Page 293 - DCOM102_DMGT101_PRINCIPLES_AND_PRACTICES_OF_MANAGEMENT

Unit 16: Controlling

16.5.2 Gantt Chart Notes

Henry Laurence Gantt (1861-1919) was a mechanical engineer, management consultant and
industry advisor. He developed Gantt charts in the second decade of the 20th century. Gantt
charts were used as a visual tool to show scheduled and actual progress of projects. It was an
innovation of worldwide importance in the 1920s. Gantt charts were used on large construction
projects. A Gantt chart is a matrix, which lists on the vertical axis all the tasks to be performed.
Each row contains a single task identification, which usually consists of a number and name. The
horizontal axis is headed by columns indicating estimated task duration, skill level needed to
perform the task and the name of the person assigned to the task, followed by one column for
each period in the project's duration. Each period may be expressed in hours, days, weeks,
months and other time units. The graphics portion of the Gantt chart consists of a horizontal bar
for each task connecting the period start and period ending columns. A set of markers is usually
used to indicate estimated and actual start and end. Each bar on a separate line and the name of
each person assigned to the task, is on a separate line. In many cases when this type of project
plan is used, a blank row is left between tasks. When the project is under way, this row is used
to indicate progress indicated by a second bar, which starts in the period column when the task
is actually started and continues until the task is actually completed. Comparison between
estimated start and end and actual start and end should indicate project status on a task-by-task
basis.

16.6 Programme Evaluation and Review Technique

Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is a variation on Critical Path Analysis that
takes a slightly more sceptical view of time estimates made for each project stage. Critical Path
Method (CPM) charts are similar to PERT charts and are sometimes known as PERT/CPM. To
use it, estimate the shortest possible time each activity will take, the most likely length of time
and the longest time that might be taken if the activity takes longer than expected. PERT charts
depict task, duration and dependency information. Each chart starts with an initiation node
from which the first task or tasks, originates. If multiple tasks begin at the same time, they are
all started from the node or branch, or fork out from the starting point. Each task is represented
by a line, which states its name or other identifier, its duration, the number of people assigned
to it and, in some cases, the initials of the personnel assigned. The other end of the task line is
terminated by another node, which identifies the start of another task or the beginning of any
slack time, that is, waiting time between tasks. Each task is connected to its successor tasks in this
manner, forming a network of nodes and connecting lines. The chart is complete when all final
tasks come together at the completion node. When slack time exists between the end of one task
and the start of another, the usual method is to draw a broken or dotted line between the end of
the first task and the start of the next dependent task.

Notes The work place in the present day context is increasingly multicultural and diverse.
Employees are required to work together with colleagues from different parts of the
world with varied backgrounds, customs and practices.

Many products and services are produced for export. In addition, organisations are
outsourcing their work to countries having low labour costs to stay competitive. This
gives rise to the concept of global control.
Leaders must be adaptive and flexible to manage this diverse workforce. This requires an
understanding of the historical, political and economic references of people who work in
Contd...

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