What is it?
The attached tool is a totally FREE shareware Project Planning Tool which does not contain Macros or VB so it is easily customisable. This tool allows the creation of simple Gantt charts. This is one of the most important types of project plan for monitoring a projects progress against an established work breakdown structure.
Why should I use it?
In order to achieve the objectives of any project it is essential to look at the details of the work required, which includes identifying specific tasks and estimating time to complete them, estimating associated costs, identifying who will perform the tasks and highlighting areas of risk together with devising appropriate contingency plans.
It is usually part of the responsibility of the project manager to create the project plan and to update it on a regular and frequent basis. This is an important point – project plans are not set in stone! They are dynamic and must reflect the current situation. In most projects there are a number of “unexpected” challenges or events which may affect the timescales, costs and outcomes of the project. With good planning these unexpected events can be dealt with effectively.
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A Gantt chart is a type of bar chart that illustrates a project Schedule. Gantt charts illustrate the start and finish dates for group of tasks and the tasks themselves necessary to deliver a Projects Objectives. These tasks are typically arranged in accordance with a known Work Breakdown Structure. Gantt charts also show the dependencies /relationships between tasks and activities (task groups). Gantt charts can be used to show current schedule status using percent-complete shadings and a vertical “TODAY” line as shown in the above picture.
In the 1980s, personal computers eased the creation and editing of elaborate Gantt charts. These desktop applications were intended mainly for project managers and project schedulers. Although now regarded as a common charting technique, Gantt charts were considered revolutionary when they were first introduced. In recognition of Henry Gantt’s contributions, the Henry Laurence Gantt Medal is awarded each year for distinguished achievement in management and community services.
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An Influence Interest Matrix is a means of working out the influence of stakeholder over the progress and direction of your project and then using this ranking and the attached chart decide what level of communication those stakeholders should receive during the life cycle of your project.
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Many of my experienced readership will think they know the answer to this question from a personal “coal face” perspective and not realise that the best practice answer to this question could be at variance to their own view. It has never failed to surprise me over the years how many managers I have come across who think they know the answer, but when questioned singularly fail to give a response even close to the correct answer.
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What is this?
One of the key things to do during the Identification or Justification stage of setting up a Project or Programme of work is to decide which of the two approaches you are going to follow. Many managers refer to this decision process as more of an “art form” than some kind of mechanical selection process. Despite these commonly held views I have designed a scorecard to take the sweat out of deciding which approach to follow.
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