly
Activity float is easier to comprehend when displayed using a Gantt chart
Scheduled Gantt chart is a prerequisite for forecasting procurement schedule and cash flow statement
Revised Gantt chart is an excellent management tool
Can be used to communicate and disseminate schedule information
Key document for management decision-making function

Shortcomings of Gantt Charts

Does not adequately illustrate interrelationships and dependencies between activities and resources
Limited in multiple decision-making situations

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Description

This quiz covers the basics of Gantt charts, a visual tool used in project time management to display schedule information and ensure all activities are accounted for.